JAMIE Chandler feels that his new club Gateshead have what it takes to emulate Darlington and win the FA Trophy.

The former Quakers midfielder scored a debut goal for the Heed against Braintree Town in the competition’s second round tie at the International Stadium but after the Iron’s late leveller in the 2-2 draw it wasn’t enough to secure a place in the last 16.

However, Chandler is dreaming of scoring a knockout strike in Essex this evening to ensure progress and book a February date with Alfreton Town.

Chandler told The Journal: “It would be great to get the winner tonight.

“We have enough to beat them.

“They came to us and set there stall out, they were tough to be beat.

“They’re strong but they hit us with two sucker punches. Tonight they will come out and try to attack us.”

Chandler helped end Gateshead’s run in the Trophy last year after the Quakers put the Tynesiders out at the last four stage.

Now he hopes to use his experience to help bring the Trophy up the A1.

He said: “It’s a great competition, and I was lucky to go to Wembley and win it with Darlington. It’s one we can win here too.

“We have to be ambitious and the aim is to get to Wembley.”

Now focusing on Alan Devonshire’s side, Chandler said: “We have enough to beat the.

“They scored a great header at the end and it was so disappointing.

“The mood was a bit downbeat but the manager and Terry Mitchell said that we were still in the hat.

“We go down there and maybe they will open up a bit, we might be able to attack them and get a few goals.”

Chandler had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes in a Heed shirt but after grabbing a maiden strike, he is ready to bring more to the table.

He said: “Hopefully there’s more to come from me. I linked up quite well.

“The boys have made me feel quite welcome, now I just want to taste that feeling of scoring again.”

But the overall aim is to get through to face Alfreton at home next month in round three.

He says: “Fingers crossed we can do the job second time of asking. The lads here have done so well and been on a fantastic run. I played against them as a Darlington player. I might have to be patient but it would be good to start.”