John Fowler believes his current squad can emulate the Whyteleafe team of 1999 and reach the promise land of the FA Cup first round proper.

Leafe host Ryman Division One South rivals Hastings United this weekend in the first qualifying round of the competition.

They are four games from equalling their best ever FA Cup run 15 years ago when Leafe entertained Chester City, then of Division Four, at Church Road in front of more than 2,100 fans.

Steve Lunn will be remembered among Leafe fans for missing an 83rd minute penalty that let Chester off the hook in a 0-0 draw – Chester made Leafe pay in the replay, winning 3-1.

Fowler said: “I’ve told my players that the further we go in the FA Cup, the greater publicity and exposure we get.

“Getting to this stage has already earned the club almost £2,000, but the side is all about getting as far as possible.”

He added: “When I think about the side that got to the first round proper, I see very little difference between them and us.

“If we play how I know we can, and with a little bit of luck, I see getting to the first round proper as hugely do-able.”

Leafe were held to a Ryman Division One South 1-1 draw on Saturday by Whitstable Town at Church Road, but thumped East Grinstead Town 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Facing the music: Whyteleafe's Steve Lunn on Sky Sports after his FA Cup penalty miss against Chester City in 1999