Northampton Town manager Ian Sampson believes that the FA Cup has lost none of its appeal ahead of this Saturday's first round tie against Fleetwood Town.

The Cobblers, from League Two, come up against opposition from Blue Square North - two divisions below them.

"It's a fantastic competition," said Sampson. "We're really looking forward to it. The Cup has a fantastic aura.

"I've been a killer and I've been killed so we'll not be taking them lightly, he told BBC Northampton.

"We're delighted to have a home tie, but there are no easy games in the FA Cup.

"They'll be wanting to put one over us.

We've seen big cup upsets in the past and we don't want to be one of them Cobblers boss Ian Sampson

"We've seen big cup upsets in the past and we don't want to be one of them.

"We want to to go as far as we can in the competition.

"The further you progress the likelihood you are going to draw a bigger team and obviously television exposure becomes more likely."

Northampton currently stand 16th in the League Two table, having won just five of their 15 league games this season.

Fleetwood lie seventh in Blue Square North, 39 rungs below them.

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