Cardiff boss hoping his side can avoid an FA cup upset

CARDIFF manager Neil Warnock hopes his latest trip to Mansfield in tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay will be one to remember – and not for being kicked by Sandy Pate.

The Bluebirds head to Field Mill looking to secure a plum home tie against Premier League leaders Manchester City, which will be broadcast live by BBC One on January 28.

Seasoned campaigner Warnock, though, knows plenty of Mansfield fans will be ready to raise a glass to the efforts of Steve Evans’ men at the Sandy Pate Sports Bar - named after the Scottish right-back who was part of the Fourth Division and Third Division title-winning team between 1975 and 1977.

“We want to get through, but we know that even with a full team Mansfield are quite capable at home of beating us,” said Warnock, whose Cardiff side, chasing promotion to the Premier League, were held to a goalless draw at home.

“It will be a tough game and the atmosphere will be very good because it will be a full house.

“I have had some battles up there and I mentioned Sandy Pate at the (previous) press conference, because he used to kick me.

“I think his auntie or his cousin phoned up and wants to meet me on the day, so I will be going down ‘Memory Lane’.”

Warnock added: “Mansfield is a typical FA Cup ground and it (fourth-round draw) is a great incentive for both teams.”

Stags boss Evans is hoping a bumper home crowd can inspire his team, who remain very much in the hunt for the Sky Bet League Two play-off places.