Naturalisation EEA Route - Specific query

[heresjohnny]

All, thanks for the advice so far.
I have scoured the web but I haven't found a conducive answer to my question.
I came as a student in 2003 (south African passport)
married eea national( Dutch) in the UK, in September 5th 2007
exercised my right as partner of eea national till now, so did my partner. so after 6 years - i.e date of our wedding 5 th September 2013 - i should be eligible for Naturalisation.

Can I apply a a week early via NCS?
As I was already present in the UK 6 years before on student visa , on the day HO will receive my application.
As far as I know the main criteria is to be present in the UK on the day of application at the start of qualifying period, would HO will exercise discretion?
I want to apply a week early as I am away on work trip 2 week after 6th of September and cannot send my application eventually 3-4 weeks after my qualification period.