HAVING previously missed out on a dream date with Premier League giants Arsenal, Ashley Nicholls is hoping to make amends with a memorable run in this season’s FA Cup.

The 29-year-old was playing for Darlington back in 2003 when they crashed out of the third round at the hands of non-League Farnborough Town.

And to compound the midfielder’s misery, the Hampshire outfit were handed a glamour tie with the Gunners at the next stage.

Taking a trip down memory lane, the former Ipswich man said: “I went out one year when I was at Darlington to Farnborough, who were a league below us, and they got Arsenal in the next round.

“I think someone else I went out to one year got Liverpool or another Premier League team in the next round, so I haven’t got too many great memories of the cup. It would be nice to have some before I finish playing.”

In order to progress to the third qualifying round, the Magpies must this Saturday defeat Weston-super-Mare – a side that easily beat them 3-1 just last week in Blue Square Bet South action.

Nicholls added: “A nice run in the FA Cup is great for every club. It’s important financially and it would be great to go on a run and maybe get someone decent in a later round.

“It makes the season for some supporters and the players as well, especially the younger ones. It brings a great feeling for everyone.

“It’s a bit unfortunate we pulled out someone else in our league but you’ve got to beat a couple of good teams to get your rewards. If we give a performance like we did against Woking we will have every chance of getting the result we want.

“The last game against Weston was disappointing for everybody and you can’t afford to have so many players having an off-day.

“However, everyone picked themselves up for Saturday and although it was nice to get a better performance we need results right now.”

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Woking heaped more pressure on under-fire boss Ashley Vickers, whose side have now lost three on the bounce.

Nicholls said: “Woking’s budget is probably three times the size of ours and they’ve got players who have been there and done it at this level.

“We’ve got some good players here but some will be a bit inconsistent. If we can get people performing regularly we will get on a roll.”

First and foremost, Nicholls is concentrating on recovering from a slight niggle.

He added: “My hamstring was a bit tight on Saturday but our physio Damion Maston knows what he’s doing and I’m doing all I can to get fit for the weekend.”

* Dorchester Town Reserves drew 1-1 with their Bemerton Heath Harlequins counterparts last night.