Billed as the tie with “the two longest names in the competition”, Sunday sees Kevin Watson’s Cray Valley (PM) side make the trip to Hampshire for an historic appearance in front of the national BBC TV cameras.

In the competition “Proper” for the first time in their 101 year history (having only made their bow in the FA Cup in 2013), the history making Millers will be making their sixth appearance in this season’s competition.

The Cup’s leading scorers have already dispatched higher league opposition Harrow Borough (5-1) and Maidenhead United (3-2) on opposing soil, so a trip to the National League (South) Hawks should be treated with confidence.

With striker Ade Yusuff (6) finding his goalscoring touch in the competition, supported by midfield man Connor Dymond (5), Valley will be hoping to impose their exciting style of football on the 3g surface, while relying on a strong defence – supplemented by the return of custodian Andy Walker – to see off the hosts.

After enduring a roller coaster existence in the last five years – involving two Championship winning promotions and two relegations -, Hawks secured former Sutton United manager Paul Doswell on a three year contract in April 2019 following an eleven year tenure at Gander Green Lane.

During his time in charge of The U’s, Doswell led them to the 5th round of the FA Cup in 2016/17 where they were defeated by Arsenal, having disposed of EFL sides Cheltenham Town, AFC Wimbledon and Leeds United en route.

Doswell brought with him former Leeds United captain Ian Baird and quickly set about stabilising their fortunes.

Starting the 2019/20 season with only three remaining squad members, H & W finished the shortened season in 2^nd place in the National League South – securing a home play-off semi-final against Dartford.  A 2-1 defeat however, saw an end to hopes of a return to the National League.

Hawks last appeared in the 1^st Round Proper of the FA Cup in 2014/15 – being defeated at home by Preston North End – while their best performance in the competition saw them reach the 4^th Round in 2007/08 before losing 5-2 at Liverpool in front of the Match of the Day cameras.

H & W visited Dartford in the National League (South) last Saturday, being defeated 2-1 with midfielder Billy Cliford sent off for two yellow cards.

NEWS FOR VISITING FANS

Unfortunately, due to the current lockdown, no supporters will be admitted to this fixture.

The match will be covered by BBC TV on iPlayer, or on the BBC Sport app

Image courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch