Ottaway's Trophy strike has Sutton manager Dowsell on uncharted ground

After two postponements due to the weather, United and Maidenhead United locked horns on Tuesday night, where Harry Ottaway’s solitary first half goal proved enough.

United now host Oxford City with an eye on not only reaching the final 16 and Wembley, but also adding the £6,000 prize money to the £9,000 already won.

City are flying high in the Blue Square North, but Doswell, pictured, believes United have the edge because of the home advantage.

He said: “I am hoping that the Sutton public get behind the team and push us on.

“The further we get in the competition the more money the club gets and, of course, it’s another step closer to Wembley.

“It’s a realistic target. Wealdstone reached the semi-finals last year and they’re from the Ryman Premier League.

“Some of the bigger sides in the Trophy do not take it seriously until the semi-finals so we have a chance to get close.

“After the disappointment of the FA Cup this season, the money coming in is much-needed and, if we beat Oxford City, that will be £15,000, which is what we tend to get from a cup run.”

United are in Blue Square South action this weekend with a trip to Dorchester and, after last weekend’s 4-1 win at Staines, Doswell wants to keep the winning mentality going.

He said: “This is the furthest I have been in the FA Trophy, and I’d dearly love to win and go even further. But it is all about winning games and getting that confidence going.

“I was pleased with the win at Staines, and the win at Maidenhead means we’ve won four out of the past five away games.

“We played on the front foot and defended well, so I am hoping we can take that to Dorchester and then bring it home for Oxford.”

Doswell is still without the injured Anthony Riviere and Marvin Williams – although they are possibles for the Trophy match, while Tom Lovelock has gone on loan to Concord Rangers and Kezie Ibe’s loan at Eastbourne has been extended by another month.