Eastbourne Borough fullback Ben Austin is relishing the chance to test himself against FA Cup heroes Dagenham and Redbridge's star-studded strikeforce tomorrow.

Right-back Austin has been laid low with a heavy cold this week, but that won't keep him out of the biggest game in Borough's history as they take on the Football Conference title chasers at Victoria Road in the third round of the FA Trophy.

Austin vowed: "I will be there, even if I have to climb off my deathbed."

Garry Hill's Daggers have been grabbing the Cup headlines in recent weeks after knocking out Division Three Exeter on their way to a glamour third round tie with Premiership Ipswich Town.

The run came to an end on Saturday when Ipswich won 4-1 at Victoria Road.

Tomorrow they will be in the unfamiliar role of favourites.

Austin joked: "I have been watching Dagenham's FA Cup run. I saw their 3-0 win over Exeter in the previous round but turned off at half-time, more in fear than anything else."

Although former Chelsea striker Mark Stein looks unlikely to play due to a torn hamstring, the Borough defence are expecting to face prolific Conference striker Ken Charlery and ex-Albion man Junior McDougald.

Austin said: "In terms of standard of opposition this is probably the biggest game I have ever played in.

"I am looking forward to seeing what the gulf is and just how big the gap is.

"Everyone has aspirations about playing at the highest level. It will be interesting to know if it is in us to go higher and whether we would be able to play at this level."

The Daggers are firm favourites to end Borough's interest in the competition but Austin is hoping that they can pull off their own cup shock.

He said: "Sometimes it is difficult to motivate yourself when you are favourites. I know it has happened with us when we have played County League teams.

"It's our cup final and we will go out there to win it and give a good account of ourselves."

Coach Nick Greenwood is hoping that Borough can emulate Weymouth who beat the Daggers 1-0 at Victoria Road in the Trophy three days before the hosts were due to meet Charlton in an FA Cup replay last season.

Greenwood said: "Footballers are only human and have human frailties.

"Last season they lost at home to Weymouth just days after holding Charlton to a draw in the FA Cup. This season they beat Exeter and then lost 5-1 to Telford in the Conference."

Borough hope experienced defender Stuart Tuck recovers from a back injury and defender Darren Baker is expected to be fit after flu. Matt Smart has resumed full training after a knee injury and makes the squad.