DAVID Oldfield has told his Oxford City players to forget the cameras and concentrate on themselves tonight.

The Emirates FA Cup first-round fixture against Northampton Town has been moved to tonight so it can be broadcast on BT Sport.

An audience of 250,000 is expected, but while it brings a boost in income and profile, Oldfield wants to treat it just like any other game.

He said: “We have to acknowledge BT are here and we’re very thankful they are here.

“But from our point of view we have to forget about it and concentrate on the game.

“We need to make sure we’re focused and fully ready to run.”

The former Oxford United midfielder was in the Luton Town squad which reached the semi-finals in the 1987/88 season and is keen to make new memories.

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But Northampton Town, promoted from League Two in the summer, will provide a very difficult challenge.

Oldfield said: “I know how well they’ve done in recent times and the great job Keith Curle has done there. I know how strong and what a good side they are, so we have no illusions how difficult the task will be for us.”

He added: “It is a cup game and as much as I try to play it down and say we have to concentrate on ourselves, we’re all excited and will be looking forward to the tie.”

City’s record of four successive first-round appearances, which include three televised ties, have provided a financial lifeline to a club which was really struggling.

Although prize money and broadcast fees have halved this season due to Covid, this year’s run is worth more than £55,000 even if City go out tonight.

Paul Lyon, the club’s finance director, said: “We’ve had three years running and we thought ‘how long can this go on for?’

“Well, here we are and it’s another league club, which is absolutely brilliant for the club.

“It’s such a shame it’s behind closed doors, but at least BT Sport have recognised it’s a game worth putting on the TV.”