It`s time to focus on Wembley again this weekend.
With the Premier League programme and the Championship halted due to international commitments, all eyes, as far as domestic football goes, are on the 1st round proper of the FA Cup.
After beating Hendon, 5-1, in the last of the qualifying rounds, Luton were given an enticing home draw against near neighbours and League Two side, Northampton Town.
Although it may not be a real David and Goliath clash, it does give the Hatters the chance to pull of something of a shock and move into the second round, ninety minutes away with a possible clash with one of the big boys.
For Dean Beckwith it is a chance to renew old acquaintances with the Hatters defender having spent some time playing for the Cobblers.
Speaking about meeting up with his old club, Dean had this to say to the local media,
“It`s a big game for us, a good test. They are in League Two struggling down at the bottom.”
“They shouldn`t be where they are in the league and have been unlucky in a few games. It`s a good test for us. That squad should be challenging for getting out of League Two.”
And as for it being a local derby, Dean added,
“There`s 30 miles between the two clubs and Northampton`s away fans are good, they are up there with Luton`s. They take a good crowd away and get behind their team.”
But, although a Cup run would be nice, promotion to the Football League remains our priority this season. Gary Brabin has also had a few words for the local press which infer he`d quite like a cup run, remarking,
“It`s a bit of a local derby, a good game and a good draw ad certainly one that will get a bit of a crowd in on the day. I am very traditional and I do like the FA Cup.”
“When we play to our maximum and we`ve got a full strength side out and are playing to the best of our ability, I think a lot of games are certainly winnable. They`re up there, got a good manager, who wants a bit of time to put his stamp on things.”
So what does the opposition manager, praised by Brabin, have to say?
Well Gary Johnson has been around the clock when it comes to managerial positions but he`s optimistic this clash will give Northampton the chance to get back to winning ways with Johnson remarking,
“It`s a local derby, it should be a great atmosphere as it always is down there. The support away from home for us has been great.”
“Hopefully they`ll believe that we have got a chance of winning the game and that`s what I`m looking forward to – the atmosphere of both sets of supporters.”
“We just need to get that feeling of a win so that we can push on.”
It all points to it being an intriguing clash!
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