Crawley Town v Reading
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 5 January 2013
Broadfield Stadium
Winning clubs will receive £67,500 from The FA prize fund
Click here for all the Third Round ties
by Wally Downes and Alex Shaw
The Third Round of The FA Cup is one of the biggest dates in the football calendar and for Reading's Jay Tabb it represents a chance not only to progress in a competition he loves but also to help revive the Royals' fortunes in the league.
Tabb enjoyed Cup success during his days at Brentford, helping Martin Allen's side to the Fifth Round in 2005 before succumbing narrowly to Premier League side Southampton.
And as he gears up to face Crawley at Broadfield Stadium this Saturday, the Reading midfielder is desperate to advance in a 'special' competition.
Tabb told TheFA.com: "The FA Cup is always amazing to play in.
"The league is week-in-week-out and it is hard work. But there is something about The Cup that is a bit special.
"I had some great games in the competition with Brentford when I was younger and the prospect of playing against big clubs when you are younger or lower down the pyramid is massive."
League One Crawley have become a significant part of recent Cup history - who could forget their memorable run to the Fifth Round and frightening Manchester United in 2011?
They repeated the feat a year later, too, beating Championship side Hull City on their way to meeting Stoke and Tabb is well aware The FA Cup gives lower league sides the chance to become heroes.
The Reading midfielder also believes a run in this year's competition could inspire them in their battle to maintain their Premier League status.
Tabb added: "Crawley are a club on the up with Steve Coppell as Director of Football. Steve was instrumental in my career at Brentford and at Reading and I have a lot to thank him for.
"Premier League survival is absolutely paramount for us and we all believe we can stay up.
"When you are in a situation like ours then every win is precious and to get one in The FA Cup could help spark a run in the league.
"I am also out of contract in the summer so I want to put in as many impressive performances as possible to ensure I get a new deal here."
