Archie Hatcher is out to help Dover continue their FA Cup journey - and the teenager already knows a thing or two about enjoying runs in FA competitions.

Whites are preparing to host Isthmian Premier Haringey in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round this Saturday.

Hatcher will hope to keep his spot in the starting line-up, having made his first senior Dover start in the previous round’s 3-2 success against Hastings this month.

He put in a player-of-the-match performance then, before he struck in Saturday’s 2-2 National League South draw at Bath.

The 18-year-old youth product, who has signed a professional contract this week, made the FA Youth Cup Third Round with the Academy last term, where they were beaten 2-1 away to Brighton.

He said: “Playing in the FA Youth Cup last year, getting to the Third Round proper, losing at Brighton, that was a great experience.

“Growing up as a boy, the FA Cup was something I always wanted to play in. To replicate something like that [their FA Youth Cup run] would be special.”

A whirlwind fortnight in the first-team spotlight culminated in Hatcher getting his opening competitive first-team goal at early high-fliers Bath.

It came in great style, too, as he drilled them 1-0 ahead spectacularly.

“I have played in midfield,” he said. “An attacking midfielder needs to contribute to the team as much as possible.

“It’s been a good start for me. I hope to contribute more this season - whether that’s with goals, assists or just generally good performances to try to get us back to winning ways.

“Previously with the Academy, in the FA Youth Cup, I played, naturally, as a striker.

Whites youngster makes team-of-the-week

“But growing up, I always enjoyed playing in that No.10 position, getting into pockets and trying to provide for strikers.

“I was happy to get a goal at the weekend.”

Captain-for-the-day Iffy Allen converted a penalty for the second consecutive game soon after the restart to double Dover’s lead but the hosts battled back and Whites’ Peter Ojemen was sent off for two bookings.

Hatcher reflected: “Looking at current form, we definitely went in as underdogs so, going in at half-time 1-0 up, that was a positive. We then went 2-0 up shortly after half-time.

“Looking back, we were disappointed not to get three points - but a point away at Bath is a good point.”

Hatcher has shone in the senior squad alongside fellow Academy graduate Henry Young while others from their youth ranks, led by Academy manager Mike Sandmann, include George Nikaj, George Wilkinson and Luke Baptiste.

He said: “I gained experience, training with them in the Academy when they got into the first team, which was important for me. I knew I needed to perform week-in, week-out.

“Mike was involved in the first team last year and he still gives me pointers on how to improve.”

First-team boss Mitch Brundle is in his second Dover stint and the 28-year-old has also played for the likes of Gateshead, Dagenham & Redbridge, Barnet and Farnborough.

“He has got great experience himself,” Hatcher said. “He played for Dover.

“It’s really rubbed off on me and Youngy. He knows what he wants.

“Hopefully, I’ll get more opportunities going forwards.”

Defender Ojemen will miss Dover’s upcoming FA Cup clash through suspension, although playmaker Johl Powell returned from his ban at Bath.