For the first time in 90 years the Hatters have to qualify for the first round proper of the FA Cup as they host Grays Athletic in the fourth qualifying round.

As you will read in tomorrow's match programme the last time the Town appeared at precisely this stage that beat Great Yarmouth Town 15-0!

Although the chances of a repeat scoreline against Julian Dicks' side is unlikely the Town will be looking to continue their good form under the stewardship of caretaker Alan Neilson agains the the Blues.

Three wins and a draw have in their last four matches have cemeted the Hatters' position in the Blue Square Premier's top five and tomorrow not only represents a welcome break from the rigours of league football it gives the Town the chance to go into the hat for the first round draw where the likes of Charlton Athletic, Leeds United and Southampton await.

Team news

Hatters: Neilson has selection problems ahead of the FA Cup tie with Kevin Nicholls the latest player to come down with illness. The Hatters are also with Freddie Murray who cannot play against his parent club while Liam Hatch, Lewis Emanuel and Keith Keane remain sidelined with injury. Rossi Jarvis serves the last game of his suspension and Ben Wright has returned to Peterborough. Callum Reynolds has been given the green light by Portsmouth to play and Kevin Gallen is back in the squad after recovering from injury.

Grays: Julian Dicks on the other hand has no injury worries ahead of the game. Cam Mawer is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Wrexham last weekend while George Beavan is ineligable to play against the Hatters.

From both camps

Hatters boss Alan Neilson: "We're not kidding ourselves, we're not going to win the FA Cup. Our main aim is get promoted out of the Conference and get back in to the Football League. We're at home which is a bonus but hopefully we can get a victory and make some progress in the competition. Although we won't win it, a run in the cup will make the club some money so we're going out there to get in the hat for the next round."

Grays manager Julian Dicks: "Luton are a good footballing side so it will be a very tough game for us, we will be approaching the game like any other and will want to win. As long as my players give me 110% I will be happy at the end. Even when I was a player playing against Luton they were always a strong side so I'm expecting a similar scenario. There will be a big crowd there so it will be a little intimidating for the lads so they have to be on top of their game if we are going to win."

Grays's last six: L L D W L D

Julian Dicks' side lie in 21st place in the Blue Square Premier but league form counts for nothing in the FA Cup.

The Town will be wary of the fact that the Blues have yet to win in nine games on the road this season. They are the only side in the BSP to not to have won away from home.

The Recreation Ground outfit have won just once in their last games that coming with a fine 2-0 home win over Cambridge United. Their last two results have been defeats, both on their travels, at Wrexham and Oxford - losing 5-0 at the Kassam Stadium.

The last time Grays earned a point away from home was a 1-1 draw at Stevenage on 22nd September.

Grays in focus:

Nickname: The Blues

Manager: Julian Dicks

Ground: Recreation Ground

Last season: Conference 19th

2008/09 average attendance: 687

2009/10 BSP title odds: 66/1

Previous meetings: None.

Recent history:

The Blues enjoyed several successful campaigns in the Isthmian Leagues between 1983 and 2004 - winning Division Two in 1984/85 and finishing as runners-up in 1987/88 and in 1999/2000.

Success continued when they joined and won the inaugural Conference South in season 2004/05 under manager Mark Stimson and completely the double by lifting the FA Trophy with a penalty shootout win over Hucknall Town.

Stimson guided the Blues to third place in their first season in the Conference only to lose out in the play-offs to Halifax Town but the club did, however, retain the FA Trophy with victory over Woking at Upton Park.

A 10th place followed in 2007/08 before last season's 19th place finish - eight points off the relegation places.

FACT: Former Hatters striker Dwight Marshall started his career with Athletic before being sold to Plymouth Argyle for £35,000 in 1991.

Official website: http://graysathletic.co.uk

Remember www.lutontown.co.uk is the only place for all your Hatters news straight from the Kenilworth Road. Remember to join us for all the action as it happens at before, during and after the all important game with the Blues- whether it's the popular live text updates or live commentary, we've got it.

And we'll have all the post-match reaction and match action following the game against Grays. Come on you Hatters!