By general consensus, bad-boy wing-wizard Dean Calcutt's presence in the first leg would have given Avenue an unassailable lead.

But the suspended winger missed out and is desperate to "help out the lads" tonight.

Feared by Stanley boss John Coleman, Calcutt is set to be a pivotal player in the second leg of the UniBond Challenge Cup final.

A few late challenges and a bit of retaliation helped the player rack up ten bookings in a turbulent season meaning a two-match suspension, the second of which was the home leg of the final, which Avenue won 1-0 courtesy of an injury-time goal from full-back Martin James.

And Calcutt, sent-off for the third time on Saturday, has got something to prove.

"It was so frustrating watching the final from the bench," said Calcutt, a key part of the three-pronged Avenue attack that has bagged over 100 goals this season.

"When Accrington were down to nine men, I wished I could have been out there. There was so much space out wide, it would have been the perfect time for me to make a difference.

"We didn't really have an outlet and we played with hardly any width which made things easier for them to hold on.

"It was great to get a goal and things are really set-up for the second leg.

"I think I owe it to the lads to have a good game to make up for my silly suspension, I want to play my part in winning the cup at their place."

Stanley manager Coleman, who was scouting Avenue at last week's trip to Runcorn, was impressed with Calcutt's performance.

"When we were down to nine men, he would have done us some serious damage," he said.

"He will be one to watch in the second leg, he is a very talented young man."

Following his suspension, Calcutt had pledged to clean up his act, and his discipline has noticeably improved - he failed to retaliate despite some recent rough treatment at both Runcorn and Bishop Auckland.

But after yet another red card indiscretion just three days ago, travelling Avenue supporters will be praying he keeps his cool tonight.

l First leg goal hero Martin James, player of the month for March, has changed his prediction for the second meeting of these two historic clubs.

James, a former Accrington Stanley player, promised a goalfest at Horsfall Stadium in the first meeting of the free-scoring sides.

But he was wide of the mark, his slotted finish in injury-time the only score registered on the night.

And he is hoping for even fewer tonight.

"I would take 0-0," said the journeyman full-back.

"The goals didn't come in the first leg and I would settle for that at their place.

"We are desperate to win the trophy and set ourselves up for a big season next year - we will give it everything out there."