Lydd Town go into FA Cup weekend on the back of a statement victory in the league.

The Lydders, newly promoted to the Southern Counties East Premier Division, thrashed title favourites Faversham 4-1 on Wednesday night.

They take on another of the division’s best sides this afternoon (3pm) when Deal Town - who finished third last season - visit the Lindsey Field in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

It’s Lydd’s first year in the competition and confidence is high after the midweek success over Faversham.

“It’s a massive game for Lydd as a club,” said joint-boss James Rogers.

“Obviously it’s their first year in the FA Cup and we want to get into the First Qualifying Round.

“The good thing is most of our players have played in the FA Cup before, so it shouldn’t be too different to what any of them are used to.

“I’m expecting the boys to turn up and treat it like any other game.

“We know the threats Deal have got.

“They’re a big, strong, physical side, they’ve been together quite a few years now and they’ve got some really good players.

“But we’ll work on things and I’m quite confident, with what we’ve got, that we can get a result.”

Lydd, promoted as play-off winners, are out to make a big impact in the Premier Division.

New joint-bosses Rogers and Tom Wynter, who succeeded Mickey Doyle this summer, saw their side blow away a Faversham outfit who are big favourites to win the league.

All the goals came in the second half with Sammy Adams, Ronnie Dolan (penalty) and substitute Kenny Pogue (2) the scorers in Lydd’s 4-1 victory.

“Everyone’s on about Faversham but we’re still after two or three players and once we get them, I honestly believe we’re on a par with Faversham,” said Rogers.

“You look at our midfield alone, we’ve got Charlie Webster, Ronnie Dolan, Sammy Adams and there’s me to come back once I’m fit.

“Up front, we’ve got Troy Howard terrorising left-backs, Stephen Okoh’s come in to give us that balance we’ve been missing on the left and we all know what Luke Burdon can do.

“At the back, we’ve got Robbie Dolan, Ryan Smith, Charlie Dickens, who’s come in from Ashford and is a great player, and Calvin Sedenu, who moved to right-back and looked a million dollars on Wednesday night.

“The minimum aim for me this year is the play-offs, if you look at our players, where they’ve been and what they’ve done.

“We’re also looking to add more quality to the squad, so I want to be up there, without a doubt. Top three, ideally.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself after one result - there’s a lot of good teams in this league - but once we’re all fit and all settled, I’m hoping to push on.”