LINCOLN v KETTERING
The Poppies looked set to win the first game but a late equaliser ensured
Lincoln bring the Blue Square Premier high-flyers back to Sincil Bank. However, it won't be easy for an Imps side that has gone off the boil recently facing a no-nonsense Kettering side.
However, the Poppies have suffered a blip themselves recently and manager Mark Cooper wasn't happy after their weekend defeat to Histon and has promised changes for tonight. He said: "Two or three of our lads have, consistently over the last four games with the exception of the first Lincoln game when the pressure was off, not been at it.
"The changes will come across the midfield and up front. We didn't create enough and that's very disappointing. We tried to have a go late on. But people were making the wrong decisions on the ball. If a couple of the players had their minds on Lincoln then it might just have cost them a place in the team.
"Without being blasé, I am not really bothered about the FA Cup because the league is our bread and butter. We aren't going to win the FA Cup. But we are up there in the league so we have to concentrate on that and anything else is a bonus."
CLARKY'S VERDICT: There is a shock in store for Lincoln as Kettering fly the flag for non-league.
ALTRINCHAM v LUTON TOWN
Rock bottom Luton Town face a tricky trip to Moss Lane and the odds on a shock are high. Mick Harford's men won a crunch game against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday but are still 20 points adrift from safety and limped to a goalless draw in the first round tie ten days ago.
And the Hatters' boss is aware of all the potential pitfalls ahead of this tasty-looking clash. He said: "We'll be on our guard. We've marked the players' cards about the possibility, and I'm sure Altrincham will be looking for the possibility, of an upset. They're a good little outfit. They're sitting comfortably in mid-table in the Conference and they'll be a danger for us I'm sure.
"It will be tricky. The crowd will get behind them and they'll make it as vociferous as possible and it'll be a difficult tie for us if we're not spot on like we were on Saturday."
CLARKY'S VERDICT: There is a shock in store for Luton as the Blue Square Premier side advance to a second round meeting with either Southend or Telford.
GRAYS ATHLETIC v CARLISLE
Grays will face league opposition at the New Rec in an FA Cup tie for the first, time hoping they haven't missed their opportunity. The Essex club drew 1-1 at Brunton Park ten days ago when Carlisle were in the middle of a horrendous run.
The Cumbrians hadn't won for 12 games but finally buried that statistic on Saturday when they beat Brighton 3-1 to restore confidence. Nevertheless, Grays' manager Wayne Burnett is convinced his Blue Square Premier side can upset the odds.
"We have got nothing to lose," said Burnett. "The players will be up for it and hopefully there will be a big crowd to support us. We are certainly going to give it our very best."
His views were echoed by midfielder Sam Sloma. He said: "Tuesday will be one of those nights where we won't be under any pressure. We are not expected to win. We are the underdogs and hopefully we can go out there and continue our good form. I don't think we have missed our opportunity after the first tie. They will not want to come down here on a cold Tuesday night. We are looking forward to it."
CLARKY'S VERDICT: Grays can spring a surprise but they may need a penalty shoot-out to see off Carlisle.
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