Darren Patterson has warned his Oxford United side – and the fans – that Saturday's FA Cup clash with Hayes & Yeading will be no walk in the park.

The U's are warm favourites to progress to the first round proper against their Blue Square South opponents.

But Patterson says that United will only go through if they are at the top of their game.

"Our home form has been good of late and hopefully that will continue, but it's going to be a tough game and I need to make everyone truly aware of that," said Patterson.

"These kinds of games worry me because every time I do mention the importance of the right approach and attitude, for these sorts of games, we seem to fall back.

"So we've had a slightly different approach with the players this week."

In-form midfielder Phil Trainer said: "Players always look forward to the FA Cup.

"Hayes & Yeading will be full of adrenalin and will feel our stadium is their Wembley so they'll be giving it everything and we have to match that.

"But we've been scoring goals and winning at home and hopefully we can get through this and get into the first round proper with the chance of drawing a big club."

Patterson has very fond memories of his time as a player in the Cup, having got so close to the final at Wembley in 1995 with Crystal Palace.

"I've had some real good memories of the FA Cup personally so I'd like myself, and my staff and my players, and the fans, to have some real good memories this season.

"I was in the semi-finals and we were six minutes away from the final – extra time against Man Utd 2-1 up and we conceded a goal – and we got done in the replay.

"It's just a brilliant competition. When I was at Wigan as a kid we knew how big a financial thing it was because the chairman used to take us out on the Thursday! Admittedly, it was only down to the cafe, nothing special really. But we knew the importance of it, and we always used to go through. I always enjoyed the bigger rounds actually.

"Some people say the FA Cup has lost its magic. Has it hell! It's the best cup competition in the world."

The U's are hoping Barry Quinn recovers from an ankle injury to take his place at centre back.

Chris Willmott is on standby in case he doesn't.

Trainer is expected to continue in central midfield, with Sam Deering on the left wing, because Joe Burnell remains sidelined.

Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Clarke, Foster, Quinn, Carruthers, Haldane, Murray, Trainer, Deering, Constable, Guy, Hinchliffe, Day, Odubade, Willmott, Taylor, Hutchinson, Groves.