Ryan Smith is hoping Luke Burdon could be the man to write another chapter in Lydd Town’s FA Vase story.

The Lydders have created some headlines already this season, beating Newhaven on penalties in final qualifying, followed by interim boss Smith’s injury-time winner at Athletic Newham.

They’re in round two for the first time in their history and visit fellow Southern Counties East side Whitstable this Saturday (3pm).

They’re short of attacking options with Stefan Payne cup-tied and Sammy Adams suspended.

That could mean Burdon comes in from the cold after weeks out with injury and illness.

He’s lined up to play for the under-23s against Staplehurst tonight (Wednesday) and if he comes through that, the forward may play a part at the Belmont.

“I’m hoping Luke plays for the 23s because he needs minutes,” said Smith, who is taking the team at Staplehurst alongside Calvin Sedenu in the absence of the regular manager.

“He’s an unbelievable goalscorer. I wouldn’t put it past him to play on Saturday and bang in a hat-trick. That’s the type of player he is.

“We got him some minutes a couple of weeks ago for a local side but he’s been struggling with illness, as well as injury, so he hasn’t had a lot of football.

“He hasn’t been playing on Sundays for Market either, so he’ll be coming in freezing cold if he plays.

“But he likes a headline, the boy, he likes doing the unexpected.

“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s a big day for the club.”

Lydd battled back from 2-0 down to draw with Glebe at the Lindsey Field last Saturday.

New signing Sam Freeman made three superb saves to keep them in the game and they rescued a point through Payne’s free-kick and a Charlie Dickens goal.

The Lydders almost won it when Smith’s header hit the bar.

“We could have nicked it but a draw was probably a fair result against a good side,” he said.

“We’re going in the right direction, we’re nearly there, we just need to tighten up in defence, myself included, and put teams away.

“It’s a game we wouldn’t have got anything out of a few weeks ago.

“Stef’s led by example and put the free-kick away and then the set-piece and movement for Dicko’s goal was brilliant.

“We’ve got some moves at set-pieces, I can tell you.

“We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve and I’ve got a few planned for Saturday, too.”