Sean Raggett says Dover’s players are keen to right the wrongs of last season when they launch their FA Trophy challenge at Whitehawk on Saturday.

Whites had what many people thought was a great opportunity to reach the semi-finals at least last season when they were drawn at home to Conference South opposition Bath City in the last eight.

But, after salvaging a 3-3 draw courtesy of an injury-time equaliser in the first game at Crabble, Whites crashed out 2-1 at Twerton Park – a result which defender Raggett admits still rankles with the squad.

The 21-year-old England C centre-half, who played in both matches, said: “Everyone wants to play at Wembley and we’re no different.

“We feel we had a massive opportunity last season and were gutted at the manner in which we went out so we’re looking to put that right.”

First round opponents Whitehawk – up to fourth in National League South after Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Maidstone – are riding on a wave of national publicity at the moment after holding League 2 side Dagenham and Redbridge 1-1 in the FA Cup, second round on Sunday.

The teams replay at The Enclosed Ground on Wednesday – with a lucrative third round tie at Everton awaiting the winners – but Raggett doesn’t think that will influence the Brighton-based side’s thinking ahead of the Trophy tie.

He added: “I know people might say that they will have their minds on the Cup replay but I don’t think players are like that.

“Like us, they probably see the Trophy as a massive opportunity to get to Wembley and Saturday is a big game.

“I know a couple of their players including Chris Sessegnon, who used to be with us and we also played them in pre-season (when the Hawks ran out 4-1 victors) so we know it’s going to be a tough game.

“I saw the game against Dagenham and they’re playing well. They’ve got plenty of good players going forward, so we know it is going to be difficult.”