The magic of the FA Cup?

The Cherries kick off this seasons FA Cup campaign with a home tie against League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

The FA Cup's importance in the English football calendar has diminished in recent years with clubs struggling to find the balance between concentrating on the bread and butter of the league and putting together a cup run.

But for lower league sides the target of reaching the third round and a possible draw against a top Premier League side remains a real incentive to do well.

AFC Bournemouth have lowered ticket prices for this match with £10 for adults in all areas (excluding the executive area).

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told the Daily Echo...

'...In my eyes, it will always be a very special competition because that was how it was perceived when I was growing up.

"As a manager now, it is still a competition that I want to get as far as I can in. You never know, there are still a lot of great stories told in the FA Cup and we want to try to be one of those this year.

"But it will be a challenge to get past the first round and we will go from there...'

AFC Bournemouth striker Wesley Thomas has returned to the Goldsands Stadium following his one month loan spell with League One neighbours Portsmouth and is in contention to return to the team.

Southampton loan striker Lee Barnard could be unavailable as the Cherries wait to hear if he will be allowed to play.

Midfielder Richard Hughes remains out of contention, along with long term absentees Darryl Flahavan, Stephen Purches and Charlie Sheringham.

The Cherries striker is expected to feature following his return from Portsmouth where he scored three goals in six appearances.

He hasn't scored for AFC Bournemouth since March.

Midfielders Billy Bingham (groin) and Josh Scott (knee) remain out after not returning to training as expected this week.

The 23 year old striker has already scored four goals this season after joining Dagenham in the summer.

Last season he scored 42 goals for Bishop`s Stortford after scoring 57 times for Stanstead the season before.

He has reportedly agreed a summer move to Championship side Peterborough United for £350,000.

Head to Head

Bournemouth wins -5
Dag & Red - 1
Draws - 1

Last time out

The last time the Cherries faced Dagenham at Dean Court was in last seasons League Cup. AFC Bournemouth won the fixture 5-0.

Tuesday 06th November 2012, AFC Bournemouth V Shrewsbury Town, 3pm.

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