“NO regrets,” – that will be Jim Gannon’s message to Northwich Victoria’s players when they head to Northampton Town on Saturday with the intent of causing an FA Cup upset.

Vics, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, shocked National League outfit Boreham Wood with a replay win last month to set up a second-round clash with the Cobblers.

But he knows Northampton, flying high in League Two and with the scalp of League One leaders Coventry to their name in the first round, will be a sterner test.

“There has been a lot of talk about the game but now I can start preparing the team mentally, physically and emotionally,” said Gannon.

“The boys have got to focus on their own performances and make sure they bring to the game what they are capable of, to come away with no regrets.

“I want them know they’ve given everything they’ve got.

“After that the result will take care of itself; our only regret will be if we don’t give the best account of ourselves.

“If we do that, and they have a couple of players that don’t find the motivation, then we’ve a chance.”

Vics, who last reached this stage in 2009, will add £27,000 in prize money to the £44,425 they have already received from a run that started back in August.

Should they earn a draw at Sixfields, an 11th game will follow in a replay in Northwich on Wednesday, December 16.

“When we went to Boreham Wood and Chorley, we already had a measure of them and knew what we were up against,” added Gannon, whose side beat those higher-ranked outfits at the second attempt.

“But we’re playing a team 92 places above us and with a centre forward on more money than our whole team.

“They’ve had five straight wins and went to Coventry in the last round and beat them, so it’s a step up.

“It’s a massive challenge for us and we’ll have to be at the top of our game. But what I do hope is we come away feeling proud.”

Gannon says his side must remember the values that have taken them this far, as well as to the top of Division One North in the Northern Premier League.

“We have got very good individuals but the run we’ve been on is not down to one player, it’s a collective effort,” added the former Stockport County manager.

“I’ll remind them of that and warn them not do anything differently. If we do as we have been – sticking together as a team and remembering our structure – then we’ll be competitive.”