RORY Prendergast has already made his New Year's resolution.

The Accrington Stanley winger is desperate to rediscover the sparkling form he showed last season after recovering from a double hernia operation.

The injury had blighted Prendergast's start to the campaign. But, after going under the knife six weeks ago, the 25-year-old is determined to become one of the driving forces behind the Reds' promotion push.

"It's good to be back," beamed Prendergast after appearing as a late substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win over Canvey Island.

I'm a bit rusty yet and it still aches a bit. The tissue under the wound is still a bit tender, but it's getting better all the time.

"Hopefully in a maybe a week or two I'll be back to my full potential and perhaps ready to start."

Prendergast, who built up a reputation as one of the top wingers in the Nationwide Conference last term after providing the most crosses into the box overall, added: "My season starts now.

"My New Year's resolution is to get back to how I was playing last season.

"I've just got to keep working hard and building my strength up and hopefully I'll get there."

And the former Bradford Park Avenue wide man thanked Stanley supporters for helping him recover from the worst injury of his career.

"The reception that I got on Saturday off the fans was fantastic," he said.

"I'd like to thank them because I've had a lot of support and they've really helped me get through this operation."

Meanwhile, Prendergast is looking forward to getting his teeth into Stanley's forthcoming cup games.

But he is disappointed the Reds have not been handed a more straightforward tie in the FA Trophy third round.

A home clash with promotion rivals Hereford United awaits them on Saturday 15 January 2005.

"We never get any luck in the draw," Prendergast said.

"Last year we had a tough one with Burton Albion.

"Hereford are a good side, but we've already beaten them in the league so it's certainly a game we are capable of winning.

"We need to do well in this, especially after being knocked out at an early stage last season and being out of the FA Cup this year."

That Trophy game follows hot on the heels of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy second round games.

Stanley, who reached last season's final only to be beaten by Morecambe, have been handed a trip to North West Counties Division One side Atherton LR.

The full draw is: Chorley v Radcliffe, Skelmersdale v Ramsbottom United, Atherton LR v Stanley, Burscough v Colne, Barrow v Fleetwood, Morecambe v Nelson, Leigh RMI v Southport, Atherton Collieries v Bamber Bridge.

All ties will be played the week commencing January 10, 2005.