Avenue take on Spennymoor United for the first time in their history as they look to go all the way in the Challenge Cup.

Flying high in the UniBond Premier Division, Avenue turn their silverware search to the league cup tonight at Horsfall Stadium, a competition in which they reached the final last season.

The now-departed Paul Wharton missed the vital kick as Avenue went down 5-4 on penalties to Accrington Stanley in April.

And they will hoping to go one better tonight as they enter the competition at the second round stage.

In a season where promotion is not a possibility, and the FA Cup dream was killed off by Bridlington, a bit of cup glory will not go amiss.

"We got promoted from Division One two years ago and had a steadying season last year," said full-back James, who bagged two in the competition last season including the 89th-minute strike in the final.

"So a top six finish and winning a cup is our aim for this year. We are the form side at the moment, I watched Accrington Stanley at the weekend and they don't look as good as us.

"We are playing great attacking football at the moment and we want to do well in all competitions."

And the addition of Ian Richards, expected to make his season debut tonight after his FIFA ban, is a welcome one for a side with a paper-thin squad.

"Injuries and suspensions permitting we will be a force to be reckoned with this season," added James, struggling to get on the scoresheet from defence this season after penalty duties were taken off him.

"So having Ian Richards with us now is a good thing. He is a tidy player and I think his summer in New Zealand has done him a lot of good.

"He has been training hard with us all season and it will be good for him to be able to play.

"For the squad he is like a new signing."

Andy Quinn, injured in an x-rated challenge against Droyslden, misses out.

Avenue have bolstered their squad ahead of a busy month of league and cup action with the signing of full-back Gary Reece from Belper Town.

Reece, who has played at Barnsley and was on loan at Frickley last season, is expected to be added to the squad for tonight's clash.