Sheppey United chairman Tony Hughes says bid for FA Cup First-Round proper berth doing wonders for club’s profile

Sheppey United are back in FA cup action on Saturday - just one step away from dreamland.

Victory over Billericay Town would put them into the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time in their history, with the possibility of playing a Football League club.

It’s hard for Sheppey not to think about what could be around the corner, having progressed to the Fourth Qualifying Round after thumping South Wales side Merthyr Town 4-1 away.

“This is absolutely huge - it’s history-making,” said club chairman Tony Hughes. “The club has stepped to a different level to get to this round.

“To be one win away from the first round proper is very exciting for the club.

“I think it will be a bit tougher (than Merthyr). They are a league above us and we think the leagues around this area are stronger than down in South Wales.

“It was a magical day (in Wales), fantastic for everyone. We were 4-1 winners and all of their fans, their committee, they all congratulated us saying we were the better team, we outplayed them in the second half, we outclassed them and they didn’t get near us.”

The Ites were beaten 4-1 on Saturday at Ramsgate in the FA Trophy, but this is the cup competition that matters for most.

“Everyone hears about (the FA Cup),” said the chairman. “We have had some really good press about us and we have two coaches going up on Saturday and two mini-buses. You definitely hear more people talking about the club and people I talk to have been wishing us luck.

“If we can get through this game and into the first round, it would be absolutely fantastic. It’s a dream and that’s what the FA Cup is about. We have given ourselves a chance, like we did at Merthyr, and if the boys play like they can play there’s a chance we can