A home tie against Cardiff in the Capital One Cup will be an exciting start to the season for Northampton, according to boss Aidy Boothroyd.
The Cobblers will host last season's beaten finalists in the week commencing August 13, for what will be the opening game of the campaign with the npower League Two schedule not due to start until the following weekend.
"It is an exciting game to start the season with. I think because the first round is before the league season begins it is a very good opportunity to test ourselves against a very good side," said Boothroyd.
"It is very important to us and we want to try and get through to the next round. We want to have a run in the cup this year and for a club like ours a good run in the cup is really important.
"Cardiff had a superb run in this competition last season, so they will know all about the excitement and opportunity that the competition can bring."
Cardiff lost on penalties to Liverpool in the Wembley showpiece in February.
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