My FA Cup dream - Jenkinson

Basingstoke Town host fellow Conference South side Weston-super-Mare in a clash at the Camrose, which is sure to be a hotly contested second qualifying round tie.

Jenkinson joined the Dragons in the summer on a non-contract basis after being released by Reading where he played since the age of nine.

The new Town midfielder said: “I’m really hoping to get the chance to play in the FA Cup. It’s something every player wants to do.

“I have not had the opportunity to play in the competition so it would be great to put a run together. Hopefully that will start on Saturday.”

Jenkinson made his first start for Town in their away game at Whitehawk and then got the nod for his home league debut against Ebbsfleet a week later.

Town drew that game 2-2 after they conceded a late controversial equaliser.

Talking about the Ebbsfleet draw, the teenager said: “That game felt like a loss because we were in such a good position right at the end of the game. It’s probably a fair result but we dug in well and just could not hold on.

“It’s great to have forced my way into the starting line-up and I am learning really quickly. I’m taking a lot from every game I play.

He added: “I spent some time on loan at Bashley last year but it was nothing like this. There are some good players at this level who have been around a long time and really know how to play the game.

“I’m really enjoying it. Playing alongside and against guys like that means I am learning quickly and can only make me a better footballer.

“I am happy with the way I am playing but would like to add more goals to my game. I have had a couple of chances but not been able to score.”

Jenkinson is looking to use time at Town to take his football career to the next level and he said: “My aim is to get back into the professional game.

However, my focus is very much on Basingstoke Town at the moment. I want to play as well as possible for the club and then we will see what happens.”