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Martin Hayes sets sights on FA Cup run for Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic manager Martin Hayes
Dover Athletic manager Martin Hayes

Dover begin their challenge in the FA Cup this weekend and boss Martin Hayes is targeting a lucrative first-round spot.

Whites travel to Erith Town for a second round qualifying match and Hayes, who has twice appeared as a player in the quarter-finals with Arsenal, knows the club are just three wins away from being in the first round draw which is worth £20,000.

Their first task will be to avoid any embarrassment when they travel to their Kent League opponents.

"We want to have a run in the competition," said Hayes (pictured). "Their players will be up for the challenge and we need to make sure we match their enthusiasm."

Hayes took former club Bishop’s Stortford to the first round twice and with Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton and Charlton in the first round this season, it’s a place he wants to be.

"The first round is the best you can hope for at this level and any more than that is happy days," he said.

"Barring a horrendous draw somewhere, a place in the first round should be obtainable for us."

Olly Schulz returned to action as a second-half substitute in Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly win over Herne Bay. Schulz missed last weekend’s victory against Farnborough because of illness.

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