Orient ace Ben Chorley ready for return to Prenton Park.
Become a fan of The FA Cup on Facebook
Tranmere Rovers v Leyton Orient
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
First Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 7 November 2009
Prenton Park, Tranmere Rovers FC
Winning clubs receive £18,000
Click here for fixtures Ben Chorley reckons he was the only one jumping for joy when his Leyton Orient side were handed a tricky trip to Tranmere Rovers in Saturday's FA Cup First Round Proper.
Chorley, who left Prenton Park in the summer to return to his native London, enjoyed two successful years on the Wirral where he established himself as one of the top defenders in League One.
The former Arsenal trainee and FA Youth Cup winner was part of the Tranmere side which missed out on a place in last season's play-offs in agonising fashion after conceding an 88th minute equaliser at Scunthorpe.
Much has changed since then, with former boss Ronnie Moore and his successor John Barnes both having been relieved of their duties, while several other players left the club in the summer.
But Chorley can't wait to meet up with some of his old Birkenhead buddies as Orient look to take a step towards the all-important Third Round proper for the second year in a row.
"I'm really looking forward to the game," he said.
"I think I was the only one who was happy when we pulled Tranmere out of the hat.
"I don't think anyone fancied a long trek up north when we could have had a nice local one, but that's life.
"I'm surprised the way it has gone for them. They've got some good players, some good people around the camp and the biggest thing they did wrong was sacking Ronnie Moore.
"He is a very good manager and knows the league inside out. That's life though and I hope they do well, but not on Saturday.
"The Cup is very important. As long as we don't lose it will breed confidence. We want to win games and keep our run going."
Tranmere have endured a wretched start to the season and sit second bottom in League One going into the clash. And with Rovers struggling for form, Chorley is hoping the O's can pull off their first win at Prenton Park since 1987.
He added: "Tranmere will be pushing because they got beaten heavily last week and they've got the physio, Les Parry, in charge at the moment.
"I got on very well with him when I was there and I'll be glad to go back and say hello to a few people.
"But I only want to return to London with a victory and make sure we can get through to the next round."
Don't forget to log on to TheFA.com on Saturday afternoon to watch Oldham v Leeds streamed live and for free, starting at 5.10pm