Hampton & Richmond Borough midfielder James Simmonds will be missing for the Beavers this week, despite delivering his best performance for the club at the weekend.

Boss Alan Devonshire labelled his side’s 4-0 FA Cup triumph at Bromley as ‘okay’ after setting up a trip to Ryman Premier League side Harrow Borough next week.

Former Chelsea man Simmonds was instrumental in the win, but will be suspended for Saturday’s Blue Square South visit of Dover Athletic - where he had a spell on loan in 2008 - after seeing red for two bookings against Bishops Stortford.

And Devonshire lamented his absence at a stage when he appeared to be finally finding his feet at Station Road having switched to the club from the Glenn Hoddle Academy in March.

“James has been playing well and he probably had his best game for us on Saturday,” he said.

“He was released from a pro club early in his career and has come here because he is prepared to play football and make a go of it.

“He has started to settle down and that happens if you are enjoying your football and like the place where you are playing.

“It is a shame for him - and for us - because it has come at a bad time, but theses things happen and he’ll be back.”

Goals from Dean Inman, Ian Hodge, Barrie Matthews and Dave Tarpey ensured safe passage to the third qualifying round and a cheque of £4,500 for the Beveree coffers on Saturday.

It was the Beavers’ biggest win of the season, but Devonshire refused to get carried away pointing out a successful return to league action remained the priority.

“We did okay. It was a game we had to get through and we did. At the end of the day the lads did well on a difficult surface,” he said.

“Everyone wants to get to the first round prope,r but we have a tough league game first before we can start thinking about next week.”

Devonshire expects to have defender Craig Tanner back to face Dover, although skipper Dean Wells is likely to miss the encounter after twisting his ankle in Essex on Saturday.

Hampton’s next three games: Oct 2 Dover Athletic (h), 9 Harrow Borough (FAC, a), 16 Farnborough (h).