Burgess Hill are confident they can justify their favourites tag by knocking out Tiptree United at Leylands Park.

The Jam Makers produced the shock of the tournament by beating holders Taunton Town to earn a trip to Sussex.

But Croydon believes his men can make the most of home advantage.

He said: "Being favourites isn't something I am worried about. We have dominated the County League for the last few years and a lot of the boys are used to that.

"Players like Ashley Carr, Paul Williams, Daren Newman and Adie Downey are vastly experienced, and the younger lads like Pat Gannon and Steve Harper have proved they are men for the big occasion."

Croydon watched Tiptree beat Gorleston 2-1 in a cup tie on Tuesday.

"They are not well supported," he added. "It was a semi-final and there were only about 30 people there.

"I doubt they are used to playing in front of crowds as large as 1,500. Tiptree are a young, mobile side and they've certainly got a good team spirit."

There will be no Stan Collymore in the visitors' squad after Tiptree's audacious bid to sign the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker ended when Spanish side Real Oviedo, who still hold the player's registration, refused to sanction it.

Hillians enter the tie in tremendous form after only three defeats in 44 matches, but they must do without influential player-coach Sean Edwards who has not recovered from knee ligament damage. Jay Head is also out with a hamstring injury.

A four-figure sponsorship agreement with the Rendezvous Casino in Brighton has enabled the club to erect a 516-seater stand and raise the capacity to 2,162.

Hillians are running a park and ride service allowing fans a free lift to the ground from Marle Place and Sidney West in Laylands Road from 1pm.

Burgess Hill (from): Gannon, Newman, Lutwyche, Guile, Killpartrick, Callingham, Harper, Brown, Downey, Carter, Williams, Isaac, Walker, Levitt, Walters, Carr, Churchill
Tiptree: Haygreen, Snelling, Ford, Lodge, Snow, Fish, Houghton, Battle, Wareham, Brady, Daly, Gillespie, Parnell, MacKrory, Barefield.