ROCKS REVIEW: We're not done with our FA Trophy run

The Ryman one south outfit have already come through three rounds of the competition, which ends in a Wembley final.

Now Hampton & Richmond Borough – who play two divisions above them in the Conference South – stand in their way of another £4,000 in prize money and a place in the first round.

The Rocks’ only experience of opposition from Hampton’s level this season came in the FA Cup at Eastleigh, where they were below their best and lost 2-0.

But Rocks bosses Darin Killpartrick and Jamie Howell say their team is better-equipped now than it was then to cause an upset.

They have virtually a full squad to pick from – full-back Matt Whitehead is the only serious doubt as he struggles to get over an ankle problem.

And they are looking forward to playing their normal attacking game in front of what they hope will be a bumper Nyewood Lane crowd of 400-plus. Killpartrick said: “I think for the players and the fans, it’s the biggest game of the season to date.

“If we get the ball down and pass and move it, I think we have a chance.

“We’ve matured a lot as a team – and as a club – as the season has gone on but this will be a good measuring stick for us.”

Fellow joint boss Howell believes the Rocks will be able to express themselves better than in some of the home league matches when they have struggled to break down the opposition.

The Rocks’ lofty position in the table has led to some sides coming to Nyewood Lane and defending in numbers, but Howell can’t see H&R doing that.

“I would think they will see this a tie they can come and win first-time out without the need for a replay,” he said.

“They will probably come at us and play an open game, and that should suit us. We have the ability to create chances and put them away.”

The Rocks have already earned £11,700 from FA Cup and FA Trophy victories this season and beating Hampton & Richmond would add another £4,000 to the kitty.

Hampton are in mid-table in Conference South having drawn five and won two of their eight away games, losing only one.

As usual, the Rocks’ selection issues concern who to leave out. Dean Maynard is pushing for a start up front but with Luke Nightingale and Jason Prior still scoring regularly he is likely to be on the bench. Dan Royce and Phil Turner’s chances of a start will be boosted if the Rocks return to using two widemen.