IN JUST over three years in charge at Glanford Park, manager Nigel Adkins has re-written the history books at Scunthorpe United.

Two promotions in three years to Championship level, two visits to Wembley in seven weeks last season, a club record run of 19 games without defeat and club record away run of 18 games without being beaten.

But the one chapter that is missing is a big cup triumph.

By coincidence, when the Iron take on Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Glanford Park tomorrow, it's the 40th anniversary of one of their finest moments in the competition – a giant-killing 2-1 fourth round victory against the then old First Division Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

It's a sense of history that won't be lost on current boss Adkins.

"That's the magic of the FA Cup, the belief that on the day any team can beat anybody else," said the Scunthorpe manager.

He is hoping his players can draw inspiration from what Leeds United and Reading have already done in the competition this season – beating Manchester United and Liverpool respectively in the third round.

New City boss Roberto Mancini will have little or no knowledge about Scunthorpe United, but Adkins knows of one man in the Manchester ranks who will.

"Brian Kidd was assistant manager to Bryan Robson at Sheff United when they came here two years ago and we beat them," the Iron boss continued.

"He will be aware of the pitfalls of coming to a smaller ground like Glanford Park.

"Will City have one eye on the Manchester United Carling Cup semi-final game next week?

"That's a massive game for them which could see them go to Wembley.

"Will that dictate the team that they put out against us?

"But such is the size of their squad, whoever does put on a City shirt will be a good player."