DARLINGTON’S annual attempt to win an FA Cup tie takes place today, Quakers hoping this will finally be the season they can enjoy a run in the competition.

The club have long had a wretched record in the FA Cup, and it’s become a source of frustration for fans who would enjoy seeing their team progress, while the prizemoney available at each stage is not inconsiderable.

Winners of today’s second qualifying tie at Blackwell Meadows, where South Shields are the visitors, receive £4,500, with £7,500 available in the next round, and manager Martin Gray is aware how important a cup run would be.

“We need to have a good run, that’s one thing we’ve talked about with the people upstairs,” said Gray, who saw his team get back on track with a first win in eight games on Wednesday, 3-0 against FC United of Manchester.

“You always want to progress as far as you can, and South Shields will as well.

“It won’t be an easy game, there’ll be fantastic support for both clubs and it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“They’ll be well supported and because it’s a big one it makes sure you can’t afford to lose your concentration.”

Since Gray became manager in 2012 Darlington have been victorious in only one FA Cup game, against West Auckland in 2014, losing at the first hurdle last year to Lancaster City and Hyde United the year before.

Both draws had appeared favourable, and while Darlington did not progress, Gray refutes the claim that he does not treat the competition with the same level of respect that he affords the league.

He said: “We’ve been poor the last four or five seasons. I’ve taken the FA Cup seriously ever year but we just have not done well.

“We’ve got to do well this year because there’s so much to gain from it – prestige, finance, excitement.

“It’s a tough game but believe me I want a win and to take the team as far as I can.”

Gray can call on Kevin Burgess despite his red card on Wednesday as the suspension does not start for seven days, so he is also available if a replay is required on Tuesday, but there will be no Nathan Cartman as he is cup-tied.

Gray gave Farsley Celtic permission to use him in the FA Cup a fortnight ago during a loan spell, so Stephen Thompson is likely to come into the starting XI.

One player certain to start is Joe Wheatley, who caught the eye on his first start on Wednesday, finally given his chance by Gray, who explained the youngster had been eager to play.

“I thought he was man of the match,” said the manager. “I couldn’t get him into the team in the first four games because we were doing so well.

“He’s been texting me and ringing me, desperate to play! I told him his chance would come, be patient, and I don’t think he could’ve had a better debut.

“He’s had a virus so he missed one or two training sessions, but he’s been getting closer and closer to the team and on Wednesday I thought he played with a maturity to his game, I don’t think he gave the ball away.

“He’s a young lad who has not played at this level before, he’s from academy football, so he’s been thrown in there and he was outstanding.

“He broke well from midfield and I’m delighted he got a goal. It’s always nice to see a player score on his debut, but even without that goal he was outstanding.”

Backed by close to 800 fans, rejuvenated South Shields are sure to provide a test for Quakers.

Having won the Northern League title last season, they are top of the Evo-Stik First North, the division Lancaster won promotion from last season, and have lost just one of their last 47 matches in all competitions.

That came seven days ago at Colwyn Bay, ending a run of 29 consecutive wins away from home. The Mariners had not tasted defeat since November 5, 2016, and had won 44 of their 45 games since then.

One of the wins was at Wembley in May in the FA Vase final, while Julio Arca and ex-Spennymoor striker Gavin Cogdon are in their team.

They got back on track on Tuesday, winning 2-1 at Colne, for whom former Quakers striker Lee Gaskell played.

Today’s match had been declared all-ticket for Darlington fans, but they will now have cash turnstiles open for home fans only.