The football manager part of his brain is firmly taking one game at a time - but the human and football supporter part of Romford manager Dan Spinks' make-up can't help but look ahead to potential FA Vase glory.

They host Stanway Pegasus in the round of 32 on Saturday, just four rounds from a potential trip to Wembley.

And Spinks admits that is a tantalising proposition.

Romford Recorder: Romford dreaming of celebrations in the Vase. Picture: TGS PHOTORomford dreaming of celebrations in the Vase. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: TGS Photo)

He said: "We try not to discuss it too much and we do just try and take every game as it comes. 

"But every stage now means more money involved so it means more on the financial side because it is a struggle at this level obviously. 

"And there is still that dream of Wembley and while it is still there, you can keep dreaming can't you? 

"But it's not just Wembley at the end of it, there are still some nice draws you can get before that. You can get away for a night out or a long distance away game and it makes it a little bit exciting. 

"We're looking forward to Saturday and ideally we’re looking forward to getting to the next round if we can. 

"But it is a big game and we’re taking nothing for granted, nothing at all. We know it’s probably the biggest game of the season."

Pegasus ply their trade in Eastern Counties First Division North, one level below Romford, but they are flying high, second in the table and just two points behind leaders Framlingham Town

And they come to Rookery Hill as somewhat of an unknown.

"[I don’t know] bundles to be honest with you," said Spinks, "but I have had a few reports from a couple of managers that I know in their league.  

"They try to play and are a good, young, energetic side who are doing really well in their league. 

"I've been told they would definitely compete at our level anyway, no question about it, and I think you can see that from their league form. 

"We're expecting a tough game but as long as we're up for it, I’m sure we’ll give them a tough game as well. 

"It should be a good game of football overall." 

What makes things worrying for Romford though is a lack of game-time, their last match coming three weeks earlier, two days before Christmas.

Since then postponements, including Saturday at Takeley and Tuesday at Buckhurst Hill, have had an impact on fitness and on availability.

The boss said: "I've got a couple suspended now, which is a little bit of a shame, and it probably couldn't have come at a worse time, but I'm not going to make excuses.  

"We've got a squad that have all played football for us this season, everyone's had minutes and everyone's done well.  

"We'll all rally round and you are not always going to have all your luxuries available. Sometimes these things happen.  

"Basically, we will have to dig in deep, get the result and just try and get in the hat for the next round."