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Hessenthaler relishing FA Cup clash

Sammy Moore
Sammy Moore

Tonbridge v Dover

Dover Athletic manager Andy Hessenthaler is relishing Saturday's FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Tonbridge.

Hessenthaler, whose side go into the Longmead clash two points clear at the top of the Ryman League Premier Division, said: "For me, the FA Cup will always be a special occasion and I know all of my players are looking forward to Saturday.

"Every young player dreams of playing in the FA Cup, and I was fortunate enough to get to the quarter-finals with Gillingham before we got beat by Chelsea."

Hessenthaler has the bonus of being able to call on the experience of on-loan Gillingham midfielder Nicky Southall, who has been allowed to play by the Priestfield outfit.

Dover's Sammy Moore is again ruled out after suffering a nasty mouth wound, which required 33 stitches, in last Saturday's 3-2 win over Ashford Town (Midx).

Tonbridge look set to start with striker Carl Rook after he was dropped from the side for last weekend’s derby win at Maidstone.

Rook reclaimed his place for the midweek victory over Billericay and will be aiming to gun down Hessenthaler’s Dover.

Manager Tommy Warrilow is also hoping Lewes will allow on-loan frontman Chamal Fenelon to become cup-tied by appearing.

Warrilow said: "It is probably the tie of the round and hopefully it will be a good game and live up to the hype.

"Everyone should be available but in the FA Cup you can have seven subs so we will have to have a look after training."

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