THE goal of stepping on to the hallowed turf at the home of football is a small chink of light, far off from the depths of obscurity the players of Waltham Abbey usually experience, but captain Lee White is hoping a cup run can be a bright spot in their season.

The chances of the Ryman League Premier Division side negotiating 11 rounds and reaching the final are extremely slim to non-existent, though that does not mean the club are not geared up for the competition.

They begin their campaign in the FA cup first qualifying round at home to local rivals Enfield Town this Saturday, and White said: “We've definitely got our heads on it.

“It's the start of a potential FA cup run so we are definitely looking forward to it.

“Cup games can make a difference to the season. It has been a good start for us and hopefully it will be a competitive and close game.”

Abbey have lost just twice in their first seven league games, drawing four, following their promotion at the end of last season.

And Enfield Town now represent lower-league opposition for the Capershotts-based club, though White claims they will not be taking them lightly.

“It has got all the ingredients of a lively tie,” said the 27-year-old defender.

“We know a lot about Enfield. They are always in and around the top half of the league and they are a good team, always difficult to play against.

“It's a one-off game and, as long as we play to our best, we have definitely got a chance.”

And a victory would see Abby just two matches away from meeting the likes of Oxford United, Luton Town, Cambridge United or Rushden & Diamonds, the big Blue Square Premier League clubs entering in the fourth and final qualifying round.

Of course, the likes of Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge also enter the fray one round later, though that is a long way off for the likes of Abbey.

“Obviously we have got to take one game at a time,” said White.

“Every non-league player has a motivation and ambition to play the best, but it is all down to the luck of the draw.

“The ultimate dream would be to play a Premier League club. But to get to the stage where we can play anyone in the Football League would be great.

“As a semi-professional footballer, I want to have the chance to test myself against people who play the game every day for a living.”

Abbey warmed up to their big cup tie with a 1-1 draw at Kingstonian on Saturday.