Michael Collins has extra incentive to ensure Oxford United do not suffer FA Cup agony at Grimsby Town.

The midfielder was part of the Scunthorpe team knocked out of the competition by the Mariners 12 months ago.

And when the U’s travel to Blundell Park tomorrow, Collins is determined that there will be no repeat.

The 28-year-old says there has been a real focus among the United players this week as they bid to recover from back-to-back defeats and avoid what many will be tipping as a potential Cup shock.

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Grimsby have climbed to second in the Conference table with five straight victories, and Collins expects the home side to be banking on victory.

“I think 100 per cent they will go into this game expecting to beat us,” he said.

“They have got momentum and will expect their name will be in the second round draw.

“Having been to Grimsby last year with Scunthorpe I know it is a very, very difficult place to go and we are not in for an easy afternoon.

“Grimsby knocked us out of the FA Cup in a replay after we drew 0-0 at their place, but they beat us at ours.

“There’s a little bit of an incentive there for me. I certainly don’t want to be done over by the same team twice in two years.”

Collins believes nearly all players in the lower league come alive for the FA Cup, dreaming of a match against one of the big teams in the third round.

But the U’s man is demanding the focus is solely on Saturday, and not what might happen in the future.

“However, it may be we need to get the job done,” he said.

“The FA Cup is always a great occasion and, for the lower league clubs like ourselves, it is a great opportunity to get a few wins under your belt and hopefully get one of the big boys and give the club a massive cash injection.

“I was part of two Huddersfield teams that went to Stamford Bridge so I know how special it is for players and fans to go to these places.

“But all we are looking at is Grimsby – we can’t look further than that.”

Collins added: “Coming off the back of two defeats, it’s irrelevant who we play. We just need to get back on track.

“If it was an absolute battle and we came out with a 1-0 win, I’d take that right now. It’s all about winning.”

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