Smith Hoping To Right JPT Wrongs

The striker reached the area final of the competition with Oldham Athletic in 2011/12, but ultimately lost out 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Chesterfield.

City are at the same stage, facing Gillingham over two legs, with the first game taking place at Priestfield tomorrow night (7.30pm).

Smith said: “I had the opportunity to play at this stage in my first season at Oldham. We were 90 minutes from Wembley before losing to Chesterfield.

“I’m all too familiar with getting that close and not making it, so it gives me that extra desire to go all the way this time around with the lads.

“We laid down a marker in our last visit there, but it’ll be a different occasion this time.

“If we play to our capabilities then I’m confident we get another positive result. We go out to win every game.”

Smith is a man in form, having scored four times in his last three matches.

His latest goal earned City a 1-1 draw at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday in the FA Cup third round, forcing a replay.

“I was pleased with the goal,” he added. “It was a great ball in from Luke (Ayling) and I was pleased to see it go in.

“That’s probably the pick of the bunch from my goals so far.

“I’m pleased we’re at least in the hat for the next round now and hopefully we can get a good tie and use it as motivation to win the replay.”

The match is pay on the night for visiting supporters.