WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson is embracing the mystique of FA Cup football as the Terras prepare to visit Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow (3pm).

Weymouth are one win away from the first round, knowing victory would end a 15-year wait to reach the main draw.

In the 2007/08 season, the Terras were knocked out in the second round after a 1-0 defeat at Cambridge United.

However, they now face an unbeaten Havant side that has already defeated them 2-0 this season – despite Weymouth dominating the game.

Speaking to Echosport, Wilkinson said: “Let’s wear the badge with pride and see if we can get to the first round proper.

READ MORE: Noa Boutin and Dan Gifford exit Weymouth

“Let’s keep believing. I don’t think many people are going to give us a chance to go there and win.

“The FA Cup is a special competition. I want to manage in it and I want to be in the hat on Monday.

“You never know what it could do for the club finance wise as well. For the players, you could get a brilliant draw. You’re one game away.

“You’ve got to believe, go out there and achieve it. Everyone loves the FA Cup. I loved it as a kid, I love it now and I’m proud to be managing in the FA Cup.

“If we can play half as well as what we did against them and take our chances, we’ve got a chance. I’m going there believing I can win.

“The boys have got to turn up with the right mindset.”

Victory would also give Wilkinson his furthest ever run in the competition as a manager, after losing 2-1 to Sutton while with Wealdstone.

On that occasion, Wilkinson’s side were level at 1-1 and missed a 90th-minute penalty before Sutton countered and scored a gut-wrenching winner.

Manager for Sutton on that day was current Havant boss Paul Doswell.

Wilkinson added: “What’s really nice is that he’s going to know he’s in for a game.

“We’ve been here a month now and I’ve seen a massive change in everyone. What we did against Welling was fantastic.

“This is a one-off game. It’s going to be our cup final but this is Havant’s cup final as well. Who can get in the first round proper?”

As revealed by Echosport yesterday, Weymouth have sent Noa Boutin back to Bournemouth, while Dan Gifford’s loan has not been renewed.

The Terras are also working on two signings, further boosted by the return of Xander McBurnie (groin) and Cam Murray (hamstring).

Luke Nippard’s leg injury is worse than first thought. The ex-Bournemouth man is expected to be out for a minimum of two weeks, along with Ben Gerring (groin).

Winners of the tie will earn £9,375, while the losers pocket £3,125.