OXFORD’S top two football clubs have very different challenges this weekend but the same goal – progress in the Emirates FA Cup.

United reached the fifth round last season and will be expected to start another run tonight with a visit to Sky Bet League Two side Port Vale.

While Pep Clotet’s men attempt to avoid slipping up, City head to Essex tomorrow looking catch out Colchester United.

It is the first time the club have reached this stage since 2011 and offers them a chance to forget their league struggles in Vanarama National League South.

Boss Mark Jones is savouring the opportunity and is urging his side to make the most of the occasion.

“I don’t think anyone is expecting us to go there and win, but we will go there, play our football and try and cause them some problems,” he said.

“It’s a great game for us to look forward to. It’s not many times you get to experience a first round FA Cup tie.

“It’s a really good chance for our players to show what they can do on a bigger stage and for us as a management team to set the game up and give it our all.

“The players won’t need any motivation, and hopefully if we can catch Colchester on a bad day, we can cause an upset.”

For Clotet it will be the first time he has taken charge of a team in the world’s oldest football competition.

But the Spaniard knows all about the pitfalls, after being part of the coaching set-up at Leeds United who were dumped out by non-league Sutton United last season.

That has overshadowed his memories of watching the competition growing up, but knows a run can act as a catalyst for their League One campaign.

“I think the bad moment we faced with Leeds has deleted everything else,” he said.

“We are very focused on the league and we’re already having good results, but I think it would be a good kick for everyone if we have a good cup run.

“It’s a good opportunity for the club to face different kinds of opposition.

“Now it’s Port Vale and if we go through it will be another team so it’s a very lively competition.

“I think all the fans in England are very enthusiastic about this Cup and we’ll take it very seriously.”