| City all fired up
for Cup! 16 November 1999 |
| OXFORD
City will be hoping it's third time lucky for tonight's
FA Cup first-round second replay at the Manor against
Wycombe Wanderers. In the previous episode of this ongoing saga, Paul Lee's heroes were just five penalty kicks away from claiming the scalp of the Nationwide Division 2 side, but were cruelly denied their moment of glory by a blown fuse and a smoke alarm at Adams Park. Now, after 210 minutes of football and two 1-1 draws, they have got to do it all again. |
City
manager Lee said: "I thought there was nothing
between the two sides over the last two games. I am
hoping that our fans get right behind us and give us the
lift we need. "In the last two games, our fans have been vastly outnumbered, but hopefully it will be different this time." After last week's shambolic end to what was a superb blue and white performance, City will be right up for this match. |
Lee
added: "I'm hoping that last week's events will work
in our favour and fire the players up. That was a great
chance for us to go through." City are back to full strength as Lee's gamble to rest five players for Friday's Ryman League match with Wealdstone paid a handsome dividend. Not only did City win 2-1, but the five players in question, Justin Lee, Dwaine Strong, Stewart McCleary and Garry Smart are all fit and well and should start tonight. |
The
only injury doubt is defender Michael Thorp, who
aggravated an ankle injury on Friday. Wycombe will be without the suspended Jason Cousins, but Keith Ryan and Dave Carroll are both back from injury. Gavin Rose impressed on his City debut on Friday and the 20-year-old midfielder, who used to be on Crystal Palace's books, performed so well that Lee has included him in tonight's squad. Oxford City: Foster, Morrisey, Peirson, Smart, Hayward, Dark, Sweeney, Lee, Wimble, Strong, Davy, Hulbert, McCleary, Smith, Emsden, Rose, Potter, Tassel, Thorp. |