Tommy Brewer believes Hampton & Richmond Borough are finally getting their act together – and just in time with a £4,500 FA Cup bounty up for grabs this weekend, writes Sam Elliott.
 

Brewer knows all about the famous competition after reaching the fifth round with Conference club Crawley in 2011, landing a dream tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford, which the Sussex version of the Red Devils cruelly lost 1-0.
 

Beavers chairman Steve McPherson has described the visit of Southern Premier Bedford on Saturday as “financially massive” with the club still recovering from a poor few years on the pitch.
 

Brewer said there were big signs of improvement following their fourth win in six games on Tuesday night, a brave 2-1 success at Wingate & Finchley.
 

Charlie Moone was at the double to continue his excellent scoring form and Brewer said the three points were just the tonic going into their biggest match of the season and after last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Bognor Regis Town.
 

He said: “Things are getting better all the time. The defeat at Bognor was a blip, but Tuesday was a great recovery – just what the doctor ordered after Saturday. We showed real character.
 

“Everyone knows the importance of the FA Cup to non-League clubs, we’re no different.
 

“We beat Ashford Town after coming back from 2-0 down to win, but we can’t afford to let Bedford have that kind of advantage – we’ve got to be on it from the very first whistle.”
 

Brewer is ready to create more FA Cup headlines, adding: “Being a part of that Old Trafford experience was unreal – something I’ll never forget.
 

“It’s given me a taste for it and to have another go at going on a great run.
 

“Hampton may not meet Manchester United, but look at what Hastings United from the Ryman League did last year.
 

“We could easily get a big club like they did by drawing Middlesbrough.”