Stanley are fast becoming cup kings this year and Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Oldham was a cracking pick-me-up following a poor run of results in the league.

Oldham are no pushovers, indeed they sit just three points away from the play-offs in League One.

However not many teams can live with the fast passing football that the Reds are more than capable of playing.

With players now coming back from suspensions we looked strong and hungry for the ball again on Saturday, best highlighted by Ray Putterill.

This season has been a mixed bag for Putterill with off-the-field issues that have cost him and the club dearly.

On the pitch he is paying back that debt in spades with goals and performances that show why he was so well thought of at Liverpool.

It feels churlish to single out individual players for praise when Stanley performed so well across the park this week.

It was not without its drama. Of course these things never are where Stanley is concerned.

Two goals from Oldham gave the Reds fans a nail-biting last 15 minutes, but again it was a stern test for the Stanley back line and they passed with flying colours.

Sunday brought what many have said is a poor draw for the next round with our next opponents being the winner of the replay between Dartford and Port Vale.

I am split on which of the two teams I would prefer as Vale would offer us an early chance to avenge the league defeat at their place in September but the trip to Dartford would give us a new ground to visit.

Whoever wins the tie, one thing is for sure, they will not relish the visit of the Stanley cup kings.