By Jordan Young
After a 0-0 draw in their first match, Guiseley manager Paul Cox is determined that the FA Cup pressure will not be too much for them going into the replay against League Two Accrington Stanley on Tuesday.
“The performance [against Accrington] was more than good enough to win the match and apart from an outstanding display by their keeper, we would be in the second round,” said Adam, of the Guiseley Supporters’ Club.
Cox has already taken three non-league clubs to round three, and says he will not give up on the National League side, despite the 42 places between the sides.
Both teams have three wins and one loss in their last five league games, but with four clean sheets in their last five outings, Accrington appear to be doing all they can to keep this going into the game on Tuesday.
Guiseley need to keep their hopes high as they have failed to score in 59 per cent of their away matches, but key players such as Kevin Hurst, Lee Molyneux and Mike Fondop may be able to keep them in the game.
“Fondop could cause the hosts problems, he has been a really good discovery by Paul Cox.”
He boosted his reputation in the first game against Accrington as a few shots were saved by keeper Aaron Chapman. Cox said:“He needs a lot of work, he is a bit raw at the minute. But he has masses of potential.”
Cox confirmed that his players will be practicing penalties. He said: “We will always prepare right and do our homework. We will always do what we feel is needed to win a game. If it is penalties that could decide it, then we will practice them.”
The Lions are hoping that both their determination and the unpredictability of the cup can earn them a place in the second round of the competition for the first time in their history. Cox used to manage Mansfield, which will give them an extra incentive tonight to win, and face his former club.
Cox said: “I always want the players to be in a position when they look at the bench and know that we have planned for the ‘one per cents’.
“That one per cent, who knows, I am an eternal optimist. Stranger things have happened.”