Mark Beard only had one season at AFC Wimbledon, but it ended in a landmark promotion and he believes The Dons have a real chance of making more club history on Saturday.

A full-back during Wimbledon’s 2007/08 promotion season from the Ryman League Premier Division, Mark also played for Saturday’s opponents Millwall and he scored a famous FA Cup goal against Arsenal that is still talked about today.

Back in 2007, Wimbledon’s surge through the leagues had hit the buffers for a couple of years, before Terry Brown finally guided Wimbledon out of the Ryman League, via a memorable play-off final at Staines Town.

"It was a great season and we had a great squad," Beard said.

"I still keep in touch with Simon Bassey and I get down when I can. I would love to go on Saturday, but we have a game with Brighton. It’s a fantastic club with fantastic supporters.

“We should have gone up automatically, but we managed to do it the hard way through the play-offs.

"After that we just went up every year. It was just a case of getting out of that division in the first place."

Beard added that he thinks this Saturday's last-16 FA Cup tie will be a tough one for both sides.

"It will be a tough game, especially for Millwall," he said.

"Wimbledon showed against West Ham that when you are the underdog there is less pressure on you.

"The team not expected to win play with a little more freedom. It’s been very up and down for Millwall in the league this season, they are also in a relegation scrap, so it will be a tough game for them."

Millwall is also a club close to the defender's heart. His goal for The Lions at Arsenal in January 1995 helped cause a big FA Cup upset.

“I am constantly reminded about it," he said.

"That was one of Millwall’s most famous wins, so to score in it and be involved in that game was just unbelievable. I was only 20 at the time as well, so that made it even more special for all my family and friends. It was an experience I will never forget.

“I knew at the time that it was important because the next day it was on the back page of every newspaper in the country, but I didn’t think it would stand this long in people’s memories.

Now 44, Beard took up coaching during his playing days and he is now youth team manager at Brighton & Hove Albion. This season he guided the youngsters into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, before they were knocked out by Everton in midweek.