MANAGER Paul Buckle believes that Torquay United can draw inspiration from their FA Cup exploits over the last two years to help beat Cheltenham Town in Saturday's First Round tie at Plainmoor.

As a Conference club, United reached the Second Round Proper in 2007-2008, knocking out Bath City and Yeovil Town in a live TV tie at Plainmoor before losing to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Then last season they enjoyed their best run for nearly 20 years, reaching the Fourth Round.

Chipstead, Evesham, Oxford and Championship side Blackpool all fell to Buckle's Gulls, before Coventry City survived a torrid examination to snatch a late winner (1-0) in front of a sell-out Plainmoor crowd.

"We've done great in the Cup over the last two seasons," said Buckle.

"We know what the competition can do for us.

"We've made a lot of money and put the club on the map again.

"I remember the atmosphere inside Plainmoor for the Blackpool and Coventry ties last season. It was electric.

"Our fans were brilliant again when we beat Northampton last Saturday.

"The competition is so important to us, and we would love to get another good crowd in against Cheltenham."

Reports elsewhere that United had signed young Southampton striker Matt Paterson have proved untrue.

Buckle is still on the trail of new signings, but he stressed: "The players already here have shown terrific spirit when it hasn't been easy over the last few weeks and months.

"I have been close to a couple of signings this week, but I won't risk disrupting the team spirit here — any new players have to be right for us on the field and in the dressing-room."

United are unlikely to strengthen their squad further before Saturday's Cup tie.

But Cheltenham's caretaker manager John Schofield has admitted that he is anxious to make at least one addition before the weekend.

Young West Ham defender Holmar Eyjolfsson has gone back after a loan spell, but Schofield has secured permission for other loan players Frankie Artus (Bristol City) and Tom Denton (Huddersfield) to play.

United have announced that tonight's Plainmoor Fireworks Display will be available for pay-on-the-turnstile customers.

The display starts at 7.15pm, and entry (£5 adults, £2.50 Under-16s, Free for Under-5s with an adult) will be via the Popular Side turnstiles.