ALAN Julian is refusing to contemplate the notion of an FA Cup third qualifying round appearance ahead of tonight’s replay against Thamesmead Town.

The Billericay Town goalkeeper played in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against the Isthmian South team, as they held on for a draw despite playing 55 minutes with 10 men.

Julian was forced into some excellent late saves as he stopped the home side claiming a win, and he is looking forward to tonight’s replay at the AGP Arena - with the winners to travel to National League South side Hungerford Town.

“The bottom line is we are still in the hat,” said the former Bromley keeper, 34.

“We want to remain in this competition and go on a run and we did well on Sunday as circumstances went against us.

“We are at home tonight and it will be 11 versus 11 and we will be confident of winning.

“Thamesmead impressed me,” added Julian. “I knew Tom O’Connor, who scored their goal, as he was at Bromley when I was there but, as I always say, I just focus on us.

“We are not in the next round and we need to take care of business. Then we can look forwards.”

Having failed to keep a clean sheet in his first four matches of the season, Julian has conceded just one in his last five outings.

The stopper previously told the Echo he was happy for the strikers to take the headlines, and he was also full of praise for the spirit in the dressing room.

“I’ve let in one goal in five and that is nice,” he said. “People only really talk about the goalkeeper when it is a close game. You can make great saves in a 5-0 win and people forget, but that is OK. My job is to help the boys when I’m called upon.

“One thing that continues to impress me is the spirit in the group. It really will help us when we are up against it.

“We have had men sent off in a number of games this season but we stay strong.

“I am not sure we have deserved some of the red cards and we have been slightly unlucky, although I am not a referee.

“I have been in squads that fall apart but we are able to get stronger when the chips are down, and the credit for that has to go to the management team.

“We have Jamie O’Hara back now and we need players like that. Their experience at the highest level can only be beneficial.”

>Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United have been handed home draws in the third qualifying round.

The Beach Boys welcome Isthmian Premier League team Dorking Wanderers, with Rocks hosting Harlow Town on Saturday, September 30.