OMAR HOLNESS is looking forward to his first taste of the FA Cup when Darlington travel to Trafford today.

He is in the squad that will contest the second round qualifying tie, one that sees Quakers take on a team from divisions below them, though Darlington cannot afford to be overly confident.

The club has a poor record in the competition, failing to win a match in it since beating West Auckland in 2014, and have tripped up against lower ranked clubs before.

“Darlington is a club that has gone through so much in the past,” said Holness.

“I am excited about it. Growing up in Jamaica it was the most talked about cup. I believe it’s the most prestigious cup with the most history.

“In Jamaica we see all the Premier League games, of course, but the FA Cup has all the clubs from the lower leagues having a chance to play the top teams and that makes it much more exciting.”

The prospect of taking on clubs from higher up the pyramid is one of the factors that makes the FA Cup so appealing, as is the prize money.

At stake today, as well as a place in the third qualifying round, is £6,750, while even the losers pocket £2,250.

And in the third qualifying round to be played the weekend of October 5 the winners receive £11,250, and Darlington are overdue a run.

Since 2015-16 their first match of the season in the FA Cup has also been their last, falling at the first hurdle against Hyde United, Lancaster City, South Shields and Bradford Park Avenue.

Holness will hope to keep his place in the starting XI having played in each of the last two matches, in midfield last Saturday against York City, and as an emergency right-back a fortnight ago away to Gloucester.

“As a football player it’s a case of anything to get on the pitch, anything to help out your mates,” admitted Holness. “That’s my personality, the attitude I have towards life.

“It’s definitely a learning curve, but having these guys around me, talking me through it and encouraging me makes it so much easier.

“Whether it’s midfield or right-back, the truth is that as long as I get to play and help the lads out is the important thing. We’re going through a tough time with injuries.”

Manager Alun Armstrong will restore Michael Liddle to the line-up, while striker Tyrone O’Neill returns too, but central defender Louis Laing is doubtful.

David Atkinson remains sidelined and is due to see a specialist soon.

Darlington are winless in the league away from this season, losing four of their five fixtures.

Trafford have won twice to reach this stage, each game on home soil, but have not won any of their three home games in the BetVictor North West League.

Last weekend they drew 1-1 at home to Marske United for whom former Quaker Leon Scott was sent off.