Harrogate Town v Skelmersdale United - Simon Weaver hoping to cash in on FA Cup run

The League Two newcomers will be seeking to avoid a first-round banana skin tonight when they entertain Skelmersdale United of the North West Counties Premier Division in front of 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.”

Success over Skelmersdale, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, will earn Harrogate £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 also emerge victorious from that tie.

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