IN-FORM midfielder Craig Parker thinks Chelmsford City’s fans could prove to be the Clarets’ 12th man as FA Cup fever grips Melbourne Park, ahead of today’s second round clash with League Two Macclesfield.

Following three goals in his first six games - on his comeback from injury - including a strike in the 4-0 drubbing of Blue Square Bet Premier side AFC Telford in the previous round, Parker will be chasing another scalp today.

And the Bury-St Edmunds-based player, who moved to City from Needham Market in the summer, is lapping up the club’s fervent support having recently returned from a broken foot, sustained in pre-season.

“We have got great fans who follow us home and away,” said the 25-year-old, who has also played for Bury Town.

“It looks like the ground is going to be full and with most of the 2,000-plus crowd on our side, they could prove to be the difference.

“They really get behind us and perhaps we could cause an upset.

Macclesfield have decent FA Cup pedigree, reaching the third round on six occasions.

This season, the Silkmen are 14th in League Two but manager Gary Simpson fears an upset against the Clarets, claiming his team are out of form.

However, Parker said: “It’s going to be a tight game and I think their manager is playing the game down a bit,” said the midfielder.

“But we have got a chance if we play how we have been doing this season

“We need to keep our concentration and be mentally as well as physically sharp.”

Should Glenn Pennyfather’s in-form Clarets progress to the third round draw, midfielder Parker will be glued to his TV when the draw is made tomorrow, with the Premier League’s big-guns in the hat.

“I support Norwich but my dad is a Chelsea fan and I used to watch them at Stamford Bridge so that would be the dream draw.”

Entry to the terrace is �13 for adults, �9 for concessions and �4 for under 16s.

Main Stand entry is �15 adults, �10 concessions and �5 under 16s. Tickets may be available on the turnstiles.

Under 11s go free on the terrace or �1 for the main stand.