Cogan joined Dover from Crawley

Dover Athletic winger Barry Cogan is calling on his FA Cup final experience when they play Aldershot on Saturday.

Cogan, 26, was a 19-year-old substitute for Millwall in 2004 against Manchester United and played the last 25 minutes.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "We had a great team spirit, all the players were behind Dennis Wise, every game we felt like we were going to win.

"I think that's what you need. You need the players to fight for the same cause and that was the main reason."

Cogan could make his first start for the Blue Square Bet South side against League Two Aldershot having joined on a free transfer from Crawley.

For the majority of the Dover squad the game against Aldershot, and the incentive of a possible draw against a Premier League team for the winners, is the highlight of their cup careers.

If we can be strong on the day of course we can beat them. It's a massive game, and to get a Premiership team would be amazing for everyone Dover Athletic winger Barry Cogan

Cogan, though, remembers his day at the Millennium Stadium with great fondness, especially when he was brought on to replace Robbie Ryan for just his fourth first team appearance.

"It was a magnificent occasion and my best memory in football. It would be great for the lads if we can get through and play a big team in the third round," he said.

"I remember on that run [in 2004] we didn't play a Premiership team until the final, which was amazing. But we believed we could beat everyone, especially those in the Championship.

"The final was different, it was a big occasion, it was more to take it all in, the manager said make the day. Some of the experienced players had played loads of league games but never had an occasion like that.

"I played 25 minutes which was great, which was great for my family who were there, I'd have been gutted if I had been a sub and not come on.

"I came on right-midfield, I remember John O'Shea was playing left-back, Ryan Giggs was left wing, I was only 19 then so it was a bit surreal.

"But Curtis Weston [now at Gillingham], who's a good mate of mine, was only 17. He was the youngest cup finalist. It was amazing, we came into the side at the same time."

Dover have never reached the FA Cup third round and Cogan said: "Since I've been here there seems to be a big buzz. We are so up for the game, cameras have been here watching us train, hopefully we can do well.

"If we can be strong on the day of course we can beat them. It's a massive game, and to get a Premiership team would be amazing for everyone."

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