DAGENHAM and Redbridge have proved themselves FA Cup giant-killers in recent years, but Saturday's opponents Hampton and Richmond see the clash as a chance to snare a scalp of their own.

Daggers travel to the Beveree Stadium for a potential banana skin away encounter, knowing that the first round match is a cup final in itself for the non-league outfit. It is also the first time they have reached this stage of the competition since 2000, so they will be hoping to make the most of it.

John Still's men will be buoyed by the absence of the Beaver's top scorer, Lawrence Yaku. The star striker has called away to attend his father's funeral in Nigeria.

He looks likely to be replaced by either Elliott Godfrey or Elliott Frost.

The Beavers will also be without suspended midfielder Stuart Lake and injured player-coach Dudley Gardner.

Speaking ahead of the game, Gardner said: "We are capable of beating Dagenham as the lads have the character to be giant-killers."

A 2,000 strong gate is expected and the encounter will be ex-West Ham and England legend Alan Devonshire's 250th game in charge.

Gardner added: "If we can mark his 250th match in charge of Hampton with a victory, it would be right up there with his FA Cup winners' medal as a player with West Ham and his England caps. This is our own mini cup final."

Whatever their injuries woes, the Blue Square South side come into the game with sky high confidence. At the weekend, they dispatched rivals Havant and Waterlooville 3-0, and have a nine game unbeaten run which has sent them to fifth place in the table.