Barry Conlon is tipping York City to dethrone the Royals in their majestic Madejski Stadium tonight.

And he should know. Conlon, currently on loan at Second Division Colchester United, made his debut for the Us in their surprise 1-0 victory over Reading last month.

It is the only time Alan Pardew's team have suffered a league defeat and failed to score on home-turf this season.

Conlon, who watched the first clash between City and Reading at Bootham Crescent ten days ago, admits City will be up against it tonight.

But he reasons the Minstermen can take confidence from their performance first time around and sees no reason why City cannot look forward to a lucrative third round tie with Leicester City.

"I think if the lads can get amongst them like they did in the first game then they have every chance.

"Reading are a good, good side but I didn't think there was much difference between the two sides at Bootham Crescent and York could have won it at the end.

"They looked a good side themselves and if York do as they did first time around then it will be a good game."

Conlon, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, revealed a mixture of silk and steel had helped seal Colchester's surprising victory at the Madejski Stadium.

"They were very strong when we played them and it will be a difficult one for York," he reasoned.

"We actually played football from the start and it was a very good game for the fans to watch.

"In the second-half it was a bit more of a battle for us because they played some really good football.

"It was tough but all the lads here got amongst them and we hung on."

After having his loan deal at Layer Road extended until the end of the season, Conlon, 22, admitted he was delighted to have sorted out his immediate future.

* If the scores remain level in tonight's game and extra-time also fails to split the sides, then City could find themselves in a penalty pressure cooker.

With FA Cup ties no longer being replayed more than once, a second draw with Reading would mean the tie being decided by a shoot-out of five penalties each followed, if need be, by sudden death.

* York City reserves Avon Insurance League Cup match at Halifax Town tomorrow has been postponed because the Shay pitch is not playable. A new date for the tie is yet to be arranged.

sport@ycp.co.uk