Beckwith wants to spring FA Cup surprise over Cobblers

Beckwith, who lost his place in the starting XI following his dismissal for an off-the-ball incident in the 1-0 defeat of Lincoln, was recalled for the 5-1 victory over Hendon in the last round.

He’s hoping to keep hold of his cup place, saying: “Obviously I’ve been a bit disappointed for me personally not being in the team and getting a game.

“I played in the last FA Cup game against Hendon so it would be nice to play and I have some good friends there. I had a good two years there.

“I don’t know what the manager is thinking selection wise. I’m disappointed I’m not playing at the minute, I would like to think I would play but I don’t know either way at the minute.”

On winning his place back, he said: “I don’t know what more to do. I’ve got my head down and worked hard in training.

“I’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks and hopefully I will be playing football again.”

But Beckwith, 28, who spent two years at the Cobblers, has warned the Hatters to expect a tough test against the League Two strugglers.

He said: “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.”

He is also expecting a fantastic atmosphere when the two near neighbours clash, saying: “There’s always a special atmosphere in the FA Cup, home or away.

“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.”

Town boss Gary Brabin, meanwhile, believes his side are definitely in with a shout of causing what technically would be an upset at the weekend.

He added: “It’s a bit of a local derby, a good game and a good draw and 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 winable. They’re up there, got a good manager, who wants a bit of time to put his stamp on things.”

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