GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford says he is excited about his team's FA Cup trip to Chester this Saturday and says his players will be feeling the same way.

"If they are not motivated for a game like this then they shouldn't be playing football at this level," said Ford ahead of the first round proper tie at the Deva Stadium. "The FA Cup is still a great competition."

Six years ago Fleet and their supporters enjoyed a marvellous FA Cup run culminating in a third round trip to play Premiership giants Aston Villa.

Gravesend have signed 19-year-old midfielder Wes Daly on a month’s loan from Queens Park Rangers, but he will not be available for the game.

Newly-appointed assistant manager Adrian Pennock will be alongside Ford in the dug-out. The winners of the tie will collect £12,500 from the Football Association’s prize fund.

Should a replay be necessary, it will be at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday (kick off 7.45pm).

Meanwhile, Fleet have extended the loan of Ben Walshe from QPR until the end of the season. They have also signed 24-year-old Nigerian international striker Francis Kumbur.