PAUL Cox is not looking past Guiseley's replay at Accrington tonight despite the prize of a dream FA Cup second-round date on offer.

A trip to Mansfield is at stake for the winners – an extra incentive, given that Cox and new assistant Adam Murray have both managed the Stags.

The Guiseley boss admits it would be a special occasion to return to Field Mill with the National League side but knows they face a major task to get there.

Cox said: "When Mansfield came out, the wife looked at me. It would be a romantic tie for me and people like Adam, who has just come in.

"But we have got to try and beat a very good side who are flying high in the league above us first.

"I like to walk before I can run and if we are fortunate enough to get a good result tonight, I might start to dream about going back to one of my old clubs and meeting some fabulous people who I worked with there.

"I keep in touch with (Mansfield owner) John Radford and my wife keeps in touch with (chief executive) Carolyn. It was a great period of my career.

"If it were to happen – and it is a big if – I would love it as we had some great times there with fantastic people. It would only be a positive.

"We are in the game for the Sunday afternoon we recently had and the romance of the FA Cup and it creates memories, dreams and aspirations.

"If we get to play Mansfield, it will mean that we have played very well and won a huge game. There's a lot to be done before then."

Guiseley would have beaten Accrington nine days ago but for the heroics of Stanley keeper Aaron Chapman. But they will be without suspended skipper Ash Palmer for the return after his weekend red card against Bromley.

Cox said: "There's no pressure on us. We'll try and create a bit of history.

"With Accrington's form this season, the bookmakers will have it down as a clear home win. The beauty about the FA Cup is that anything can happen.

"We won't set up defensively. We'll try and score goals and win the game."

Cox has hinted that Guiseley have practised penalties in case the tie goes the full distance.

"We'll always prepare right and do our homework," he said.

"I always want the players to be in a position when they look at the bench and know that we've planned for the one per cents.

"That one per cent, who knows? I'm an eternal optimist. Stranger things have happened."