Harrogate Town v Skelmersdale United: FA Cup prize money more important than ever

The League Two newcomers will be seeking to avoid a first-round banana skin tonight (Friday) when they entertain Skelmersdale United of the North West Counties Premier Division in front of live BT Sport cameras.

Desperate for a return to winning ways following four matches without a victory, while doubtless eyeing a potential glamour tie with Premier League opposition in round three, there will be a number of motivating factors at play when the Wetherby Road outfit take the field this evening.

But, perhaps most significant of all given the current climate is the sum of more than £25,000 in prize money which is at stake, something that Weaver admits he is all too aware of.

“We need to deliver for a number of reasons. Obviously we want an FA Cup run, we owe it to the fans, but we’ve had almost no revenue for such a long time now that the prize money on offer becomes so important,” he said.

“I am probably more aware of the financial implications of not progressing into round two than I ever have been before because of my close connection to the board and because my dad [Irving Weaver] is the chairman.

“As the manager, I’ve got to look at the bottom line. The cash that’s up for grabs would make a huge difference because we’ve had so little coming into the club due to the situation with Covid-19 and us not being allowed fans inside the stadium.

“Given the circumstances, I feel that it’s important that the players have an awareness of what is at stake. We don't want to paralyse them by putting too much pressure on them, but they need to understand the situation."

If they manage to beat Skelmersdale, Harrogate will pocket £16,792.

They would also be guaranteed a minimum of £8,500 in round two, a figure that would rise to £25,500 if they emerge victorious from that tie.

A sum of £82,000 awaits every team that makes it through the third round.

In order for Town to progress this evening, Weaver says that his players need to avoid becoming complacent when they tackle the lowest ranked side left in the competition.

"The lads understand that they have to set their standards high and deliver a passionate performance," he added.

"It is the job of myself and my staff the ensure that the players are on it and go into the game with the right frame of mind.

"We know that they are a tough team and we won't underestimate them. There's one thing we aren't, and that's big time.

"We have a lot of respect for them because there are some good players in their team, but we have that target in our minds - let's just get through this round."

Last season, Town - then of the National League - made it as far as round one of the FA Cup, where they lost out 2-1 at home to League One Portsmouth.

Kick-off this evening at the EnviroVent Stadium is at 7.45pm.