IAN Concannon is dreaming of an extended run in the Emirates FA Cup as Didcot Town host Eastbourne Town in the third qualifying round on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.

The Railwaymen have already overcome higher-league opposition in the form of VCD Athletic in the previous round, but joint manager Concannon is looking to avoid being upset themselves against Southern Combination opposition.

“We know Eastbourne are a very good side,” he said.

“They’ve already beaten Whytleafe and Chatham, so they’ll think they can win it.

“We know they can score goals and we won’t take them lightly.”

After coming through three rounds already, Didcot now find themselves just two rounds from the first round proper.

Concannon added: “We’ve got a good side, we’re confident of getting a result.

“We’re only a couple of games away from the first round, so why not dare to dream? We would love a cup run.”

Didcot were rueing missed opportunities, when held to a goalless draw at home to Bridgwater Town in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

The Railwaymen’s first chance came when Adam Learoyd headed onto a post, while Josh Dutton-Black shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

With five minutes to go, Didcot had a strong penalty shout turned down as Luke Carnell appeared to be pushed.

The winner of last night’s replay face a trip to Molesey in the next round.

Didcot recorded a thrilling 5-3 win over Marlow in Southern League Division 1 South & West last Tuesday.

Dutton-Black scored twice in quick succession to put the Railwaymen 2-0 ahead early on.

Marlow reduced the deficit, but Jack Longford restored the hosts’ two-goal cushion.

The visitors made it 3-2, only for Mark Janes to find the net and put Didcot 4-2 ahead at the break.

Learoyd added a fifth, and although Marlow scored again, Didcot held on.