Micky Stockwell goes into Colchester United's FA Cup first round tie against Chester City tomorrow hoping to write another new chapter of his history.

The evergreen former Ipswich Town favourite has been as far as a fifth round replay against Liverpool at Anfield and the quarter-finals against Arsenal.

But he's never played in the second round in his entire 20-year professional career.

He said: "The cup still holds all its magic for me and I want to be in the hat for Sunday's second round draw.

"When I was at Ipswich we always came into the competition in the third round, but I've never been beyond the first in my two previous seasons with Colchester."

Stockwell's hopes are echoed by U's boss Steve Whitton who remembers only too well previous first round defeats at the hands of non-league opposition in Sutton United, Gravesend, Bedlington Terriers and Yeovil Town.

Whitton said: "Everyone only remembers when the little guys win.

"That's why Colchester fans are still talking about the win over Leeds back in the 1970's and the 1947-48 cup run when the club reached the fifth round.

"The FA Cup is renowned for its giant-killings and upsets because even the best can be beaten by the little teams whose players play out of their skins on the day.

"We must make sure Chester don't do that to us tomorrow.

"They are going to be very tough opponents for us. That's another reason why I'd rather play a Football League side that we know.

"I will be telling my lads to go out there and make it happen on the day."

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Published Friday November 15, 2002

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