No one is enjoying Hassocks' unexpected cup success more than Andy Fisk.

At 40, and with 24 years exeprience in the County League under his belt, the midfielder must have thought his days in the spotlight were over.

But victories over Ashford Town, Ash United and Bromley have taken Robins into the third qualifying round and a Sussex derby against in-form Lewes tomorrow with £10,000 waiting for the winners.

Just as importantly in terms of the club's development, the £16,000 Robins have scooped in prize money will help improve facilities at their Beacon ground.

Fisk turned 40 the day after the 2-0 win over Bromley a fortnight ago, but he has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.

In a squad containing several youngsters, boss Dave John has come to rely on the experience provided by Fisk, fellow midfielder Micky Turner and defender Warren Dodds.

"I'm really enjoying my football at the moment," said Fisk. "The cup run has been a bit of a bonus but it is nice because it puts the club on the map a bit."

Apart from a couple of seasons with Harry Easton, first at Three Bridges and then Burgess Hill, Fisk has played all his football under John who took Fisk with him to the Beacon when he left Haywards Heath nearly ten years ago.

"Dave is the real driving force behind Hassocks," added Fisk, "He is the embodiment of what the club is about.

"If the first team aren't playing he will go and watch the reserves or the thirds and he still runs the youth team.

"I've never wanted to leave or play for anyone else. At a couple of clubs I played at the manager wouldn't even talk to you if you were in the reserves, but Dave is committed to making sure all the players improve their games and do the best they can.

"He's very fair and he's honest with players and they respect him for that."

John has produced some excellent youngsters since Hassocks won promotion to division one and accepts he risks losing them because he refuses to pay players.

Eddie French is at Horsham's this season while injury to another key player, defender Neil Smith, is one of the reasons why Hassocks haven't been able to repeat their cup form in the league.

They are next to bottom with just one win and Fisk would swap the cup run for a few more league points.

"The money we've made from the run will build the new stand and help us improve our facilities, but it would be a shame if we had all that but got relegated to division two," he added.

"We've got lots more good youngsters coming through and the future should be really good, but we need to be more consistent, we realise we have to get out of the position we are in in the league."

All that can wait, at least until 5pm tomorrow, while Fisk and his mates line-up another FA Cup giantkilling.

He said: "In all three games we've been expected to lose and gone out without fear. On paper they are a much better side than us, but if we can stop them playing we've definitely got a chance."

Lewes boss Jimmy Quinn is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Ross Standen ahead of Hassocks' visit.

Standen missed the midweek win over Molesey with a sore calf and if he doesn't recover Quinn could be forced to play his youth team goalkeeper. Sam Francis (back) and Andy Johnson (hamstring) are also doubts .

Bruce Talbot bruce.talbot@theargus.co.uk