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There is not much sign of FA Cup tension as Burnley's first team squad take a break from training at Gawthorpe. Front: Dave Merrington, Tony Walters, Peter Mellor, Martin Dobson, Colin Waldron. Back: John Angus, Alan West, Dave Thomas, Geoff Nulty, Mick Docherty, Frank Casper, Ralph Coates.

From an article by Keith McNee:
Ralph Coates, the man Burnley look to most earnestly for a happy New Year result in tomorrow's (2nd January 1971) FA Cup third round clash with Second Division Oxford United at the Manor Ground, is highly optimistic about the outcome of a match vital to club moral and prestige at the start of a critical 1971. Breaking off briefly from a hectic training session at Gawthorpe he said: "This will be a tough cup-tie because Oxford are an efficient, professional team, as strong as they come in the physical sense." Few who have seen the gold-shirted Oxford players in action will disagree with Ralph.

Burnley leave today (1st Jan) for an overnight stay at Banbury and the game is only the second occasion in eight seasons when Burnley have been drawn away from Turf Moor on FA. Cup third round day. Gate limit at Manor Ground is 19,000 and there is room for about 17,000 standing spectators who will pay at the gate - tickets are only being issued for the stand.