The second qualifying round of the FA Cup is here – and half a dozen clubs from acorss Sussex hope it brings victory… and a chance to carry on dreaming.

Winners in this round will be just two games away from a place in the first round proper – and the potential glamour and TV exposure that could bring.

And two of the six going into battle know all about how much it can mean to a club to reach those proper rounds.

Chichester City, who famously had a first round bye before losing at Tranmere in a live TV game in 2019-20, host SE Dons in their second qualifying round tie at Oaklands Park.

Eastbourne Borough on their way to winning at Whitehawk in the last round | Nick Redman

placeholder image — Eastbourne Borough on their way to winning at Whitehawk in the last round | Nick Redman

The Dons may play two levels below Chi – they are currently mid-table in the Southern Counties East Premier Division – but City are wary of opponents who they say have big financial backing and will be out to cause an upset.

Horsham, meanwhile, have reached the proper rounds of the Cup three times in recent seasons – most famously drawing 3-3 at Barnsley before losing the replay then being reinstated because the Tykes had fielded an ineligible player, then losing at Sutton in round two.

Tomorrow sees them go to Walton and Hersham – who play in the same division as the Hornets, National South, but are winless in the league and in bottom place after eight games.

Two of Sussex’s Isthmian Premier sides are in this round.

Pagham taking on Ascot in the last round | Picture: Roger Smith

Eastbourne Borough host Windsor and Eton of the Isthmian SE division and will be favourites to progress, with Sports boss Steve King able to reflect on some fine Cup runs at previous clubs.

And Burgess Hill Town – who overcame Jersey Bulls 3-1 in a first qualifying round replay on Tuesday night – visit Hanwell Town, who play alongside Chi City in the Southern League Premier South, the same step of the non-league system as Hill.

Two of Sussex’s lower-placed clubs have made it to this weekend’s stage.

Crowborough Athletic, from the Isthmian SE, visit Hampton and Richmond at the Beveree in a step two v four clash, while Pagham of the SCFL Premier, the only Sussex step five side left in the competition, host Hanworth Villa – recently promoted to the Southern League Premier South.

Lemmy Ewen’s Lions have already come through three rounds – beating Hollands and Blair, Balham and Ascot Utd to set up another big Nyetimber Lane tie.

Sides who win one of the 80 second qualifying round ties will pick up £3,375 prize money, with losers taking £1,125.

They will be in the hat for Monday’s draw for the third qualifying round, with the next stage due to take place on Saturday, October 3.