Tommy Warrilow felt Faversham’s FA Cup victory was a good indicator of what his side might need to do to get results this season.

The Lilywhites battled to a hard-fought 1-0 extra preliminary round win against Bexhill United with the game being played at Hailsham Town last weekend.

Town manager Warrilow admitted: “It was a bit of a scrap, really.

“It wasn’t played at their ground - we played at Hailsham. I don’t know if they’d let the grass go long or whatever but the grass wasn’t great.

“I said afterwards that it shows we can do the ugly stuff, as well as get the ball down and play.

“At home, we know what we’re going to be dealing with this season but, away, we need to see what sort of grass pitch we’re playing on sometimes.

“It’s a good reminder of what’s to come.”

Nathan Wood didn’t score his first Faversham goal last term until April but came up with the game’s only goal in front of a 152-strong crowd during the playmaker’s man-of-the-match performance.

“We spoke to Nathan when we first came in,” said Warrilow.

“We didn’t realise the stigma around him not scoring - and that just went on for longer and longer - although whether it was impacting him, I’m not sure.

“Hopefully, getting off the mark helps to get him going.

"His work-rate and the work-rate of Kieron Campbell on Saturday was outstanding.

“Their recovery work was second to none, as well as what they did, going forwards.”

Youth-team players Jack Piper and Aaron Sanderson, alongside No.2 Lewis Briggs, travelled with the first-team squad for the cup clash with some of their experienced heads unavailable due to minor knocks and holidays.

“We bought a couple of the under-23s with the squad on Saturday,” Warrilow stated. “I’m not sure where we’re at this week because we have got a few knocks and niggles.

“I think all the boys know that they’re playing for their shirts.

“I will need to do the horrible part and leave some people out to get results. But that doesn’t mean that they’re bad players.

“I’m not a great lover of squad rotation.

"We’ll just need to see where we’re at after every game.”

Town keeper Jacob Russell has kept consecutive clean sheets at the start of the season.

Warrilow said: “As an ex-centre-half myself, I know that there’s no point scoring 300 goals - and conceding 301!

“If you can keep a clean sheet, you’ll come off at the end of every game with the minimum of a point.

“Defenders are mainly there to defend. But it’s no secret that my full-backs are attack-minded.

"Everyone, including Jacob, when they have been called upon, has done well.

“We’re only two games in but, obviously, I will take it.

"There’s a good buzz around the place.”

Faversham return to action in the Southern Counties East Premier Division at Holmesdale, now led by joint-managers Reece Parara and Simon Beard, this Saturday before a home game against Dan Scorer’s Kennington side on Tuesday.

Warrilow said: “Obviously, Holmesdale has had a management change.

"I know they have got an affiliation with Welling United with Beardy going in there. They will probably be stronger than last year.

“With Kennington, I know Dan very well from our ground-sharing days at Ashford. Those players stick together.

“Last year was a difficult year for them but there’s a lot of loyalty at that football club - and that’s something which should be admired.”

Town will face Isthmian South East Littlehampton in the next round of the FA Cup next Sunday.

Faversham are on the look-out for a new club kitman.

Email secretary@favershamtown.co.uk if you are interested or for more information.