A place in the first-round proper of the FA Cup is within touching distance for Bradford Park Avenue as they head for UniBond Premier Division rivals Runcorn FC Halton tomorrow.

Avenue won the league meeting at the Halton Stadium this season but manager Trevor Storton insists that will have no bearing on the cup clash.

"It is a huge game and I think it will be tight, 50/50 because were know all about each other - we are in the same league. We are both capable of beating each other on the day.

"There will be no giant-killing or walkover win for either team. If we work hard we have a chance but it will not be easy. We need to stick to our jobs and make sure we don't give anything away."

Storton's men have not played since they beat Vauxhall Motors - also league rivals - in a third qualifying-round replay.

But Avenue are clear of injury. Robbie Painter returned to the squad for the first time this season to score in the 3-1 replay success and Richard Tracey is back in contention after a month's loan at Ossett Town.

"We have had some hard training sessions this week and the lads have looked excellent - really sharp and bright.

"I don't know if it's the excitement of the FA Cup or the lay-off or both but there is a real buzz at the club."

Skipper Wayne Benn feels that the players have had the perfect preparation and he insists that they will not be lulled into thinking they have a psychological edge because of their league win.

"I don't think anyone is reading anything into that result.

"It was a game we should never have won, it was like the Alamo at times and cup football is different anyway," said the captain.

Bradford Park Avenue (from): Boswell, Mitchell, Quinn, Wood, Crossley, Serrant, Stansfield, Wright, Benn, Smith, Oleksewycz, Hayward, Maxwell, Painter, Tracey, Walsh.