Sutton United boss Paul Doswell is not thinking about Wembley, but he has told his players that a golden opportunity lies ahead of them.

Monday night’s 3-1 FA Trophy win over Lowestoft at Gander Green Lane, featuring a Craig Dundas hat-trick, sent United into the last 32 of the competition.

They face Curzon Ashton at the Lane on January 16 for a place in the third round and a winner’s cheque for £6,000.

Victory would also put United within three wins of a Wembley appearance.

Doswell said: “At the moment getting to Wembley is not crossing my mind.

“But we have told the players that it’s a great opportunity for them.

“They have another home tie and if they win that, then anything can happen in the last 16.”

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He added: “You don’t often get into the last 32 of the Trophy and have a home draw against a team at the same level as you, it will be one we expect to do well in.”

The scheduling of Monday night’s game came as a knock on from the FA’s decision to replay United’s tie with Concord Rangers after the Essex side fielded an ineligible player – a decision that meant Lowestoft sent a weakened side to the Lane.

Doswell said: “It was very comfortable, but I felt sorry for Lowestoft.

“It is no fault of their own that they had to come to us on the first day back from the Christmas break.

“I understand five of their players were refused time off work and we played a very under-strength side.”

He added: “They were poor on the night, but they gave their best, and they were only poor because they had to play mostly a reserve team.

“It was not a fair reflection on them and they have every right to feel cheesed off about the situation.”