DAVID Holmes can go some way to erasing one of his worst FA Trophy memories by dumping Margate out of the competition at St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm).

The Worcester City forward was part of the Gloucester City side that was within three minutes of a Wembley appearance in the semi-final of the 1996-97 competition.

Jon Holloway also featured in that match for Gloucester and Holmes can still remember the events leading up to that late heartbreak.

"We were 2-1 up against Dagenham & Redbridge with three minutes to play," recalls Holmes.

"We had a corner and took it short with Dave Webb and me taking three or four more short ones to kill time but the referee came over and told us to stop time-wasting.

"I don't know if Webb had already been booked and was worried about being sent off but he swung the ball into the box, the 'keeper caught it, cleared it up front and they scored.

"I scored the opening goal in the replay but we eventually lost. It was a massive blow because every player dreams of playing at Wembley and we came so close."

Holmes goes into the clash boosted by a goal at Moor Green last week and relishes the prospect of playing against higher league opposition.

"It is a good test because we are aiming to be where they are and it will be a measure of ourselves as a squad and I'm sure for John Barton to play a Conference side," he said.

"They are a well organised side and will be no mugs. In Phil Collins they have someone who knows where the net is and it will be a good test for our back four."

Holloway and Adam Wilde are both suspended after picking up their fifth bookings of the season but Holmes has every confidence in Mitch Counsell if he is picked to deputise for Holloway in midfield.

"It's going to be difficult to lose a player like Jon with his commitment and ability and someone like Adam who can win games single-handedly," said Holmes.

"But at the end of the day we will dig deep because there is good spirit within the squad.

"We are the underdogs without a shadow of a doubt because they are the Conference side, but if we can walk off the pitch, look John in the eye and know we have given 100 per cent we won't have any complaints.

"I think Mitch is a very good player. They got him for nothing and that's good business. I thought he was one of our better players at Halesowen.

"He puts his foot in and doesn't try to complicate things and he's physically strong which you need in this standard of football."

If a replay is required, it will be at Margate's Hartsdown Park ground on Tuesday (7.45).

Margate have been granted permission by the Football Association to play the tie there, although they have been ground-sharing at Dover Athletic this season while their own ground is being redeveloped.

FORMCAST: City to bag a replay with a 1-1 draw.