Manager Kevin Watson is aiming to improve on Chatham’s poor recent record in the FA Cup when he takes charge of his first tie, against preliminary round opponents Croydon Athletic at Maidstone Road on Saturday.

Watson (pictured) said: "It’s a prestigious competition, and is good for the club and the players to be involved in, but the club haven’t done great in it recently.

"We have done our research on Croydon, as we do on all the teams we play. We don’t fear them, but it’s all part of the preparation you have to do."

The winners will be at home to either Whitstable or Worthing in the first qualifying round.

Club captain Brad Potter is still doubtful with a toe injury, while midfielder Lee Hales returns to the squad after being unavailable for the Ryman League Division 1 North 1-1 draw at Tilbury on Monday.

Watson said of the game: "We were disappointed not to win, but reflecting on it more, it will probably prove not to be a bad result come the end of the season."