THE eagerly anticipated FA Cup draw has given Accrington Stanley a home tie against Conference rivals Leigh RMI - a repeat of last year's fourth qualifying round.

And the Reds will be hoping it is an omen to replicate the success of last year where Stanley saw off Leigh and then league sides Huddersfield and Bournemouth, got national coverage before slipping to a third round defeat at Colchester.

"We have got to be happy with being at home but it is certainly no cake-walk as Leigh showed last year and earlier this season," said boss John Coleman, after Stanley beat them 2-0 in the cup and 2-1 in the league this season.

"We have just got to try and beat them especially for the financial rewards the FA Cup brings.

"This is needed after we have just paid for two operations in the last week on Rory and Jon! But we want to get as far as we can in the competition."

Midfielder Andy Procter, who made his return to the starting line-up on Saturday at Aldershot after missing the start of the season through injury, is looking forward to the match a week on Saturday.

"A home game is a good one for us but we will be expected to beat Leigh so it will be hard," said Procter.

And defender Jonathan Smith is aware of the pitfalls awaiting any side who get over-complacent in this competition.

"We are obviously confident we can beat them," said the 28-year-old. "We did earlier this season but that was the start of our mini slump when we went on a run of defeats.

"They played well so we know we have to raise our game but I think we can put in a better performance."

Skipper Peter Cavanagh admits Stanley have struggled to perform against the lower sides this season - but he is confident they can come out on top in the FA Cup.

"It is a case of deja vu. Hopefully we will play to our best and emulate what we did last season.

"There are decent rewards for getting through the first hurdle so we know we need to acquit ourselves well and make sure we get into the first and second rounds and then see what happens."

  • ACCRINGTON Stanley have a bye in the first round of the Lancashire FA Marsden Challenge Trophy. The Reds lost to Morecambe in the two-legged final last season. NWCL Division One side Great Harwood travel to Nelson.