Dulwich Hamlet stand in way of Eastbourne Borough and the FA Cup first round

The two National South rivals will go head to head on Saturday week for a chance of a plum first round tie against Portsmouth, Ipswich or another League One or League Two side.

Borough reached the fourth qualifying round with a 3-1 home win over step five outfit Sheppey on Tuesday night, a result which found manager Danny Bloor satisfied rather than triumphant.

“Ultimately it was about winning the game and getting into the hat. We weren’t great in the first half. Take nothing away from Sheppey United – they are a really good side, and I’m sure they will go on to win their own league.

“But we showed a much higher quality in the second half. Sheppey tired a little bit and we raised our game. And we enjoyed what you might call an interesting cameo appearance from Greg Luer!”

With Borough still trailing, the quicksilver striker came on for just under half an hour – scoring two goals and transforming the game. “Greg is a high-quality player, but he had been feeling his hamstring, so we rested him last weekend against Hemel, and he came on just at the right time.

“In my time as a non-league manager I’ve never yet reached the First Round Proper, and I would absolutely love that to happen with this group of players and management. Their spirit and commitment is fabulous – and of course, all the more frustrating that our fans are not yet here to see it.

“Guys out there, I know you are behind us from a distance. Keep believing and it won’t be long!”

For Saturday’s visit of Chelmsford City, Bloor expects a fully-fit squad – including his on-fire striker Chris Whelpdale, who spent last season with the Clarets. But, rather bafflingly, at the Melbourne Stadium Chris was mainly deployed at right back. Now in a free-ranging attacking role for Borough, Danny Bloor has released the Whelpdale tiger – and with or without streaming, City may be about to hear the roar….