The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Boss Matt Easton wants to lead his Spalding United side to a money-spinning run in this season’s FA Trophy.
The Tulips, who haven’t fared overly well in the national competition in recent years, visit BetVictor NPL South East Division rivals Chasetown for what looks like a potentially winnable tie on Saturday (3pm).
The duo drew 2-2 in the league just two weeks ago, with Spalding twice taking the lead before being forced to settle for a point.
Whoever wins the Extra Preliminary Round clash will bank £1,500 in prize money, which would also give them a chance to win £2,250 in the next round.
Bizarrely, Easton also wants to win the tie to ensure that his side have another fixture in October – given that Tuesday’s home clash with Belper Town (7.45pm) is their only game currently scheduled for the entire month.
Should they lose, Spalding won’t play again until a derby date with Stamford on November 2 (3pm).
Easton said: “As a club, we don’t make a lot of money on the gate. We had less than 200 people for Worksop at home last weekend, which is a little less than you’d hope for.
“We have a great core group of fans who will turn up come what may, but getting the numbers up has proved elusive.
“With that in mind, it’s important that we try and get some money into the club by winning a few games.
“Going on a run in the FA Trophy is certainly a target for us all at the club.
“A few of the lads are in the red zone fitness-wise and we can’t afford injuries really.
“Most clubs at this level struggle financially, so the boost cup runs can provide is huge.
“We’d also like another game in October! It’s incredible to think that we’ll play on Tuesday, then not again until November.”
The Tulips chief is still without a host of key players for the Chasetown tussle, including skipper Lewis Brownhill (out for six weeks) and Archie Moyses, who will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Star keeper Michael Duggan is also out, but attacking duo Jamie Jackson and Jenk Acar are both pushing to be fit – although Easton isn’t hopeful of either being ready for Saturday.
“Having Jenk and Jamie would be massive,” added the Tulips boss.
“Chasetown look vulnerable when you get in behind them.
“Jenk and Jamie are our best players for doing that, but Saturday may just be too soon for them. We’ll see, I’d be more optomistic on Jenk – he’s perhaps 50/50.
“We had a few young lads in the side in the game at Chasetown, too. If we can start with more experience, I’d be confident we can win.”
