NORTHAMPTON boss Ian Atkins is fully aware that the Clarets won't be doing his side any favours tomorrow.

The Cobblers must beat Burnley and hope other results go their way to beat the drop.

But Burnley are just as keen for a result to take their unbeaten run into the end of the campaign.

And Atkins is preparing his troops for a tough battle in front of a sell-out crowd at the Sixfields Stadium.

"It's a difficult situation but it's not all over yet," said the Town chief. "I am very confident the way we have been playing that we can beat Burnley. But I know that with Stan Ternent in charge they will be trying their hardest and will do things right, which I would expect."

Northampton have put together an unbeaten eight-match run but draws in their last three games have kept them in relegation trouble.

The Cobblers have also been blighted throughout the season by injuries. Top-scorer Carlo Corazzin became their 15th-player to have surgery this week - three more even than Burnley, who have had their fair share of problems.

So Atkins believes that if his side can escape by the skin of the teeth, then they can look ahead to better times.

"It's been a difficult season but fingers crossed we will remain in this division and I think we can.

"If we can just stay in this division I believe we can have a successful year next year," he added.

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