GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford insists his side go into Saturday’s FA Cup, fourth round qualifying tie as underdogs against big-spending Hornchurch at Bridge Avenue.

Although the Fleet are members of the Nationwide Conference while Hornchurch play in Conference South, Ford points to the enormous financial muscle wielded by the full-time Essex club, which he says makes them favourites.

Manager Garry Hill is reputed to be on a contract worth £100,000 a year while his players are among the highest paid in semi-professional football.

Ford said: “Hornchurch are very big, very strong but they are not unbeatable. However, they are a full-time club who pay well and for that reason we start as underdogs.

“Before the draw was made I thought the two clubs we least wanted were Carlisle away and Hornchurch away. Now we’ve got to get on with it and I believe we’re going to be involved in a cracking cup tie.

“Hornchurch have this money-bags reputation which can work against the club as it tends to drive opponents to do well against them.”

At stake will be £10,000 for the winners from the FA prize fund with the prospect of attracting Football League opponents in Saturday night’s televised draw for the first round proper.

The Fleet have been thorough in their cup preparations with coach Ron Hillyard making a final check on Hornchuch at Welling on Tuesday.

Defender Gary Porter is the Fleet’s only doubt, owing to injury and illness. With fellow centre-back Lee Shearer having been loaned to Dover for a month, Ford will be hoping that Porter reports fit.

Should a replay be necessary it will be at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.