REACHING the first round of the FA Cup could have a big effect on Worcester City's finances -- says manager Graham Allner.
Saturday's fourth qualifying round clash with Forest Green Rovers could prove significant for a number of reasons if City win and join the Nation-wide League Division Two and Three clubs in the first round draw.
Allner said: "It puts the club more in the public eye and financially it is very important, not just from gate money and what have you.
"There are lump sum payments that come your way the further you get in the competition, which comes out of the television money.
"It also gives fans a lift - it is one thing they look forward to every year - and the players themselves get a lift. It is their opportunity to go and mix it with full-timers and maybe cause an upset or two.
"From everybody's point of view there is an angle to it, and from my perspective when we have struggled as we have in the early part of this season, it is the sort of thing that can help with the league form."
Forest Green may be bottom of the Nationwide Conference but they will provide City with their stiffest test of the season so far.
But if they should get through there is the excitement of the first round draw to look forward to, with the likes of Stoke City, Burnley, Preston North End and Bristol City lying in wait.
Allner added: "That has to create an excitement, particularly at a club like Worcester who had a taste of it last year and hadn't had that for some time.
"The problem is that it is arguably the toughest hurdle to overcome, and that is for everybody."
If Saturday's game is drawn, the replay will be at Forest Green's ground at The Lawn in Nailsworth, near Stroud, next Wednesday.
The first round draw will be made at 5.30pm on Saturday and will be televised live on Sky Sports.
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