IT is almost 10 years ago to the day since Accrington Stanley beat then Third Division Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup first round.

Stanley, then in their first season in the Conference, progressed thanks to a goal from Andy Gouck.

This Saturday Kayode Odejayi will attempt to follow in Gouck’s footsteps and fire Stanley to a shock first-round win over League One Tranmere Rovers.

If there is one player in the current Stanley squad who knows all about giant-killing then it is striker Odejayi.

The one-capped Nigerian international wrote his name into Barnsley footballing folklore when he scored the Tykes’ winner in their FA Cup quarter-final clash with Chelsea at Oakwell in 2008.

“It was obviously a high moment in my career,” said Odejayi, who missed a glorious chance in Barnsley’s semi-final defeat to Cardiff City at Wembley.

“It’s gone down in history but I don’t tend to talk about it too much.

“But as far as giant-killings go it was a big one. I don’t think many people saw that coming to be honest, but that’s the beauty of the FA Cup.

“When it happened it was a massive thing and there was a lot of media surrounding it and I got called up to the Nigeria squad off the back of that so that was a good experience for me.

“It just happened to be the story of that season.

“In the immediacy I don’t think it sunk in straight away. You had all the interviews and people wanting to speak to you and it was all over the back of the papers.

“It was a massive thing at the time. But I try not to get too carried away with the highs and the lows. I try to stay level headed all the time.

“I think I’ve managed to do that.”

Odejayi left Barnsley for Colchester United in December 2009 after an initial loan spell.

He remained at the U’s until May 2012 when he joined Rotherham United.

The 31-year-old scored five goals for the Millers last season before being allowed to leave for League Two rivals Stanley on a three-month loan in September.

After a shaky start to the campaign James Beattie’s side are now one of the form teams in League Two.

They moved off the bottom of the table after drawing 1-1 at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, a match in which Odejayi made his return after serving a three-game suspension.

Further good news was to follow yesterday when Beattie was nominated for the division’s October manager of the month award as recognition for steering Stanley on a four-match unbeaten run during the month.

“I’m really enjoying it at Accrington,” said Odejayi, who has two goals in six games.

“I wasn’t playing at Rotherham so it was a chance to come out and get some first-team football and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I believe we are moving in the right direction and if we can carry on performing the way we have, we will be more than okay.”