Weston-super-Mare are yet to concede at home across seven matches and more than 10 and a half hours in all competitions this season, including a 1-0 final qualifying round victory over seventh-tier Needham Market on Saturday in new boss Scott Rogers’ first match in charge.
“Our home defensive record has been impeccable so far,” said Dawes, speaking after players and fans watched the televised first round draw at the club’s 3,500-capacity Optima Stadium.
“Hopefully, we can keep it intact between now and the [tie] and beyond.
“It should be a really good day for the club. Aldershot will bring a few fans, we’ll have a lot of fans.
“I know a couple of people at Aldershot, so I’ve been messaging them. We’re really excited.
“We were really close [last season against Rovers] – we’d have had a replay down at our place if we’d played the year before, but that’s no longer the format.
“That will suit us this year, if it goes all the way. With our fans behind us, extra time and penalties will be an advantage.”
Aldershot lifted last season’s FA Trophy but have won just one of their past nine league matches, with manager Tommy Widdrington resigning on Monday after two-and-a-half years at the helm.
