Kevin Sandwith returns to Oxford United’s side at Chelmsford on Saturday still harbouring a Wembley dream, after just missing out on an FA Trophy final nine years ago.

The 31-year-old defender comes back into the U’s starting line-up because Anthony Tonkin is cup-tied.

And he is relishing the opportunity.

“With ‘Tonks’ being cup-tied it’s an opportunity for me, and one I need to take,” said Sandwith.

“Rhys Day has shown it can be done. He worked hard on his fitness after getting an injury at the start of the season.

“He’s pushed himself hard, took his opportunity when he came and will probably stay in the team now until the end of the season.

“I’ve got bad memories of the Trophy, so I’d like to put that right,” Sandwith added.

“When I was with Telford we just missed out on the final, losing to Canvey Island.

“It’s good that the final’s at Wembley now, it’s a fantastic stage and a big prize.

“It’s still everybody’s dream to play at Wembley, I’d love to. I’ve played in the play-off final for Lincoln at the Millennium Stadium, but that’s just a cheap Welsh version!”

New signing Chris Hargreaves is also included in United’s squad, while Adam Murray is out with a back injury.

Chelmsford have lost their last two games, but before that the Clarets were on a 13-game unbeaten run.

Captain David Rainford missed the last match, against Staines, with an ankle injury so may be a doubt.

Chelmsford head coach Glenn Pennyfather said: “It won’t be all-out defence from us.

“We’ve got to have a go at them and we’re certainly not frightened. It’s a win-win game for us because we can go out there and enjoy the atmosphere and the occasion without anyone expecting us to beat Oxford.

“Our squad is capable and we know we will need to be on top of our game if we’re going to be victorious, but we know we can be.”

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Batt, Day, Wright, Sandwith, Deering, Bulman, Clist, Potter, Constable, Midson, Turley, Hargreaves, M Green, F Green, Creighton, Chapman, Cook.