*BS*FA Cup football is back at Crabble again this Saturday. Bracknell Town of the Southern League South & West Division will test Whites’ cup pedigree.*BF*

12 months ago Lymington & New Milton was Dover’s starting point, then their very local rivals Bashley in the following round. Athletic will be relieved that such long journeys in succession will not be endured (yet) this season.

Relatively comfortable wins against our divisional opponents last year during our unbeaten run led to a 2nd Qualifying Round meeting with old friends Chelmsford City at Billericay. Chelmsford were too strong for us on the day, with a certain Jordao Diogo weaving his magic throughout.

This year’s first opponents Bracknell may be struggling at the wrong end of the Southern South & West so far this season but Dover know all too well what it’s like losing as favourites in FA Cup ties – a point which Clive Walker will surely drill into his players before 3.00pm on Saturday.

Walker should have a strong squad to pick from, with forward Chris Chase possibly back in contention, following the late comeback at Bourne Park on Monday that kept Whites in with the league’s pace-setters.

The winners of Saturday’s Preliminary Round tie will be at home to Westfield (Sussex County League Division Two) or Alton Town (Wessex League Premier Division) in the First Qualifying Round on Saturday 16th September.

To find out more about Bracknell, click on their name on the home page or the fixture list.