DIDCOT Town’s Jack Self is hopeful that their televised tie at home to Exeter City on Sunday will be the perfect occasion to make his mark.

The midfielder was on the books at Oxford United as a boy, joining Oxford City when he was released, but hasn’t given up hope of playing professionally one day.

He said: “A lot of our players were at professional clubs when they were younger, so to pit themselves against professionals now is an extra incentive to cause an upset and maybe show we could have been there.”

Self is now hoping to impress on Sunday and catch the eye of potential suitors.

And after being named Didcot’s young player of the season last year, he is full of confidence.

“It’s been a great experience for me,” he said.

“I’ve got my love of playing football back and to be here now with a massive game on Sunday is everything you could ask for.

“It gives you a platform, maybe not for a professional deal, but to impress other clubs who may be watching.

“It (turning pro) will always be one of my dreams.”

Meanwhile, defender Adam Learoyd is bidding to banish bad memories of the competition.

Learoyd was part of the Oxford City side which reached the first round in 2011, but slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Redbridge in a replay.

He said: “I can remember it quite well; it was a foggy old night and they managed to beat us.

“I know how bad that felt, so I don’t want to experience that again.

“We’re underdogs, but hopefully we have a good chance of causing a cup upset.”

Learoyd has netted four goals for Didcot so far in the competition, including winners against VCD Athletic and Northwood.

And he is confident that this time he will be on the right end of an FA Cup shock.

“Even though we’re a few divisions apart and it’s quite a wide gap, we’re going to work hard, press them and get in their faces,” Learoyd said.

“We’ll pass it as well and try to better them, but it’s going to be difficult, no doubt about it.

“Exeter have been out a few times before in this round, so we fancy our chances because it could be on their minds.”