Non-league giant-killers Accrington Stanley will be turning out at Layer Road tonight for the first time since their League demise in 1962.
The high-flying Nationwide Conference outfit - one of the 12 original clubs that formed the Football League back in 1888 - will be aiming to keep their major cup hopes alive after bowing out of the FA Trophy third round, 4-2, at Nigel Clough's Burton Albion on Saturday.
The talented Lancastrians are due in town to take on the U's in a FA Cup third-round replay after enjoying the lion's share of a goalless first tie at their packed Crown Ground ten days ago.
Conquerers of Nationwide League Third Division Huddersfield Town and Second Division Bournemouth in the first two rounds, manager John Coleman and his cup-fighting part-timers come to Essex with nothing to fear.
With a fourth-round away tie at managerless Division One outfit Coventry City awaiting the winners, the Layer Road fans could be in for a real treat.
The U's will be without suspended utility man Karl Duguid.
However, central defender Alan White is back in the squad after missing the tie in Accrington because of a one-match ban.
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Published Tuesday January 13, 2004
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