Omari Sterling-James wants another season of FA Cup magic at Ebbsfleet.

The summer signing was part of the Kidderminster side that reached the Fourth Round last season before bowing out to Premier League West Ham.

He’s back on the cup trail again this term, producing a man-of-the-match display to knock out FC Halifax 2-1 on Saturday and set up a Second Round tie with League 1 Fleetwood Town later this month.

“After getting that far, I’d love to do it again and make history for Ebbsfleet this season,” said the 29-year-old winger.

“Ebbsfleet haven’t been past round one in a few years so it’s nice for the fans that came out to see little old Ebbsfleet get this far again.

“Everyone loves the FA Cup, all the fans come out to watch an upset. Even if you’re five leagues below the opposition there’s still hope that you can win the game.

"It’s 90 minutes, 11 versus 11 and whoever can get the win.

“I love the FA Cup. It’s getting the chance to prove yourself against so-called better opposition.

“There’s an excitement about the FA Cup. I know we’re back to replays now but it’s just a one-off tie, you win the game and get through another round.

“You have to leave everything out there for 90 minutes and just hope that what you’ve done is enough to see your team through.”

It’s the second successive season that Sterling-James has knocked out FC Halifax, with Kidderminster’s run also seeing them defeat Championship outfit Reading along the way.

“I spoke to the Halifax gaffer after the game and he told me to leave them alone!” said Sterling-James.

“I beat them last season in the FA Cup so that’s 2-0 to me now.

“It’s a great competition, it’s what everyone dreams about playing in and getting as far as you can.”

The West Ham game will live long in the memory, with a late equaliser by England international Declan Rice after Kidderminster had led through Alex Penny’s 19th-minute goal.

Rice scored in the first minute of stoppages and the Hammers went through after Jarrod Bowen scored in the last minute of extra-time.

“It was a great game and I thought we had them until the 90th minute and Declan Rice came on and decided to break our hearts,” recalled Sterling-James.

“It was an enjoyable experience and one that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. You want to play against the big boys and show what you are about.”

It was a summer of change for Sterling-James, who made the surprise switch to Stonebridge Road.

He’s been an integral part of manager Dennis Kutrieb’s plans, making 14 starts and three substitute appearances so far.

“I’ve enjoyed it - how can I not?” he stated. “We’re unbeaten all season and at the top of the table so it’s enjoyable.

“It’s been a different culture than at previous clubs, the gaffer has different ideas and thought processes on the game which I’ve had to come in and learn.

“I’ve had to establish myself in a league that doesn’t know me, impose myself and show everyone what I’m about.

"Bit by bit, I think I’m getting 1% better every day. I hope it carries on and that it’s enough to get us over the line.”

The only thing missing now is an Ebbsfleet goal for Sterling-James.

Kutrieb asked him if the Fleet had seen the best of him prior to the cup game, and it prompted an honest reply when he got the same line of questioning at the weekend.

“Funnily enough the gaffer asked me the same question after training on Friday and I said to him ‘no, you haven’t yet’,” said Sterling-James. “He said he wants to get that out of me.

“I know I’m getting better each day and hopefully I can show everybody what I can do.

“Hopefully I score soon. I’m not playing badly but it would be nice to score a goal in front of the fans just for personal pride.

“I would be happy to score one from half a yard right now if it means getting that over the line, if it goes in from one or 10 yards then I’m not bothered but as long as we’re winning then I won’t let it affect me.”

Rakish Bingham and substitute Greg Cundle fired Ebbsfleet back to the top of National League South with a 2-1 win at Hampton on Tuesday night.

The Fleet host Tonbridge this Saturday and visit Cheshunt on Tuesday night.