Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm says league status counts for nothing in the FA Cup this weekend.

McKimm’s Bostik Premier leaders go to Hythe Town from the division below in the first qualifying round on Saturday.

Sam Denly, manager of the Bostik South East side, says the pressure is all on Tonbridge.

But Angels went out to lower-league Faversham at this stage last season and McKimm rejects the favourites tag.

He said: “Anything can happen in the FA Cup, as proved at Faversham last year.

“We were nowhere near good enough on the day and we lost the game, so I don’t buy into all the higher-league side should win stuff.

“You’ve got no God-given right to win any game of football.

“We’ve got to go there, be mentally right and give everything we’ve got and then what will be, will be.

“Sam’s assembled a very good squad there and fair play to him.

“They will be strong in that league but, by hook or by crook, we’ll do all we can to get through.”

There’s £6,000 in prize money on offer – and that would make a huge difference to Tonbridge.

McKimm said: “Our club needs the prize money – every club does.

“We know how important it is as players and staff.

“There’s always pressure on games but it’s pressure you put on yourself.

“There’s no added pressure from the chairman or the board to say we need to get through."

Tonbridge conceded for the first time this season last weekend but remain top of the Bostik Premier after goals from Sonny Miles and Tom Parkinson in a 2-1 home win over Wingate & Finchley.

Victory came at a price with midfielder Tom Beere going off with a knee injury.

McKimm said: “He’s having a scan to discover the extent of the injury.

“He’s walking without crutches so fingers crossed it’s not too bad.

“He’ll obviously be out for a little while but we’ll wait for the result before making a judgement."
Liam King scored the only goal as Angels beat VCD 1-0 in the League Cup on Tuesday.