ONLY once before in their history have Scunthorpe United pulled off a giant-killing act at home in the FA Cup against a top flight team.

And that was exactly 50 years ago today, on January 7 1961, when they came from behind at half-time to inflict a famous 6-2 victory against Stanley Matthews' Blackpool in the third round.

That's the magnitude of the task the Iron face tomorrow when they host Premier League Everton.

All the odds are stacked against United, who have still won only once in front of their own fans this season.

But the definition of a shock result is that it comes when it is least expected.

Less than four months ago Scunthorpe rose to the occasion to cause Manchester United one or two anxious moments in the third round of the Carling Cup, before finally going down 5-2.

That's the sort of battling performance manager Ian Baraclough will be looking for from his side again tomorrow as they look to record a bit of club history.

And the United boss also hopes a good performance against the Toffees could be the inspiration they need to finally halt that dreadful home run which has seen them slump to six successive defeats.

"The third round of the FA Cup is always a special day," said Baraclough, who watched Everton beat Tottenham 2-1 at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

"It has a special atmosphere.

"I think we are close to selling out now and there should be a good atmosphere.

"I know it is a game my players are looking forward to.

"It is an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best players in the country who are household names."

With the risk of another overnight frost, United have got the covers on the playing surface at Glanford Park.

And Baraclough is hoping the pitch could become a factor in tomorrow's clash.

"The pitch here is probably not going to be the sort they are used to playing on," he continued.

"Everton will be coming into an environment that they are not used to.

"Maybe there will be some complacency on their part which we can use to our advantage.

"Their minds could be on their next Premier League game, though I would not have thought so with David Moyes in charge – he is very thorough and an excellent manager."

Baraclough is confident the tie is one United can win.

"We are the underdogs – and we have to use that to our advantage," he said.

"We know if we perform to the standard we know we can, and we can catch Everton on an off day, then there is no reason why we cannot get a result.

"Experience is a massive thing.

"We have had the experience of playing against Manchester United this season and most of the squad faced Manchester City last.

"Every time you play in a game like that, it helps you when the next big one comes along.

"If we can be in the hat for the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup, it will be a magnificent achievement."