CRICKET commentator David Lloyd is happy to have swapped sunny South African for Accrington in time for today’s FA Cup tie – and believes Stanley can deliver a bouncer and bowl over Premier League Fulham.

The Accrington born and based Lloyd, who still turns out for the town’s Lancashire League cricket team, is a long-time fan of the Reds and is ready to savour the moment as the fourth round of the world’s most famous cup competition arrives at the Crown Ground for the first time.

Lloyd has landed back in the UK just in time for the match after completing his Sky Sports commentary duties for the South Africa v England cricket series.

And he can’t wait for this afternoon’s big kick-off.

“I am thrilled for everyone here,” said Lloyd, who is known universally as ‘Bumble’.

“I got back from South Africa a couple of days ago and missed the Gillingham game on Tuesday night – but I have got my tickets for the match and it will be a brilliant day.

“This club has always been on a knife edge, right the way back to 1962 and days like this make all the bad times disappear.”

Lloyd, who played for England and also had a spell as national coach, is also full of praise for the Stanley manager, John Coleman.

“I really hope they do well,” he said.

“The boss deserves it.

“John really does deserve special mention because him and Jimmy Bell have brought this club right the way from non-league.

“They have both been brilliant and especially through the financial problems this season.

“They have managed to keep the players focused.

“When you have off-field problems you have to concentrate on you job.

“It is easier said than done, but they have managed that through all the unrest.”

Lloyd also believes there is a big chance of an upset.

“It’s the steal of the century. We are 7/1 at the bookies and I’m having some of that,” laughed Lloyd.

“We are 3/1 for the draw and I am laying Fulham at 4/9 – they’ll get a shock.

“This is not a place where Fulham can come and play carpet football and I fancy us big time.”