Hampton & Richmond Borough might be dreaming of drawing a former Premier League side like Wolverhampton Wanderers or Coventry City should they reach the FA Cup first round.
 

But brushing shoulders with football’s shining lights is nothing new to midfielder Karle Carder.
 

The 24-year-old former Brentford youngster was part of the Bees team that reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2006, beating an Arsenal side  featuring Nikolas Bendtner,  Alex Song and Fabrice Muamba on penalties along the way.
 

Semi-final hopes were dashed thanks to a 2-1 extra time defeat to Newcastle United at Griffin Park, which saw England international Andy Carroll head the winner.
 

Hampton-based Carder, who was in the Hampton side relegated from the Conference South in 2012, was released by former England captain Terry Butcher the following season, before slipping into non-League football.
 

And the Beavers favourite is relishing a step back towards the big time if they can get past Skrill North Gloucester City tomorrow.

“The squad is buzzing. We started the season badly, but we are 10 games unbeaten and are looking to turn up and win,” he said on Tuesday.
 

“We played at that level two years ago, but we are ready for them. We’re looking to go there and do a job. We’ll take a draw, but we are going to win.
 

“This is the furthest I’ve got in the competition.
 

“I did alright in the FA Youth Cup at Brentford.
 

“We beat Arsenal, who were favourites, and had all them first team players in that team.
 

“But Newcastle United knocked us out in 119th minute of the quarter final, with a goal from Andy Carroll.

“I got released by Terry Butcher and then he got sacked soon after. That absolutely killed me
 

“It is my third season here and I’m happy.”
 

Chairman Steve MacPherson has splashed out to put the first team up at a Gloucester country club tonight in preparation for the big match.
 

The Beavers warmed up for the clash with a 2-0 FA Trophy replay triumph at Bedford Town on Tuesday after Saturday’s clash had finished all square.
 

And ex-Brentford defender Darren Powell, now joint boss at Station Road, relishes the weekend trip.
 

“Every game excites me, but the FA Cup is special. A defeat to Leeds United – who were in the Premier League then – with Crystal Palace always sticks in my mind,” said the former Southampton and Derby County  defender.
 

“There is a buzz going about the place, but we are trying to keep everyone
focused on the job in hand.
 

“When you know the chairman is putting his hand in his pocket to give
us the best chance, we hope to repay him in double.”