IF Oxford United are to reach the money-spinning third round of the FA Cup this season, they will have to do it the hard way.

Following United's 0-0 stalemate against Dorchester Town at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, yesterday's second-round draw pitted the winners with high-flying Blue Square Premier side Torquay United at Plain-moor on Saturday, Novem-ber 29.

But chairman Kelvin Tho-mas says it's "a winnable tie", and certainly one the U's should not be alarmed about, especially after the way they performed in getting a 1-1 draw at Torquay in the televised league game on October 9, when they totally dominated the second half.

Thomas said: "It's a tough one, but a winnable one.

"We would obviously have preferred a home draw, but we went down there in the league and got an OK result.

"It gives us a chance, but we've first got to get past Dorchester and that will be very difficult.

“We've got to make sure our heads are right for that one."

Torquay, who have ex-Oxford players Lee Mansell, Chris Hargreaves, Tim Sills and Matt Green in their line-up, reached the second round by beating Evesham United 2-0 at the weekend, with Sills getting both goals.

Thomas, and Oxford's directors, know the importance of the FA Cup to the club this season because progressing through each round becomes increasingly lucrative, and it's unbudgeted revenue.

"The FA Cup is important every year because it's all a bonus," Thomas said.

"But yes, this year it's especially so, and we want to go as far as we possibly can."

The first-round replay at Dorchester a week tomorrow means that Oxford United's Blue Square Premier game at home to Kidderminster Harr-iers is postponed from that day to Tuesday, November 25 (7.45).

REPLAY DETAILS Terrace: adults £9, under 16s £2.50, over 60s £5.50. Seat prices: adults £10, under 16s £2.50, over 60s £6.50.