SAM RICKETTS has never won the FA Cup but he doesn't have a bad record in the world-famous competition.

The former Wales international helped Telford United, then playing in the Conference, reach the fourth round in 2003-4 with the Bucks claiming the scalps of Brentford and Crewe before bowing out to Millwall.

Ricketts hopes victory over Harrogate Town in today's fourth qualifying round tie is the start of a similar run for his Wrexham side.

"Hopefully get the win and you never know how far you can go," said Ricketts.

"I have been in the Conference with Telford and we got to the fourth round, losing 1-0 to Millwall who were the eventual finalists that year when they got beat by Manchester United.

"Along the way we beat Crewe, who were in the Championship at the time, so you never know what can happen."

Ricketts went even further in the cup with Bolton Wanderers, then a Premier League side, during the 2010-11 season but the Trotters lost 5-0 against Stoke City in the semi-finals.

"I got to the semi-finals with Bolton, we got beat 5-0 by Stoke at Wembley but I snapped my Achilles so I couldn't play in it," said Ricketts.

"I snapped it in one of the early rounds against Wigan.

"I think I got to the quarter-final with Hull as well so the cup hasn't been too bad for me."

Ricketts will experience his first FA Cup match as a manager at Wetherby Road today and although maintaining the promotion challenge is the priority for Wrexham who are second in the National League, the former Wales international recognises the importance of the famous cup competition.

"The FA Cup is the best cup competition in the world," said Ricketts.

"What an opportunity to try and put a run together, something for the fans, the players and the club in general to support.

"We have got a hard draw, Harrogate away you couldn't get much harder, but we are going there full of confidence with a game plan to win the game.

"Both teams I'm sure will want to win the game and go on a decent run so it will be a tough game.

"Nothing less than what we expect."