DARREN Beale says there would be ‘nothing better’ than Concord Rangers reaching the first round of the FA Cup this weekend.

The Beach Boys host National League side Dover Athletic bidding to qualify for the first round for the first time in four seasons.

First team coach Beale, along with manager Sammy Moore, assistant manager Jack Midson and several of the current Concord squad, reached the second round last season with Leatherhead.

And, despite there being a division between the two teams, Beale is confident of causing an upset.

“We want them to cause the upset and we believe we can,” he said. “It is important to enjoy the moment and there would be nothing better than getting through.

“We could draw the likes of Sunderland or Portsmouth in the next round and it’s so exciting to be involved in it.

“In our opinion, it’s the best cup competition in the world.”

The winners of the tie will pocket £25,000 and earn the chance to secure a lucrative first round tie against a professional club.

And Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler admits his team should advance because of their higher league placing, adding Moore - a former player of his - was a ‘pest’.

“It’s a tough one,” said Hessenthaler. “They’re a good side. They’ve got League experience in their team and the onus is all on us because we’re in a higher division.

“They’ve got home advantage so we’ve got to be mentally right. That’s going to be the key for me.

“We can more than match their physicality but it’s about the mental side.

“You’ve got to go to these places and get results. They’re going to find an extra bit.

“We’re going to be the favourites so the pressure’s on and we’ve got to deal with that.

“Sammy’s a character and he still can play now. He made a big call to stop playing. I know he’s still registered but he’s only 31 years old so that was a big call.

“He’s a pest so he’ll get things done and get his ideas across. He’ll pester people for players and drive you mad.

“He’s enthusiastic, he knows the game and he was an excellent footballer. I was surprised he went into management but he’s embracing it at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Hayes’ future at Concord is in doubt.

The winger ended a 13-year stint at Dartford in the summer to join the Beach Boys but has not featured in recent weeks.

The Echo understands the midfielder has left the National League South club although Beale said Hayes remains at the club.

“Ryan Hayes is still at the club,” said Beale. “That is the case at the moment but that could change in the next few weeks.”