Shaun Saunders believes Peacehaven’s chances of causing an FA Cup upset have been boosted by their remarkable midweek match with Horsham.

The Magpies host Ryman premier Lewes in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup at what is expected to be a packed Piddinghoe Avenue tomorrow.

They go into the game after being involved in a ten-goal thriller with Horsham in Ryman south on Wednesday when the visitors fought back from 4-1 down to lead 5-4, only to be pegged back by a Tom Lawley goal in the third minute of stoppage time.

But rather than being deflated by throwing away a handsome lead, Peacehaven boss Saunders believes the reaction to Lawley’s leveller suggests they will go into the Lewes game full of spirit.

The reigning County League champions will be underdogs, albeit there is only one division between the sides these days, and Saunders would love to cause an upset.

He said: “If we had lost (on Wednesday) it could have been a problem but the celebrations at the end when we equalised tell you we were really pleased to get a result. When you are losing 5-4 in the third minute of stoppage time you are elated to get a draw.

“The fact is we never gave up, we don’t know when we are beaten.

“It has been difficult not to have one eye on the Lewes game. We have done our best not to allow any talk of it but now it is here we are buzzing.

“It is a massive game for the club and we can’t wait. They are well supported and Albion are away. They are favourites and we are massive underdogs. All the pressure is on them, we just want to go out and give a good account of ourselves."

Lewes go into the match on the back of a nine-match unbeaten start to the season but assistant manager Danny Bloor insists they know the threat Peacehaven pose.

He said: “It will be a tough game and we will give them the utmost respect. I went to watch them on Wednesday and we have watched them before."