Ray Turner is hoping Faversham can buck the trend of FA Cup frustration when they begin their campaign in the preliminary round at home to Epsom & Ewell on Saturday.

If Town can see off the Combined Counties League Premier Division side at the Shepherd Neame Stadium, they would earn another home tie on September 3, against the winners of the Badshot Lea v Cray Wanderers tie.

Turner’s men have suffered years of frustration in the competition, with tricky draws helping ensure they have not progressed beyond the second qualifying round.

Manager Turner admitted: “I’d love a cup run. It’s important to clubs at our level.

“I don’t think people realise how much of a difference getting through a couple of rounds can make to the running of the club for the whole season.

“It’s a vital source of income, particularly when you have an old ground like ours that costs a lot in upkeep.”

He said: “I don’t know much about them but I have spoken to (former Town striker and Gravesham assistant boss) Danny Hockton who played them in the previous round (losing 5-2).

Turner is without the unavailable Sam Bewick, while Luke Harvey, George Monger, Jamie Maxted and Matt Bourne remain sidelined through injury, with Bourne in with a slight chance of returning on Saturday.

Turner is in the market for a midfielder and added: “We are short in that area with George out – we’re waiting on a scan on his hamstring – and I’ve had to drop Dan Carrington back into central defence.

“If I can get a loanee in then I’d like to do that, although clubs are generally reluctant to part with their players at this stage of the season.”