*BS*Dover Athletic striker Nathan Elder speaks to Jack O’Sullivan ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup tie with MK Dons, assuring fans that he believes the side can cause an upset.*BF*

Elder has been instrumental in Whites’ season thus far, not least for his goalscoring record in Cup competitions – in nine knockout matches, the striker has scored seven goals – including three in four FA Cup matches.

Therefore, it’s of no real surprise that the ex-Brentford hitman is likely to be a key part of Whites’ attempts to cause an FA Cup shock at Milton Keynes on Saturday. In addition to his ability to find the net, Elder’s strong physique means he is the ideal target man and some of his hold-up play has been astounding.

Last Saturday’s draw in the FA Trophy away at East Thurrock set up a midweek replay, but Elder feels this has not hindered their planning for the Cup: “Our preparation has been going great. Everything’s coming together really well, and playing on Tuesday night did help.

The manner in which we won, and the confidence going through to the next round gave us, means that we enter the MK Dons match fully ready.”

Elder opened the scoring against the Essex side in the week, continuing his fine run of form in Cup competitions since his arrival from Skrill South rivals Ebbsfleet United six months ago. Despite only having one league goal to his name, Elder’s seven in the FA Cup, FA Trophy and Kent Senior Cup signify his importance to the side in big games – but isn’t an anomaly he can explain: “I’m not sure why I’ve got so many more goals in the Cups than in the league, but hopefully that can continue on Saturday!”

Whites fans will be hoping Elder can indeed continue this streak at Milton Keynes – after all, Whites have won every game in which the striker has scored, and he approaches Saturday full of hope: “This is a big, big game both for the club and for me personally. I really think we can go there and get a result – if we play to our best, we have a chance. There’s no reason we can’t get a draw at least and bring them back to our place. We have nothing to fear.

There have been bigger upsets in the history of the competition, so we may be big underdogs but we’ll give it our best shot. There’s a great mixture of youth and experience in the side, and I’d much rather be in our position going into the match than MK Dons’ – they’re expected to win.”

Elder is realistic in his acceptance that, whilst Whites do have a fighting chance in this round, their FA Cup run is not likely to extend far into January – but holds high hopes for a successful league campaign: “It’s my aim to bring the number of goals I’ve scored in the Cup competitions into our league matches. I’ve been in good form recently and am looking to go out there in every game and keep performing.”

Whilst most non-league players would dream of a trip to Old Trafford or The Emirates in round three, Elder has his sights set lower: “If we were to get through, I’d love to play Brentford, my old side.”

The 28-year-old made 44 appearances for the West London side during an 18 month spell in 2008 and 2009, scoring 10 goals in the process and was part of the Griffin Park squad in their League Two winning season.

Elder has experience of playing professional football against the standard of players he will face again on Saturday, and is relishing the opportunity to prove he still has what it takes.

*BS*Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker talks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup clash against MK Dons, and is confident that Whites can put on a good performance.*BF*

One of the season’s highlights thus far has undoubtedly been the emergence of Mitch Walker as one of the leading goalkeepers in the non-league game, signified by the 22-year-olds recent call-ups to the England C side.

This Saturday, Walker will line up for a Dover Athletic side facing one of the biggest matches in the club’s history, travelling to MK Dons to face the League One side in the second round of the FA Cup.

In terms of club matches he has participated in, Walker ranks this forthcoming rank right at the top: “It’ll be the biggest game I’ve ever played in for the club. Last year’s play-off final against Salisbury was a good experience, but in terms of what this game could mean for the club, it’s the biggest.”

With it being nearly four weeks since the draw was made, the ex-Brighton stopper dismissed any suggestion that this game has been on the back of his mind ever since: “Of course, when you’re not playing matches you think about the Cup game. We’ve played four games since the draw was made, though, and have been fully focused on them – as the results prove.”

Those four games have seen Whites progress in the FA Trophy, with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock after Tuesday’s replay, and add to their Skrill South points tally with a dominant win over Chelmsford a fortnight ago.

That victory, which the side won 4-0 despite going down to ten men early on, was more comfortable than Walker expected: “I’ve played there a few times before, and they’ve always been tough opposition – and when we had a man sent off, a draw probably wouldn’t have been a bad result.

Us getting the first goal was important, and in the second half they just crumbled. I’ve never experienced a game like that before.”

Whites’ path to the second round has seen wins over Guernsey, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Oxford City and Corby Town – all games which, on paper at least, the side were expected to win.

This time around, with over 70 league places separating Dover Athletic and MK Dons, Walker is happy to enter the game as underdogs: “In the previous rounds, we’ve been favourites so the pressure has been on us. On Saturday, I don’t expect many people to give us a chance but we’re fine with that.

It’s a good opportunity for us all to show what we can do. There’s a lot of players in our side, myself included, who think we can play League football in the future so this is a chance for us to prove ourselves. There’s a great mix of experience and youth in the side too – as well as our younger players, guys like Nathan Elder and Terrell Forbes have been there before and their experience helps us all out, both on and off the pitch.

With regards to the match itself, I think we can be confident of getting something out of it. There have been much bigger shocks in the FA Cup before, and we’re all going there confident of getting a result.”

Whilst playing a side three leagues above you is always going to be tough, MK Dons’ recent form should give hope. Losing eight of their last 11 games, Walker says there is no reason to be defeatist: “They had a great start to the season but in the past couple of months they’ve struggled. There’s absolutely no pressure on us. We’re expected to lose, so can just go out there and enjoy the game.

At the end of the day, anything can happen in football. Someone can be sent off in the first minute of a game which can completely change a game. This match is what Cup football is all about, and the publicity is welcome. We have ITV cameras coming down to our training session tonight.”

One key difference between the two sides on Saturday may prove to be fitness levels, particularly towards the end of the tie. Walker is confident the side can last the distance, though: “For our level, we are a very fit team. Of course, training full-time makes a big difference and there may be some tired legs out there in the final quarter.”

Whites have kept seven clean sheets in their last 14 matches, a run of games which has yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat. After a slow start to the season, Walker feels the side have now gelled: “The way Chris wants his players to play took a few of the new guys a bit of time to get used to – but we’re seeing the results now. Over the past two months we’ve been fantastic and to still be in four competitions is great.”

The FA Trophy remains a more realistic opportunity for Dover to reach Wembley, and it is a competition Mitch feels the side can do well in: “We’ve got a good chance to progress. There’s quite a few Conference Premier sides already knocked out, so there’s no reason we can’t go quite far.”

For now, dreams of progressing in the FA Cup remain and, if Whites were to pull off an upset, Walker would like to draw a top Premier League side at home: “Having a big, big club down at Crabble would be amazing. Lee Hook told me about the atmosphere when Dover played Aldershot, and that’s the kind of game I would love to be involved in.

When we played Ebbsfleet earlier in the season, the ground seem packed then – but to have over three times more people in the ground would be something else.”

Walker is complimentary towards the support received from Hook: “Lee is a great help for me. He’s got a lot of experience at this level, and we always talk about my performance and ways I can improve. He’s great to have around.”

*BS*Dover Athletic return to FA Cup action this weekend, with a trip to MK Dons in the second round sure to provide a memorable day for the club. Jack O’Sullivan previews the big match.*BF*

Nearly four weeks after the draw for the second round of the FA Cup was made, Dover Athletic are now able to fully concentrate on this weekend’s clash against MK Dons – and, despite the gap between the sides, there is a real level of self-belief within the squad.

Since Whites’ first round victory against Corby, wins over Bath City, Chelmsford City and East Thurrock have seen the side extend an impressive run of form, stretching back to the middle of September. Dover’s last fourteen matches in all competitions have yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Still being involved in four competitions entering December – the Skrill South, FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Kent Senior Cup – is certainly a rare occurrence for the club, and is testament to Chris Kinnear’s stated desire to win each match regardless of the opposition or occasion.

Two weeks ago, Kinnear commented: “There would have been a time early in my management career when I would have prioritised the league, but nowadays I just want to win every game.”

Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock was successfully navigated, with goals from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy sealing a 3-1 victory. With a home tie in the next round against Skrill North side Leamington, there is hope that this season can be a fruitful one across the board.

Saturday’s match will be Whites’ second ever appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, following on from the successful campaign in the 2010/11 season. A first round win away at Kent rivals Gillingham set up a home tie with then-League Two side Aldershot Town for a place in the third round, and progression was sealed courtesy of a brace from Adam Birchall in a 2-0 victory.

A trip to Huddersfield Town in the third round was where the side’s cup run ended, however. Two goals in the opening eight minutes proved too much of an obstacle to overcome, but the memories from that day live long in the memory and the chance to emulate that run is a fantastic opportunity.

MK Dons’ best ever performance in the Cup came last season, when wins over Cambridge City, AFC Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers set up a fifth round tie at home to Barnsley. It was the visitors who progressed to the quarter-final stage however, winning 3-1 at Stadium mk.

Draws have been quite fortunate to Dover thus far, with the side – before now – not facing higher-league opposition. The road to Saturday started at the end of September, with a 3-2 victory over Guernsey, courtesy of goals from James Rogers, Nathan Elder and Ricky Modeste.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were dispatched 3-1 in the third qualifying round, thanks to strikes from Sean Raggett, Barry Cogan and an Aaron Parkinson own goal – Cogan and Raggett found themselves on the scoresheet once more in the final qualifying round at the end of October, where Skrill North side Oxford City were comfortably dispatched in a 3-0 win.

League One and Two sides were potential opponents in the first round, but Whites were drawn away at Corby Town. Two second- half headers, from Nathan Elder and Chris Kinnear Jr, propelled Dover into the next round with a 2-0 win – Corby did have their chances to take the lead, but Mitch Walker’s impressive first-half display arguably kept the side in the competition.

Given their league status, MK Dons have only featured in one match thus far. Drawn against mid-table Skrill Premier side Halifax Town, Dons eased to a 4-1 win in front of a crowd of just over 4,000. Izale McLeod netted a brace in this match, but has since joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan.

Being drawn against non-league opposition once again will give Dons fans hopes of progressing to the next round, but manager Karl Robinson remains respectful: “Once again, we will not be taking it lightly. We’ll do our usual match preparation session on them, just as we would for any League game. They won’t be coming here just for the party, they’ll be coming here to win the game. Regardless of the difference in Leagues, it’ll be 11 men versus 11 men and on any given day, anyone can come out victorious.”

Top goalscorer for MK Dons this season is Patrick Bamford. The 20-year-old striker, on-loan from Chelsea, has hit thirteen goals so far and is the stand-out threat in attack. Bamford’s loan deal at the club expires in a month’s time, and with Championship sides queuing up to borrow the England under-21 international, Dons need to make the most of the time they do have with him still in their ranks.

Former Manchester United man Alan Smith adds international experience to Robinson’s side, and the loan signing of Dale Jennings was recently announced. Jennings, who moved from Tranmere Rovers to German side Bayern Munich in July 2011, did well during Dons’ 3-1 loss last Saturday and is a real threat.

That home defeat to Coventry is the latest in a string of disappointing results. Whilst Dover’s recent form is impressive, Dons’ is anything but – eight defeats from their last eleven matches see them sit in 12th place in the League One table with the pressure starting to mount on Robinson. The three victories claimed during this spell have all come at home, however.

MK Dons’ superior results at home can be matched against Dover’s away form. On the road, Whites have won five matches out of eight and conceded just four goals. In the Skrill South, Kinnear’s side still have the best defensive record in the league, having conceding only nine goals in 14 games.

Midfielder Ricky Modeste faces a late fitness test ahead of the match, as he struggles to overcome injury – the winger played for 50 minutes in Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock, but questions remain regarding his match fitness. Once again, the majority of the side picks itself, with the only doubt being Modeste’s potential inclusion.

Saturday’s referee will be Lee Collins, who took charge of Dons’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in this competition last season.

*BS*What is your prediction for Saturday’s big match? Use the ‘User Comments’ section below to have your say.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic will host Leamington FC in the second round of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled for December 14th at Crabble.*BF*

Whites overcame East Thurrock 3-1 on Tuesday in a replay after a 1-1 draw in Essex on Saturday. Leamington defeated Northwich 1-0 in their replay on the same night.

Leamington are currently 16th place in the Skrill North, with just one win on their travels from seven league matches.

Prize money of £6,000 is on offer to the winners of the second round match.

*BS*Dover Athletic return to FA Cup action this weekend, with a trip to MK Dons in the second round sure to provide a memorable day for the club. Jack O’Sullivan previews the big match.*BF*

Nearly four weeks after the draw for the second round of the FA Cup was made, Dover Athletic are now able to fully concentrate on this weekend’s clash against MK Dons – and, despite the gap between the sides, there is a real level of self-belief within the squad.

Since Whites’ first round victory against Corby, wins over Bath City, Chelmsford City and East Thurrock have seen the side extend an impressive run of form, stretching back to the middle of September. Dover’s last fourteen matches in all competitions have yielded eleven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Still being involved in four competitions entering December – the Skrill South, FA Cup, FA Trophy and the Kent Senior Cup – is certainly a rare occurrence for the club, and is testament to Chris Kinnear’s stated desire to win each match regardless of the opposition or occasion.

Two weeks ago, Kinnear commented: “There would have been a time early in my management career when I would have prioritised the league, but nowadays I just want to win every game.”

Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock was successfully navigated, with goals from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy sealing a 3-1 victory. With a home tie in the next round against Skrill North side Leamington, there is hope that this season can be a fruitful one across the board.

Saturday’s match will be Whites’ second ever appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, following on from the successful campaign in the 2010/11 season. A first round win away at Kent rivals Gillingham set up a home tie with then-League Two side Aldershot Town for a place in the third round, and progression was sealed courtesy of a brace from Adam Birchall in a 2-0 victory.

A trip to Huddersfield Town in the third round was where the side’s cup run ended, however. Two goals in the opening eight minutes proved too much of an obstacle to overcome, but the memories from that day live long in the memory and the chance to emulate that run is a fantastic opportunity.

MK Dons’ best ever performance in the Cup came last season, when wins over Cambridge City, AFC Wimbledon, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers set up a fifth round tie at home to Barnsley. It was the visitors who progressed to the quarter-final stage however, winning 3-1 at Stadium mk.

Draws have been quite fortunate to Dover thus far, with the side – before now – not facing higher-league opposition. The road to Saturday started at the end of September, with a 3-2 victory over Guernsey, courtesy of goals from James Rogers, Nathan Elder and Ricky Modeste.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were dispatched 3-1 in the third qualifying round, thanks to strikes from Sean Raggett, Barry Cogan and an Aaron Parkinson own goal – Cogan and Raggett found themselves on the scoresheet once more in the final qualifying round at the end of October, where Skrill North side Oxford City were comfortably dispatched in a 3-0 win.

League One and Two sides were potential opponents in the first round, but Whites were drawn away at Corby Town. Two second- half headers, from Nathan Elder and Chris Kinnear Jr, propelled Dover into the next round with a 2-0 win – Corby did have their chances to take the lead, but Mitch Walker’s impressive first-half display arguably kept the side in the competition.

Given their league status, MK Dons have only featured in one match thus far. Drawn against mid-table Skrill Premier side Halifax Town, Dons eased to a 4-1 win in front of a crowd of just over 4,000. Izale McLeod netted a brace in this match, but has since joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan.

Being drawn against non-league opposition once again will give Dons fans hopes of progressing to the next round, but manager Karl Robinson remains respectful: “Once again, we will not be taking it lightly. We’ll do our usual match preparation session on them, just as we would for any League game. They won’t be coming here just for the party, they’ll be coming here to win the game. Regardless of the difference in Leagues, it’ll be 11 men versus 11 men and on any given day, anyone can come out victorious.”

Top goalscorer for MK Dons this season is Patrick Bamford. The 20-year-old striker, on-loan from Chelsea, has hit thirteen goals so far and is the stand-out threat in attack. Bamford’s loan deal at the club expires in a month’s time, and with Championship sides queuing up to borrow the England under-21 international, Dons need to make the most of the time they do have with him still in their ranks.

Former Manchester United man Alan Smith adds international experience to Robinson’s side, and the loan signing of Dale Jennings was recently announced. Jennings, who moved from Tranmere Rovers to German side Bayern Munich in July 2011, did well during Dons’ 3-1 loss last Saturday and is a real threat.

That home defeat to Coventry is the latest in a string of disappointing results. Whilst Dover’s recent form is impressive, Dons’ is anything but – eight defeats from their last eleven matches see them sit in 12th place in the League One table with the pressure starting to mount on Robinson. The three victories claimed during this spell have all come at home, however.

MK Dons’ superior results at home can be matched against Dover’s away form. On the road, Whites have won five matches out of eight and conceded just four goals. In the Skrill South, Kinnear’s side still have the best defensive record in the league, having conceding only nine goals in 14 games.

Midfielder Ricky Modeste faces a late fitness test ahead of the match, as he struggles to overcome injury – the winger played for 50 minutes in Tuesday night’s FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock, but questions remain regarding his match fitness. Once again, the majority of the side picks itself, with the only doubt being Modeste’s potential inclusion.

Saturday’s referee will be Lee Collins, who took charge of Dons’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in this competition last season.

*BS*What is your prediction for Saturday’s big match? Use the ‘User Comments’ section below to have your say.*BF*

*BS*Dover Athletic will host Leamington FC in the second round of the FA Trophy. The match is scheduled for December 14th at Crabble.*BF*

Whites overcame East Thurrock 3-1 on Tuesday in a replay after a 1-1 draw in Essex on Saturday. Leamington defeated Northwich 1-0 in their replay on the same night.

Leamington are currently 16th place in the Skrill North, with just one win on their travels from seven league matches.

Prize money of £6,000 is on offer to the winners of the second round match.

*BS*A first half volley from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy secured Dover’s place in the second round against Leamington FC, with the tie to be played at Crabble on the 14th December.*BF*

*Lpic1*Manager Chris Kinnear acknowledged that is side were not at their fluent best, but was happy that the job required was done. ‘I was not really happy with the performance but the players did enough and the main thing that we are here for is to win games. East Thurrock made it difficult for us and got behind the ball. They are a dogged and determined team with a lot of experience. They don’t really have any weak links in their team.’

Dover are still unbeaten in all cup competitions this year which delights the boss. ‘We are in December and still in every trophy that we entered. I don’t think any other club at our level can say that. We want to do well in them all!’

Now all the focus and attention falls on Saturday’s trip to Stadium MK for the FA cup second round and despite the odds being well and truly stacked against Athletic, Chris is determined that is team will not be there to just make up the numbers. ‘ We will need to be organised and everyone will need to play to what their ability is. If everyone can do what they do best then we have a chance of beating them.’

He also added ‘As individuals, they are probably not much better, but they do train everyday and their dead balls will be difficult for us. They may not know all about us, but we know all about them. I watched them with Kevin on Tuesday and this is no better time to play them. The pressure is really on them.’

*BS*A first half volley from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy secured Dover’s place in the second round against Leamington FC, with the tie to be played at Crabble on the 14th December.*BF*

*Lpic1*Manager Chris Kinnear acknowledged that is side were not at their fluent best, but was happy that the job required was done. ‘I was not really happy with the performance but the players did enough and the main thing that we are here for is to win games. East Thurrock made it difficult for us and got behind the ball. They are a dogged and determined team with a lot of experience. They don’t really have any weak links in their team.’

Dover are still unbeaten in all cup competitions this year which delights the boss. ‘We are in December and still in every trophy that we entered. I don’t think any other club at our level can say that. We want to do well in them all!’

Now all the focus and attention falls on Saturday’s trip to Stadium MK for the FA cup second round and despite the odds being well and truly stacked against Athletic, Chris is determined that is team will not be there to just make up the numbers. ‘ We will need to be organised and everyone will need to play to what their ability is. If everyone can do what they do best then we have a chance of beating them.’

He also added ‘As individuals, they are probably not much better, but they do train everyday and their dead balls will be difficult for us. They may not know all about us, but we know all about them. I watched them with Kevin on Tuesday and this is no better time to play them. The pressure is really on them.’

*BS*Dover’s stopper has Wembley in his sights after Athletic continued their unbeaten run in the cup with a battling 1-1 against East Thurrock to secure a Tuesday night Crabble replay.*BF*

In spite of East Thurrock scoring late in the game to force a replay, Mitchell Walker was relieved to have come away with the unbeaten cup run still in tact. ‘Of course we are disappointed not to have won, but East Thurrock defended really well and restricted our chances – It was a really hard game.’

*Q1*An eighth cup win on the spin looked odds on when Tom Murphy smashed home with ten minutes left to play, but United levelled close to the end through David Murphy’s close range finish. Murphy’s third goal in two games was tinged with controversy with protests of foul play as Whites had just kicked the ball out for sporting reasons, but with the best view on the pitch, Mitchell saw nothing wrong.

‘Michael Bakare meant to kick it out for a goal kick but, it accidently went for a throw in, which we acknowledged and did not chase down the goalkeeper when he received the throw in. It was unfortunate for him that the ball was kicked into no man’s land and we scored from it, but there was nothing wrong with the goal – We are all for sportsmanship here’.

*Lpic1*The first round proper saw ten Skrill Premier teams fall at the first hurdle, with a further five facing tricky Tuesday night replays and should Whites be able to navigate their way past East Thurrock, a second round tie against Northwich Victoria or Leamington Spa awaits.

‘We have a really good record in the cups and I am confident we can win tomorrow’ said Walker, who is also dreaming of a Wembley appearance. ‘Premier teams are always favourite to win, but a lot of them are already out so why not? – There are not many games between now and the final.’

It is not just the Trophy where Whites are looking to surprise a few people this season, as Saturday sees Chris Kinnear’s men travel to MK Dons, who themselves appear to be having a tough time. Eight defeats from eleven matches does not make good reading for the League one side and according to Walker, he and his team mates really have nothing to lose.

‘Nobody is expecting us to win and it will be a really difficult game, but there have been bigger shocks in the cup and we are on a really good run at the moment. It is a really good platform for us players.’

*BS*Whites play host to East Thurrock at Crabble on Tuesday 3rd December in a 19:45 kick off.*BF*

*BS*Kicking off a week of FA Cup oriented interviews, Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy speaks to Jack O’Sullivan about Saturday’s FA Cup match against MK Dons – assuring supporters that the side firmly believe they can get a result.*BF*

The tall 22-year-old midfielder was Chris Kinnear’s fourth signing during the summer of 2013 and, despite an injury setback in pre-season, is now well on the way to establishing himself as an instrumental part of the Whites side.

Before Saturday’s tie, Dover face an FA Trophy replay against East Thurrock – a match Bellamy feels they should have won at the first attempt: “We were expected to win at their place, but the gaffer had warned us beforehand that they are decent at home – they’ve had some good results in cup competitions here before.

“It was a tough place to play. There were some strong challenges going in, a few naughty ones too – I’ve got stud marks down the back of my achilles where one of their players scraped his studs whilst I was running. Realistically, the Trophy is a competition we have a genuine chance of doing very well in, perhaps even winning. We’re disappointed we didn’t win on Saturday, but what’s happened has happened – now, we just have to win tomorrow.

“Whilst they do have some good players, facing them at our home ground is a game we should be looking to win quite comfortably.”

Bellamy’s hopes for a good Trophy run were boosted this lunchtime, when the draw for the next round was made. If victory is sealed tomorrow, Whites have again avoided Conference opposition and will host either Leamington or Northwich Victoria in the second round – knowing that a win in that round would leave the club just three victories from a Wembley final.

Despite the injury picked up against AFC Hornchurch back in July, Bellamy remained focused on getting his place in the side back and has now started the last three matches: “I’ve been determined to show the boss what I can do. I was brought into the club to do a job, and I’m glad I’ve been able to show that recently.

“I think I’m a versatile player and that I am able to affect the game. I’m able to play out on the right, but am much more comfortable through the middle. Against Chelmsford, when Lee (Sawyer) was sent off, I moved into the centre and felt I performed much better. And no matter what anyone says, that was definitely my goal!

“It’s the most frustrating thing as a footballer to be sitting on the sidelines and not able to influence a game. All of the squad are desperate to play games, we all think we’re good enough to be starting – so when the opportunity comes, you have to take it.”

Despite there being over 70 league places between Dover and MK Dons, the ex-Charlton midfielder is adamant that the side are not just going to Milton Keynes to make up the numbers and is eagerly anticipating the match: “I’m absolutely buzzing, I can’t wait for Saturday. I honestly believe that, with the squad we have and the way we’ve played over the last two months, we can cause an upset.

“Of course, it’ll be very tough and we’ll go in as big underdogs, but that will suit us. There’s no point us going into the match thinking we will lose. We’re going there to win.”

One obvious difference between the two sides could be fitness levels, with Saturday’s opponents being full-time, but this does not concern Bellamy: “We’ve got some very, very fit players in our side. The backroom staff are very strict about us taking care of ourselves off the pitch, which translates onto the pitch – they really look after us.

“I played in the first round of the FA Cup last season for Ebbsfleet, against Carlisle. For the first hour we matched their fitness levels, but there were some tired legs after that (three of Carlisle’s eventual four goals were scored in the final 30 minutes). That won’t happen to us on Saturday, though – we’re a very fit side.

“With players like Nathan (Elder), Terrell (Forbes) and Barry (Cogan) in our side, plus those of us who played for professional clubs at youth level, we have a good amount of Football League experience in our side. The fans will play a big part of the day, and it’ll be great to see so many making the trip – I’ve got a coachload of friends coming up.”

Like many of Saturday’s side, this will be Bellamy’s first appearance at this stage of the FA Cup, and says it will naturally be one of the most important games he has taken part in: “The whole experience will be special, and I can’t think of a bigger game that I have – hopefully – been involved in.”

Whites will have Barry Cogan available for selection, with his suspension now ended, but Ricky Modeste remains a doubt: “I’m not sure if Ricky will feature – even if he is fit, he wouldn’t have played for a good few weeks and it’s a big game to come back into. Hopefully he can play some part, though.”

As a West Ham fan, Bellamy says his dream third round tie would be a trip to Upton Park, but assures me that he would still want to win. The other club he would dream of facing are Arsenal: “I’ve got some friends who play for Arsenal, so playing there would be amazing. If we get through this round, we’ve got as good a chance as anyone of playing them.”

The successful Cup run of the 2010/11 did almost culminate in a trip to The Emirates, with Whites’ eventual conquerors Huddersfield Town being drawn against the Premier League leaders.

With eight games currently scheduled for December, the benefit of having a large squad is sure benefit the club over the next four weeks, and Bellamy believes still being involved in four competitions can only be a good thing: “Personally, the more games the better for me – I want to be playing every week and the fitness I mentioned previously will help us.

“There’s a lot of games coming up, but that’s because we’ve done well in the knockout competitions so far – I’d rather have a lot of games coming up than only the league matches.”

Quite how much of an impact any Cup runs will have upon the club’s league performances remains to be seen, but Bellamy feels this can be a successful season all-round: “I don’t think our league position at the moment is a fair reflection of how good we are. We’re 11th, but only three points from 4th, and still have the best defensive record in the league.

“I genuinely believe that we can be promoted this season. We’re good enough, and we all want it – there’s no reason we can’t get top spot.”

Asked about his notable hair colour – a question Bellamy is probably used to answering by now – he revealed a promise made to him by club director Alistair Bayliss: “He’s promised me that, if we do get promoted, he’ll dye his hair so it’s the same as mine – which I would love to see! It just started out as a bit of banter, but a couple of the lads actually like it – and if we do get a result on Saturday, I won’t change it back until we’re out of the Cup…”