Lee Martin knows plenty about playing in the FA Cup as he aims to help Ramsgate reach the First Round.

Ambitious Isthmian South East Rams are away to Southern Premier AFC Totton in the Fourth Qualifying Round this Saturday.

Experienced one-time Manchester United player Martin has progressed far in the famous competition previously and is enjoying another cup run with Ben Smith’s side.

“I have always enjoyed it,” he said.

“I think I’ve been as far as the Fifth Round at Middlesbrough against Sheffield United. That was a long time ago!

“I always used to come in at the Third Round so I’ve played in some quite big games. My parents and all my family have always watched it.”

Ramsgate will go into the big FA Cup clash after a 4-1 weekend FA Trophy triumph over rivals Sheppey.

Martin reflected: “We knew it would be a difficult game. We were mindful of them and knew we couldn’t really afford to go behind.

“But in the end, our quality shone through.”

Midfielder Medy Elito struck twice for the Rams off the bench, his goals sandwiching a first-half Joe Taylor penalty and Bode Anidugbe’s fine effort before Danny Leonard grabbed a consolation for The Ites.

“Medy has been fantastic,” enthused Martin, who can play as in attacking midfielder and up front.

“He has not always been a guaranteed starter. But he has a great attitude around the place.

“I think, sometimes, if you’re sulking, it only affects one person. He has never downed tools and has bought into it really well.

“We feel we’re all pushing for the same thing.”

Young prospect Wes Hennessey came off the bench for Ramsgate and signed a contract with the club after the game.

While there is plenty of experience in their squad, boss Smith has shown a real desire to give young players a chance, as well.

Martin said: “I think that’s what the manager is going after. I think he was very aware he wanted to get the right mix.

I was that youngster once that wanted to be around the first team. If you can have young, hungry players, willing to learn around the more experienced ones, that’s good for the long term.

“Wes has been fantastic. He’s working hard and when he has been given opportunities to step up, he has.”

Martin, 36, had considered retiring in the summer after a tough campaign with National League South Dover but is pleased he opted to play on now.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do in terms of playing on or going into the coaching side,” said Martin.

“It came on the back of a difficult season where I got a lot more abuse than I expected.

“When I spoke to Ben, he talked me around, really. He made sure it wasn’t a rushed decision. By June-time, I was ready to go back and play.

“At 36, I was never going to be pulling strings for a team myself. I’ve been fortunate here that I’m working with some fantastic footballers - and some characters as well.

“I’m sure, if you speak to Ben and the chairman [James Lawson], they still want a couple more over the line. I’m very grateful I’ve come into this.

“I’ve loved playing football this season - it’s been a real contrast to last season.”

While Rams have enjoyed great success in the cup, it’s Isthmian Premier promotion which remains their No.1 target.

Martin said: “We’re very much aware it’s all about building momentum.

“The FA Cup games have been a great series of events. But they have got to be second place for us this season - we want to go after the league.

“As much as it’s massive for the club, as players, we need to focus on building momentum.”

For now, Smith and the rest of Ramsgate’s backroom staff have some big calls to make on who starts at AFC Totton.

But Martin said: “I’m sure, if you speak to the manager, he will want those headaches.

“You want players vying for one spot and showing they’re capable of impacting games. We’re all in it together. Medy has epitomised that.

“There’s going to be a couple of difficult choices but, from the manager’s point of view, I’m sure he would much rather be having them.

“It’ll only be good for the team.”

The winners of Ramsgate’s Fourth Qualifying Round tie will earn £9,375. If a replay is required, it will take place on Wednesday.