Paul Huntington is one of four players in the current squad who played in the last FA Cup tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Preston North End.
The two sides faced up against either other in a second round tie in December 2013, when Kevin Davies’ stunning half volley from 35 yards out was the difference between the Lilywhites and former PNE favourite Gareth Ainsworth’s outfit.
The ex-North End winger is still in charge of the Chairboys and Hunts recalls the clash and expects an equally tough tie at the start of 2018.
“I was trying to remember how long it was since we last played down there, but I remember we managed to get through – Kevin Davies with a wonder goal really,” recalled the centre half.
“It will be a tough game. I haven’t seen too much of the FA Cup, just the highlights of the last round, but we will expect a tough game and will be trying to impress.
“They will be wanting to try and prove a point against a high league opponent, whereas we will be trying to show why we play at this level, but it will be a tough game. It will probably be a physical game and when it comes around – because we have a lot of league games beforehand – I am sure we will be ready.”
The No.23 could, amongst other talented assets in their squad, be facing up against Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa in January, the popular and powerful forward, someone he has played against before.
“Most of us have played against him before, when he was at Gillingham in League and other teams, like Northampton,” continued the recent captain.
“He is affective at what he does and he gets goals in their league, so we will look at that I am sure in the build-up and preparation work and whatever team the manager chooses to go with, then I am sure we will be prepared for that.”
The Cup has given the Lilywhites some excellent ties in Hunts’ time with the club and the 30-year-old would like another good run, but is not looking too far ahead.
“We have some really good games whilst I have been at the club. We obviously had Arsenal last year and then we had Manchester United a couple of seasons ago.
“Our league position is obviously our priority, but this comes a close second behind it and doing well breeds confidence and we would like to get as far as we can,” he added.