FA CUP FIRST ROUND DRAW: THERE'S NO ILL FEELINGS BETWEEN US AND GILLS - DOVER CHAIRMAN

Sunday 24th October 2010

DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter was not surprised that the club pulled out a potential first round FA Cup clash with Gillingham - insisting “It’s been written in the stars”, writes Justin Allen.

Dover must still beat Farnborough Town at Crabble in a fourth qualifying replay on Tuesday night after Saturday's 1-1 stalemate at Cherrywood Road.

And the chairman, who was speaking to www.doverathletic.com warned: "We've got a massive job on our hands still to get through - but I have just had this feeling all season that a FA Cup clash with Gillingham has been written in the stars since Hessy went there in the summer."

Former boss Andy Hessenthaler joined Gillingham after leading Whites to back-to-back league titles and a runners-up spot in his three years at the club.

Ian Hendon then took charge but quit after just three weeks to join Andy in Medway as his No2.

Mr Parmenter said: "There are no ill feelings between our clubs as far as I am concerned. What happened, happened. Things have not turned out too bad since - and I personally have no problems with Andy and Ian or Gillingham.

"It's all water under the bridge and we just hope to set up a match which will be massive for Kent football. But Farnborough will want this match as much as we do."

Boss Martin Hayes said: "It's a great draw of course - but only after Tuesday night.

"The Farnborough match is effectively a cup final. We need the fans behind us for what is a massive evening.

"I was happy to get away with a draw on Saturday in the end. There was a lot of nail-biting from the fans, I could see them, but that's what the FA Cup is all about.

"Now we just need to dust ourselves down and focus on the replay. Farnborough are a very strong side and hopefully the fans will be out in force to cheer us on."

The potential tie at Gillingham would be played on the weekend of November 6-7.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Dover Athletic v Farnborough

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Fourth Qualifying Round Replay

Tuesday 26th October 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB