SALISBURY will be looking to keep their FA Cup dreams alive this Saturday, when they take on visiting Margate in a third round qualifying tie.

This is furthest the Whites have got in this competition since they reformed in 2015 and victory would leave them just 90 minutes away from the first round proper.

Visiting Margate play at the same level as the Whites, but in the Isthmian Premier where they are tenth in the table and warmed up for their trip to the Ray Mac with a 2-1 win at East Thurrock on Tuesday night.

So there it is all to play for on Saturday and Salisbury manager Steve Claridge is under no illusions and said: "I think both teams will be happy with this draw, but we are at home first. I would love us to get the job done, as we do not fancy a Tuesday night trip to Margate."

"They will come here and fancy their chances, so it should make it a great cup tie, which is what this competition is all about."

Last Saturday, Salisbury enjoyed a very comfortable 2-0 victory over visiting Hartley Wintney in the league.

Salisbury took the lead in the sixth minute with their first attack in the game. Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick did well to create space and his cross from the left was headed home at the back post by Bay Downing.

Three minutes before the break, the home side increased the lead. Hippolyte-Patrick made good progress down the left and the ball was worked across the Row’s goal to Lewis Benson. The winger cut in and sent a left foot shot into the net.

In the 80th minute, Whites' shot stopper Tom Smith bravely blocked a shot from Nathan Smart and in the process suffered a bad leg injury, which will see him out of the game for an least two months, so ending the Arsenal youth team goalkeeper's spell at the club.

Striker Toby Holmes went in goal for the reminder of the game and with all their subs already used due to injuries the home side were reduced to 10 men, but saw the game out.

On Tuesday night, a much changed Salisbury side lost 4-0 at Paulton Rovers in the League Cup, which included the debut of former Reading star Leroy Lita and also saw Elliott Wheeler sent-off after receiving two very harsh yellow cards.

Claridge said: "Saturday I felt once we went 2-0 up we did not look like conceding. We needed the win to keep us in touch with the teams above us.

"On Tuesday night, we had a lot more chances than them, but they have scored with every chance. We made a lot of changes and the players who came in did all right."