U's welcome the Iron for cup replay
Oxford United welcome one of the National League’s in form sides when they take on Braintree Town on Tuesday night in an Emirates FA Cup first round replay at the Kassam Stadium.
A Ryan Taylor striker was cancelled out by a goal from Braintree skipper Kenny Davis last week to set up an intriguing looking replay between two sides on hot streaks at the moment.
“It’s a good test again” Michael Appleton said. “Braintree have had two good results since the first game and will come here looking to cause an upset, but we have had two good results ourselves and so it sets it up nicely.
“We had the chances to win it first time around but credit to Braintree. This time we have home advantage but I expect another close game. They scored six on Saturday at Halifax, but their success this season has usually been built around a solid defensive record. They don’t concede too many but we have done well at home all season and got another win against Cambridge so we are playing with plenty of confidence here.”
A match against Forest Green Rovers at home awaits the winners on Tuesday night but Michael refuses to get too far ahead.
“We know it’s another home game if we get through but it’s dangerous to look too far ahead. We’ll just focus on Tuesday night, and then another big game away at Dagenham on Saturday in the league.”
The U’s will be without skipper Jake Wright once again but could have defender Sam Long available after he returned to full training following an ankle injury.
“Sam is slightly ahead of schedule and he’s had a week in full training now” Michael said. “He was doing well before the injury and comes back at a good time with so many games at the moment. We’ll just keep an eye on him in training and provided there’s no reaction then he comes into our thoughts.
“There were one or two knocks and bruises after Saturday’s game so we will have a look, see what we think and then put out a team we think will get us through the tie and into the next round.”
See Sam Long, Chey Dunkley and a full Preview Show in Yellow Player HD where you can hear the whole game LIVE on Tuesday night.
Prices are reduced in all areas for this game – call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to join s for a great night of FA Cup football.