Paul Chambers intends fielding his strongest available side when Ashford United begin their Macron Southern Counties East League Challenge Cup campaign with a first round tie against Deal Town at Homelands on Saturday.

Defender Pat Kingwell is set to return after missing the 1-1 draw at Beckenham last weekend with a knee injury, as United take a break from league action, with Chambers insisting the game is no less important.

He said: “It’s another game of football we want to win. We are getting players back from injury, including James Everitt who is still struggling with a foot problem but is getting stronger every week."

Both United’s top-three rivals, leaders Erith & Belvedere and Phoenix Sports are involved in FA Vase first round ties at Sussex clubs Eastbourne United and Arundel respectively.

United enter the competition for the first time on Monday when the second round draw is made, having been exempt until this stage after reaching round four last season.