TINSON THINKS TIE IS WINNABLE

The 41-year-old has been a pivotal figure at the heart of Blues' defence this season, and reckons a tough looking tie is definitely winnable.

Leek were beaten at home by league leaders Ilkeston last Saturday, but Tinson said: "That result won't knock the players back.

"They are young lads who are hungry, but we need to be more lethal in front of goal.

"We are struggling for goals, but we will go to Hinckley with the intention of being solid and competitive. We are creating chances, so when we get one we must make sure we take it."

Tinson had every intention of retiring at the end of last season, but was lured to Harrison Park by director of football Neil Baker.

He explained: "Neil phoned and asked if I would help out, and I have enjoyed it.

"Neil was under pressure because of what he achieved here before, but I think we have exceeded expectations.

"We have a good squad, but it does not always work first time around.

"The buzz and excitement is still there, but people have got to be patient."

Tinson works as an NHS physiotherapist at Oswestry, and fitness-wise keeps himself ticking over, but he will call it a day at the end of the season.

He was a member of the non-league Burton Albion side who held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup five years ago before losing the replay 5-0.

Leek did their homework on Deeping Rangers in the previous round and, while they have not had a similar opportunity to watch Hinckley, they have received a report on their 3-1 win over Colwyn Bay last Saturday.

Baker said: "They can be up and down in the same game. They have dangerous players and we are not going to dominate the game so we are going to have to defend well as I felt we did against Ilkeston last week and attacking play has to be better.

"If we play well we will have a chance and while we will not be going for a draw it would not be a disaster to bring them back to Harrison Park."