Ex-Colchester United and AFC Sudbury favourite Nicky Smith on FA Cup tie

And the former U's favourite will be at the MEL Group Stadium to see how events unfold.

Smith landed the non-league double with Colchester during his four-year spell at Layer Road, scoring at Wembley in their FA Trophy Final win back in 1992.

And after leaving the U's, the former midfielder played for Sudbury Town before later becoming player-manager of AFC Sudbury.

As a bonus, Smith will be at tonight's first-round tie in his football spotting role as Operational Football Officer, for Essex Police.

"I was pleased for local football when the tie came out," said Smith, who made nearly 100 appearances for the U's between 1990 and 1994.

"The FA Cup is special in its own way but it adds a bit of spice to have a local game.

"I was manager of AFC Sudbury and played for them and I also played for Colchester, so it's quite fitting really.

"I'm actually working there on Friday night, which is quite nice and makes it extra special.

"It's great for the town of Sudbury, the club, the players and everyone connected with the club.

"I hope they enjoy it and savour every moment - give it your best shot and best performance.

"It's a little bit a case of divided loyalties for me but my main football success was at Colchester and I'd like to see them do well and go further in the competition.

"Times have been tough for all clubs and AFC Sudbury will like to make a nice earner out of the game and will be looking to go further.

"I had some great times at Colchester and I just wish we'd had a decent run in it when I was there.

"Colchester have played Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and Tottenham in the FA Cup over recent years, but I never experienced that.

"It's there for them if they really want it.

"It's an occasion to savour and I think they'll all remember it, in years to come.

"It's what I call a free hit against a league team and with it being Colchester, it's extra special.

"They've got nothing to lose and they can just go out and enjoy the occasion and give a good account of themselves, irrespective of what the score is.

"From a Colchester point of view, they can't underestimate what performance AFC Sudbury are going to put in.

"They know that they're going to fight for every ball and take every opportunity they get to score.

"Colchester just have to be professional and do their job, like they do every week in a league game.

"It's a massive banana skin and Colchester have got everything to lose and nothing to gain, within reason.

"Hopefully the professional side will come through for Colchester and they will go there and do a job."

Smith wasn't involved in too many cup upsets during his time at Colchester.

But he played a major part in one of Sudbury Town's most famous days in their history when they knocked Football League side Brighton and Hove Albion out of the FA Cup, in 1996.

After the first-round match had ended in a 0-0 draw, the replay at the Goldstone Ground finished 1-1 with Sudbury winning 4-3 on penalties - and Smith netting the crucial winning spot-kick.

"Brighton were in the fourth tier then and struggling financially and everything was going wrong for them," said Smith, who also played for the likes of Southend United and Wycombe Wanderers during his career.

"Tony English played for Sudbury Town then too, so there was a bit of a Colchester contingent.

"It's just an experience that you'll never, ever forget for any part-time, non-league club to get that far."

Smith, who has now worked as a police officer for 25 years, will be at tonight's game in a working capacity.

The 52-year-old is at U's games home and away fulfilling football spotting duties, keeping a watchful eye on anyone posing a risk element.

Smith added: "When I go to games home and away, people still recognise you especially when things aren't going so well, on the pitch.

"If I had a penny for every time someone said to me 'have you brought your boots?'

"I really enjoy the football side of things.

"I still get goosebumps just watching when the players come out and when they score."