Caretaker boss Mick Tait is hoping the attraction of the FA Cup will bring fans back for this afternoon's second round clash with Stevenage Borough.

Quakers narrowly missed out on a mouthwatering fourth round tie with neighbours Newcastle last season when they eventually succumbed to Peterborough in a replay.

And Tait, with just one defeat in his seven games in charge, has called on the club's stay-away fans to return for Quakers' final FA Cup season at Feethams.

"It's a special competition and I hope the supporters come through the turnstiles and cheer the players on," said Tait.

"The players are desperate to put on a good show for the supporters and hopefully if we do that we can bring some of the fans back."

The form book would suggest a comfortable home win for Quakers against a side struggling at the foot of the Conference and with just one win in their last six games.

However, the FA Cup has a habit of causing the odd upset and Tait is well aware of the perils the competition brings.

"We will be favourites because we're at home and higher than them but it's still going to be a tough game," said Tait.

"We've had a few people out watching them and they're not as bad as their league table suggests. There's a lot of hard work to be done.

"We're at home so we don't have to worry about the opposition too much although we will be taking a certain amount of caution and be aware of what they can do.

"It's a massive game with both teams desperate to get through to the next round. They'll be a good, hardworking side and the prize means a lot to both sides.''

Indeed, the prize itself is £30,000 for reaching the third round but Tait is more concerned with matters on the pitch and has one eye on what could be around the corner.

"Teams get to this stage and think ahead to the next round," said Tait. "Even though they know they're not going to win the FA Cup the third round is massive for lower teams.

"We're all desperate to get through and draw a big one."

Tait has yet to decide on whether to recall skipper Craig Liddle who missed last week's win over Southend through suspension.

It seems unimaginable that the inspirational captain faces a fight to regain his place and it is a sign of how far Quakers have come under Tait.

However, Tait has shown he's not afraid to wield the axe with the likes of Neil Maddison and Mark Ford bearing the brunt of Tait's ruthless style.

Matt Clarke and Stuart Whitehead both staked their claims with solid performances last week and Tait admitted he faces a tough decision.

"It would be difficult to leave out Craig but I'm sure if I play Matt and Stuart he will have few complaints," said Tait.

"In fact he was the first to sing their praises so he's well aware of how well they did last week.

"It's going to be a tough decision but it's one which I will have to make. I think whoever comes in at the back will do a good job."

One player who will be keen to impress is goalkeeper Chris Porter.

The 23-year-old is Quakers' only available shot stopper with Andy Collett out injured and on-loan Michael Ingham unavailable.

Midfielder Maddison is expected to be named as Darlington's substitute keeper as Porter makes only his third start of the season.

"Chris was unlucky not to get in after Andy Collett was injured," said Tait.

"He accepted the situation and understands. I'm sure he will make the most of this opportunity."

On-loan striker Richard Offiong will make his second start for the club alongside the in-form Barry Conlon, who has scored in each of his last three outings

Stevenage boss Wayne Turner is no stranger to Quakers. He was assistant boss at Peterborough when they beat Dave Hodgson's side in the 1999 play-off final.

He is without three players for today's game with captain Jason Goodliffe out injured and Stuart Fraser and on-loan striker Richard Pacquette are both suspended.

* After securing the services of Ashley Nicholls and Ryan Valentine for another season on Thursday, Quakers yesterday tied down midfielder Clark Keltie with a two-and-a-half year deal.

The youngster has been a revelation since breaking into Tait's side and chairman George Reynolds welcomed the news.

"Clark loves the club and is delighted to have signed a new contract," said Reynolds. "He's looking forward to playing in the new stadium and he told me he doesn't want to play anywhere else."

Read more about the Quakers here.