'A big challenge against a very good club' - Oxford City boss David Oldfield previews FA Cup tie with Cobblers

Oxford City manager David Oldfield says his side face a 'big challenge' against a 'very good club' when they come up against the Cobblers in Monday's FA Cup tie.

The Hoops are ninth in the National League South with two wins from four matches and reached this stage of the competition by grabbing a late 3-2 win over Weymouth in the fourth qualifying round.

Oldfield, who took charge of Oxford shortly before lockdown in March, enjoyed an impressive playing career. He played over 100 times for Luton Town, Leicester City and Peterborough United and also represented Man City, Stoke and Oxford United.

"It's a great game for us and a really big challenge against a very good club with good players and good staff," said Oldfield ahead of Monday's tie, which will be televised on BT Sport.

"I grew up not far from Northampton so I know the club well and I know how well they've done in recent times. Keith Curle has done a great job there and I know how strong and competitive and what a good side they are.

"We watched them against MK Dons and we are under no illusions as to how difficult the challenge is. On one hand we need to know all about them but on the other hand we need to concentrate on ourselves and be as good as we can be."

Oldfield does not believe Oxford's artificial surface will give his side a 'huge advantage' in Monday's game, adding: "Normally in the FA Cup you have a crowd and a muddy pitch but we're missing both! Northampton won't have played on an artificial pitch too often but it's a very good pitch and it's not a huge advantage.

"A lot of clubs at our level do it and without doubt Northampton are good enough to adapt to it, so it won't be an issue. It's a cup game and as much we I try to play it down, we are excited and we are looking forward to it.

"But we can't get carried away. We need to make sure we concentrate and focus on the game."