Havant boss Shaun Gale has downplayed his team's chances of repeating last season's FA heroics by adding Brentford to the list of last year's scalps, writes Yann Tear.

Havant were the darlings of last season's competition - only bowing out to Liverpool in the fourth round after twice leading and beating Notts County and Swansea City along the way.

ITV cameras will be at their 5,250-capacity ground on Sunday for the Bees' first round visit in the hope of witnessing an upset. But Gale is determined to approach the game realistically.

"We had a great run last year and a fantastic time, but to repeat that would be a small miracle," Gale told the Gazette.

"I think after last season the fans probably expect us to beat sides like Brentford now, but realistically we know it can't happen all the time.

"Our fanswill at least expect us to give Brentford a right good game and I'd like to think we will, although I'm under no illusions about how difficult the task is.

"We've watched Brentford a couple of times. I think they're a very good side.

"They are well organised, play decent football and have some very good players.

"Any team that's where they are have to be good. I know they've had a couple of hiccups of late, but that happens to all sides at all levels. They're having a good season and we know we're in for a very tough game.

"If Brentford play to their full potential, they should win, even if we also play to our full potential. They are the pro side, the fulltime side and they should win the game.

"I don't know [Bees boss] Andy Scott, but I know [assistant boss] Terry Bullivant when we were at Barnet and he's an excellent coach. I'm sure he'll get them playing excellent football and will get them up for it on the day."

Havant have been in poor form of late, losing their last five in the Blue Square Conference South Division. But Gale is unconcerned by that apparent pointer to an easy win for the league side.

"The league table doesn't lie and we've underachieved this season, but we haven't played particularly badly," Gale said.

"I know the tide will turn because we have good players. I have no doubt about that.

"We were very good for 85 minutes on Saturday, but were caught cold by two late goals.

"We've got a completely new squad of players and it takes time to settle."

So does all this add up to a club who rather concentrate on getting things right in the league? Don't believe it for a minute.

"For a club of our magnitude, the money is everything. It's made us debt-free," Gale said.

"It's a costly business running a football team and it's made a big difference to us. We've got money in the bank and improved the ground immensely.

"But the money won't last forever and it's important for us to have another cup run if we can.

"We haven't invested massively in the squad and our budget's the same as last year.

"Being in the national spotlight is great for the players too and ending up at Anfield was a dream come true.

"But last year's gone and it's a completely different team really, although we've got a few players left from last year."

Havant know their best chance of a win will be at their 5,250-capacity ground, but Gale would not turn his nose up at a replay.

"I wouldn't say no to a draw because that puts us in the hat for the next round." Gale said.

"But our aim is to try and win the game. We had a great day against Swansea at home last season and we'll be aiming for something like that again."