Steve Watt says Hythe Town have the hardest possible draw in the FA Cup after landing a trip to Dartford.

The Cannons beat Ascot United 1-0 on Saturday to reach the second qualifying round for the first time in five years.

Opponents Darts are top of National South with five wins out of five and Hythe know they will have it all to do at Princes Park on September 18.

The sides are currently separated by 59 places in the non-league pyramid, with Hythe 17th in Isthmian South East.

“It’s the hardest possible tie,” said Cannons boss Watt.

“They’re obviously the highest-ranked side in the draw at this stage and they’re absolutely flying.

“They are where they are and we are where we are, so statistically it must be the toughest tie with so many places between us.

“We’ve got some of their ex-players, James Rogers, Tom Wynter, Alex Brown, and it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“They’ve got a great manager in Steve King, and an unbelievable squad, but we’ll do what we can to try and get a result.

“The last two rounds everyone’s said we’re favourites, so this will be a different challenge for the boys.”

Nathan Gordon scored Hythe’s 64th-minute winner against Ascot while goalkeeper Will Godmon put his recent struggles behind him with a superb save at the death.

“We were really good on Saturday,” said Watt.

“It could, and should, have been a lot more.

“We didn’t take our chances but it was a great response after losing to Ramsgate and Will Godmon made a last-minute wonder save from a free header to avoid a replay.

“He didn’t have anything to do all game but he’s kept his concentration and got a great hand to the ball.

“I’m pleased for him, it’ll do his confidence the world of good and hopefully those trying times he’s had this season are behind him.”

The Cannons, with three points from their opening three games, visit East Grinstead on Saturday, followed by a Kent derby at home to Sittingbourne on Tuesday.

Watt said: “We’ve got two league games before the FA Cup and they’re our priority.

“East Grinstead have had a similar start to ourselves.

“No disrespect, I’m sure they’re a good side, but if we turn up and do what we do, then we win the game.

“It’ll be a tough game but I’ve got confidence in my team and that’s how I look at things if we approach games correctly.

“Sittingbourne have brought in good players, and they had a good result against Faversham last week, but we need to start showing some consistency.

“When you’ve got an experienced side, like we have, experience and consistency should go hand in hand.

“It’s when you’ve got a younger group you accept a lack of consistency.

“My teams at Hythe have always been consistent and we have to get back to that.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent