Dagenham and Redbridge v FC Halifax Town preview

The last time Town reached the second round was in the 2003-04 season. After defeating Leek Town in a replay in the fourth qualifying round, Halifax beat Cambridge United 3-1 at The Shay, then in round two, lost at home 3-1 to Ian Rush’s Chester City.

Dagenham are third in the National League and have lost only four times in 19 games so far this season.

They have also conceded only four goals in their 10 home matches and have kept seven clean sheets on their own turf this term.

Dagenham reached the third round last season, when they lost 2-0 at Everton.

Halifax’s 3-1 defeat to Brackley on Saturday brought their run of seven straight wins to an end.

Matty Brown is set to be sidelined for at least another six weeks when he undergoes another operation.

Josh Wilde will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup first round clash despite appearing to injure his shoulder late on against Brackley.

On long-term injury-victim Scott McManus, Heath said: “He saw his surgeon last week and he was pleased with how it’s going.

“He’s where he should be in his recovery but he won’t return until after Christmas.”

Matty Kosylo came through training unscathed on Tuesday and Heath reported he was “looking sharp” and that he will be in the squad on Saturday.

If Town win on Saturday, they will pocket £18,000 in prize money, taking their total prize money earnings from the competition this season to £42,500.