Looking to go further than their best-ever FA Cup performance, which they achieved last season, Greenwich Borough could have done worse than signing a former Finalist this summer.
And with Peter Sweeney, who started for Millwall against Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium in 2004, joining fellow former professional Gary Alexander, the latter is confident his side can reach the first round proper for the first time in their history.
A narrow 2-1 loss to Worcester City denied Boro in the fourth round qualifying last year, with their conquerors going on to secure a shock triumph over Coventry City in the next stage.
Greenwich Borough v Lordswood
The Emirates FA Cup
Extra Preliminary Round
3pm, Sunday 16 August
Holmesdale FC
Winning clubs will receive £1,500 from The FA prize fund
Click here for all the Extra Preliminary Round ties
Despite making his name as a striker at clubs including Leyton Orient and Millwall during a career in which he scored eight FA Cup goals in 29 appearances, Alexander proved a vital presence in midfield throughout his new side’s cup run last season.
And the 35-year-old is hoping that his experience, together with that of fellow veteran Sweeney, can inspire their younger team-mates ahead of an important campaign, starting with Sunday’s extra preliminary round clash with Lordswood.
“The FA Cup is a very special competition for every team at whatever level you play and it’s no different for this team,” said Alexander.
“We got so far last year and it would’ve been great to get one step further but we gave a good account of ourselves against a decent Worcester City side.
“They went on to cause an upset against Coventry and that’s what can happen in The FA Cup.
“I’ll always remember my first FA Cup goal for Exeter against Aldershot – it was a real party atmosphere at St James' Park and an amazing occasion.
“I’ve been involved in upsets over the years and every FA Cup is special and you want to play in the main draw so fingers crossed we can make some dreams come true.
Gary Alexander (left) in action for Burton Albion in 2014
“I might be experienced but I’m not the most senior now with an FA Cup Finalist in Peter Sweeney here and we’re going to help the other lads enjoy it.
“The benefit of winning games, whatever the competition, is that it breeds confidence, which will help us in other areas as our main priority is getting promotion this year.”
Ian Jenkins’ side will be familiar foes for Sunday’s opponents Lordswood this year, with both sides also facing off in the Southern Counties East League.
While Boro are one of the favourites for promotion, Lordswood are in a rebuilding phase under manager James Collins, who joined midway through last season.
And Collins is hoping his new-look side can pull off a small coup against their league rivals to improve on his own first taste of The FA Cup with former side Corinthian.
“I played Greenwich a few times when I was managing Corinthian and then just after I took over here so I know a little bit about them, but they will be stronger than they were last year,” he said.
“We’ll give it a good go and it’s a Cup game so anything can happen and we’ll work out the best way to beat them.
“The club don’t rely on the Cup money, but it helps a great deal and we want to give ourselves the chance to get as far as we can.
“Last year was my first time managing in The FA Cup with Corinthian and we lost at this first stage to Ringmer so I hope we can do better than that.
“We’ve probably got one of the lower budgets in the league so it’s going to be difficult but I believe in myself and the players so we should have a good season.”
