Margate manager Terry Brown is hoping the magic of the FA Cup can continue to bring the best out of his side as they prepare to host Vanarama National League leaders Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

The Gate have still to really hit their straps in Vanarama National League South, with just two wins from their opening 13 matches, but in the cup it has been a different story.

Brown's men started their FA Cup campaign with a 5-1 win away to Potters Bar, and in the third qualifying round they recorded a 4-1 home win over Truro City.

Brown is hoping they can re-capture that form when they entertain Rovers before the BT Sport cameras at Hartsdown on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm).

He said: "The FA Cup has been a bit of a catalyst for us and we're all excited to have got to this stage. We've had real problems scoring goals (in the league) but the FA Cup has been like a breath of fresh air, maybe because there has been less pressure on us."

Saturday's fourth qualifying round tie is being televised live on BT Sport and Brown says the club have already had a taste of what to expect on the day.

"We've had a really good build-up," he said. "The BT cameras were down here for training on Wednesday. They did some stuff with the players, myself and Bob (chairman Bob Laslett) and the players are fully aware of how big the game is."

Brown admits he doesn't have a brilliant record in the cup as a manager but he does feel his side are capable of giving the National League team a decent game.

Adie Pennock's side have lost their last two league games and will be without former Stoke City and Hull forward Jon Parkin who has a hamstring injury. Fellow frontman Aaron O’Connor is rated doubtful.

Brown added: "I'm a football manager so I'm an eternal optimist. You don't get that many opportunities to have a good cup run and we're probably not expected to win but I think on our day we're capable of beating anyone."

Centre-half Jake Goodman (badly bruised foot) is a serious doubt for the tie which means Brett Johnson will again probably partner Charlie Wassmer. Charlie Allen is suspended while Lewis Taylor is close to a comeback after his recent Achilles problem.