Sutton United boss Paul Doswell’s appetite has been whetted in the face of FA Cup defeat to Aldershot on Saturday.

A deflected second half strike from Rhys Browne was the slim difference between United and the boys from the National League.

It was also the difference between watching the FA Cup progress from the sidelines, or hosting last year’s quarter-finalists Bradford City at Gander Green Lane, something the Shots now look forward too on November 7.

But Doswell’s desire to reach the National League has only been intensified after experiencing that side of the fence on Saturday.

“We’re disappointed because we felt we did more than enough to earn a draw, and Aldershot were nothing special,” he said.

“We were not ruthless enough in the final third, we did not gel in attack like we have in recent games, and that was disappointing.”

He added: “We took 250 or so fans to Aldershot, they were fantastic, and there was a crowd of almost 1,500.

“The pitch was in great condition, and the atmosphere was great, just being in that National League atmosphere was great, and that is what we want.

“I genuinely believe that this squad at United is one of the best I have had ever had in terms of team spirit, work-rate and desire to work for each other.

“We know we can be challenging for the play-offs. That has to be the goal now, because we’ve had a taste of the National League.”

United face Eastbourne Borough this weekend, without the suspended Simon Downer and Dan Wishart, while Dan Spence (groin) is a doubt.

Kevin Amankwaah (groin) and Ross Worner (rib) should be available.

Doswell said: “We’re struggling to fill the left-back spot, so Jamie [Collins] will probably move across, with Louis [John] coming in.

“I cannot remember a league game at home, and Eastbourne will not be easy.

“Then we are at home against Oxford City, who people are saying are the best passing side in the league.”

Meanwhile, former United skipper Glen Southam has joined National League South rivals Basingstoke, making his debut in last weekend’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Torquay United.

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