Darlington must cope with the loss of inspirational skipper Craig Liddle or risk FA Cup heartache, manager Mick Tait last night warned.

The Quakers defender is suspended for his side's FA Cup first round clash at Ryman Premier League outfit Hornchurch a week on Sunday after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in Saturday's home defeat to Bury.

"It's always a blow when Lids is not there but we can't rely on one player and we have to cope when he's not there," said Tait.

"You know what you get with Craig. He's one of those players who you know what you're going to get back with him.

"There are some players you can hang your hat on for a performance and he is one of them."

Tait has already began his homework on their non-league opponents and early reports suggest his side will have to be at their best to seal a second round place against the ambitious Essex side, who have players with top flight experience such as former West Ham duo Keith Rowland and Steve Jones and ex-QPR striker Bradley Allen.

"I've made a few phone calls, spoke to a few people and it's going to be a tough game because they're big payers and have some good players in their team," said Tait.

"It's a very tricky one for us. They have a big wage bill and they're expected to go up from where they are so I'm expecting a really difficult game.

"We'll need to be at the top of our game on the day."

Tait appears to have abandoned his search for a new striker after Glen Robson returned to training this week.

The former Blyth Spartans man has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury.

With Barry Conlon out until at least November with an ankle injury, Tait last week saw a loan move for Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello fall through after the youngster opted for a move to Third Division rivals Swansea City.

However with 25-year-old Robson fit again, the Quakers boss is unlikely to add to his attacking options. Meanwhile, Turkish defender Erdem Artun has left the club.

The former Ipswich Town full-back joined the club on a short-term deal during the summer following a successful trial spell.

However, the 20-year-old failed to make a single appearance for Quakers this season following a knee injury, which was ultimately behind the club's decision not to extend the youngster's month-to-month contract with the club.

l Tickets for Saturday's game with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium are now on sale from the Reynolds Arena ticket office. Fans buying tickets in advance will be entitled to a reduced rate.

Adults can pay £17.50 on the day or £14.50 in advance. Under 16s and OAP's can pay £11.50 on the day or £6 in advance