DARWEN boss Steve Mullen is hoping the excitement he has for the FA Cup rubs off on his players.

Mullen graced the world's top knock-out competition in his Bury days and also at the non-league end with Clitheroe and his current club.

"I always look forward to FA Cup games because they're great occasions, especially if you're at home," said Mullen as his side prepares to welcome Brandon United in tomorrow's preliminary round tie.

"The atmosphere is different to league games and people will come and watch just because it's the FA Cup.

"If we come out winners we know we are at home in the second round so that's another incentive.

"The lads are up for Saturday's game because a lot of them haven't played in the FA Cup before and there's no pressure on them.

"They are relaxed because in the league the pressure has been building for us to get points so hopefully we'll see a different display."

Darwen have suffered defeats to Winsford and Daisy Hill in North West Counties Division Two in the past week but Mullen hasn't been downhearted.

"We've only lost by the odd goal in those games," added the manager. "We just need to keep switched on for the full 90 minutes."

Mullen has a full squad to choose from for the visit of Northern League Brandon.