Hythe Town are daring to dream of making FA Cup headlines this weekend by knocking in-form Ebbsfleet out of the competition on their own ground.

The Kent clubs are separated by almost three divisions, with Hythe struggling towards the foot of Ryman League Division 1 South and the Fleet just three points off top spot in Vanarama Conference South.

But for the Cannons, who made it all the way to the first round proper four years ago, the magic of the cup offers hope.

Hythe manager Tim Dixon said: "There have been upsets over the years and the underdog sometimes gets underestimated. We’re only little Hythe but they could hit the bar and the post twice and we could get one chance and put it in the back of the net. It’s exciting.

"This is one of Kent’s top teams we’re coming up against and it’s a pleasure to go and play at a place like that. They’re doing well, they’ve got good players, a good manager and good people behind the scenes.

"It’s our toughest game of the season. They’ve got some great players in their side and had a good win against Sutton on Saturday. We know we’ll have to be at our best and our players will have to put in their best performance ever just to get anywhere near them. But you never know in the cup."

Ebbsfleet’s home record is formidable – they’ve only conceded two league goals at the PHB Stadium since February – although they were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup there by Charlton last Wednesday.

Dixon said: "We’ve got to have our players in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to the next round. I want us to play with a bit of passion and a bit of freedom. We’re expected to get nothing out of the game but if we go into it with that mindset, it will happen.

"I’m sure Steve (Brown) will be putting his strongest team out and be looking to put as many goals in the net as possible. I hope that doesn’t come true."

Hythe snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Walton Casuals on Tuesday night.

Phil Stevenson gave Dixon's side a 53rd-minute lead from the penalty spot but goals from Gabriel Odunaike an Malik Ouani turned the game on its head and had Casuals 2-1 up.

However, Jordan Wells scored deep in stoppage-time to earn his side a point.