Sheppey United are eyeing an FA Cup First Round spot but captain Richie Hamill knows they have a huge hurdle to get over first.

The Ites make the short trip to Essex to face Billericay Town in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round this Saturday.

More: Chairman hails fantastic cup run

Billericay play a level above Sheppey, in the Isthmian Premier. They knocked out National League South St Albans in the previous round.

Hamill said: “They are a very good side and a friend of mine was there at the start of the season Jay Porter, who is injured at the minute.

“They are fancied in their division and it’s not a game we’re taking lightly. We will have to be on top of our game to win it and probably hope they have a bit of an off day.”

It’s a step into the unknown for the United players. Hamill hasn’t been this far in the competition before but is enjoying the ride.

“The further you go, you start dreaming of the First Round,” said the 29-year-old skipper.

“It would be massive for the club, and for me, something you can look back on when you retire. I have a few more years left, but not many more opportunities to get to the First Round.

“I don’t think any of the lads in the dressing room have made it to the First Round, it’s a bit of the unknown for our side, we’re quite young, this is the furthest I have been.

“Growing up watching FA Cup finals, it has always been a big competition, it has probably lost its magic in the Premier League and top level, but at our level it’s a great experience.

“To play Merthyr Town away in the last round and have a day out was a great experience.”

The Ites lost 4-1 to Ramsgate on Saturday in the FA Trophy.

“That was probably a bit of a reality check,” said the captain. “We had been on a high for the last few weeks, but there were probably too many of us off it and that might do us good. We hope to get back on the horse now and crack on.”