SHAUN PEARSON says the pressure is off Wrexham and there can be an FA Cup upset at The Racecourse tonight.

Sam Ricketts' side entertain League Two high-fliers Newport County, with the second round tie being screened live on BT Sport.

Without a win in three National League outings, Wrexham remain third and captain Pearson says the cup tie is a welcome break from the demands of challenging for promotion.

"We go into the game as slight underdogs, I image it is fairly even with us being at home," said Pearson.

"We will be hoping to cause a bit of an upset.

"It is excitement in there, we have had a couple of results in the league which we weren't hoping for and it gives us the freedom to go away from that and hopefully get the result we all want."

Wrexham produced one of their best displays of the season but lost 2-0 against Leyton Orient at The Racecourse last Saturday, meaning the unbeaten home record came to an end.

But Pearson believes Wrexham have a good chance of progressing to a potential money-spinning third round tie with home advantage.

"Our home form has been very good, our performances have been very good at home," said Pearson.

"Hopefully we can take advantage of that, hopefully there will be a good crowd and they make a good atmosphere, and it is a game we can enjoy playing.

"What's at stake is what makes is so exciting for everybody.

"You can potentially get a massive draw. Newport had that last year when they got Tottenham and played at Wembley in a replay.

"That is what we all dream of, getting one of the big boys in the third round, but first and foremost we have got to try and beat Newport."