FA CUP SPECIAL: Giants look forward to FA Cup showdown

"It puts clubs on the map. It certainly did that for us at Gillingham and, if Dover were to have a run in this competition, it would really make people stand up and notice.

"This club deserves a cup run. All the ambition it has shown off the pitch, with the investment made and the way debts were cleared, as well as the terrific fans - to reach the first round, or maybe further, would be just the tonic."

Dons boss Terry Brown, who, like Hess, is in his second season in charge - after clinching promotion -also shares a passion for the greatest cup competition in the world.

And, make no mistake, although he is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Whites on Saturday, he would rather be taking his side to one of non-league's lesser lights.

"Dover away in the FA Cup? Not exactly the tie I was looking for when the draw was made, I have to admit," said Brown.

"We've had them watched and Dover are, without a doubt, a comfortable outfit. Andy Hessenthaler has done a terrific job down there and, like my club, Dover are ambitious to get into the Football League. I don't know Andy personally but you only need to look at what he has achieved in the game to respect him.

"The club is set-up to reach that level, no doubt about that. The fanbase is big and the playing surface is one of the best in non-league. So, in that respect, it's great to be playing another big club - but the draw could've been kinder."

Brown is a wily manager who has been round the block a few times. But he is a winner. You only need to look at his CV: did an excellent job at Hayes before taking Aldershot into the Conference, only to see them fall at the last hurdle in their bid for League Two status two years in the row - in the end-of-season play-offs.

Now he has got AFC Wimbledon out of the Ryman Premier at his first attempt and already has his eyes on Blue Square Premier (the Conference in old money).

As Dover have seen other clubs raise their game at Crabble to frustrate the Whites in recent seasons, AFC Wimbledon have had the same problem during their climb up the pyramid.

"AFC Wimbledon is the spirit of the old Wimbledon club and we've always enjoyed being the underdogs," said Brown. "I'm sure it's the same for Dover but teams come to our place and sit men behind the ball - and raise their game an extra 20 per cent. They see a game with us as a cup final.

"They just look around our ground and facilities, look at the playing surface and then see a couple of thousand fans inside the ground. It gives opposing teams a lift.

"Once we get into the Blue Square Premier, things will change. For the first time in years, we'll be the underdogs again - and that's when this team will really thrive. We want to recapture that Crazy Gang spirit."

Hess has the utmost respect for the Dons and Brown.

He said: "Terry's been a good manager at Hayes and Aldershot - and he's continuing his good record with AFC.

"The fans deserve a lot of credit for the way they've got the club up and running and keeping it going. It must have been hard for them to see the team they supported move to MK Dons. But now they have a club to be proud of again.

"Make no mistake, we will have to defend well to have a chance. Their strikers are very good and I know Danny Kedwell, as I used to manage him at Gillingham.

"But if we can defend well, it's going to be a very interesting match as I believe we have a lot to offer going forward. We've got a few people missing because of injury but the team we put out on the park will be a strong one."

Jon Wallis (hamstring) is the biggest doubt but Hess says he has a chance of being involved - although he will not be risked just because of the magnitude of the match.

Frannie Collin will be training this week and it is hoped he may still figure - but Giuliano Grazioli is struggling following a back injury.

Sammy Moore, who played during the second half against Carshalton, is in contention to start.

Brown sums it up nicely when he says: "Both clubs want to progress - but one thing for sure, one of us will look at the positive side in defeat and say, 'at least, now, we can concentrate on the league!'."

SEGREGATION DETAILS

Due to advice from AFC Wimbledon, the game will be segregated.

Clearly, both clubs would prefer for the match not to be segregated but safety of both sets of supporters is of paramount importance.

AFC Wimbledon fans are being asked to enter the ground from the Crabble Avenue entrance. This will be sign-posted and stewards will be on hand to assist.

Click on this link for further details:

www.doverathletic.com/downloads/pdf/segregationmap.pdf

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game and we look forward to enjoying what should be a cracking match in front of the largest crowd watching a Kent non-league side this season.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Dover Athletic v AFC Wimbledon
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Third Qualifying Round
Saturday 11^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Perrys Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB