GRAYS Athletic host their first FA Cup tie against Football League opposition tonight when League One side Carlisle United visit the New Rec for a First Round replay.

The Blue Square Premier side conceded a late equaliser in the first tie in Cumbria, but boss Wayne Burnett and his players are confident they have not missed a giantkilling opportunity.

“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.”

Though still anchored in the Blue Square Premier relegation zone, Burnett is hoping his side have turned the corner in recent weeks.

Grays have lost just once in their past six matches, in all competitions, which includes the 1-1 draw at Carlisle and an impressive 2-0 win over Oxford United on Saturday.

Midfielder Sam Sloma said the side are now beginning to show glimpses of their true potential.

“I think we are starting to look like a team again,” he said. “We were poor for the first 20 minutes on Saturday, but after that we played some good stuff.

“We started going back to doing what we do best.

“Tonight 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.”

Carlisle themselves will be hoping to build on a positive weekend performance in League One.

Tickets for tonight’s game will be on sale from 1pm from the club office at the New Rec.