GREAT HARWOOD have banked almost £10,000 from their run in this year's FA Cup.

The North West Counties second division side went out of the world's most famous cup competition to UniBond Premier League big-spenders Harrogate on Saturday.

But the minnows picked up £1,000 for getting through the Preliminary Round, £7,500 from the First Qualifying Round and around £800 in gate receipts from the Second Qualifying Round tie at Harrogate.

John Hughes's young side travelled to the north east hoping to cause the kind of upset that has made the FA Cup such a magical competition.

But it wasn't to be. They conceded two early goals - as they have done on more than one occasion this season - to put Harrogate firmly in the driving seat.

"It was a big boost for the club even to get to this stage," said Hughes. "We were never going to win the cup but it was a chance for us to go and see how far our young lads are away from that level, it was a chance for them to see what they have to aim for.

"We conceded two early goals which is becoming a bit of a habit but second half I couldn't fault them.

"Harrogate got it down, played it around, but we had more chances and I thought we looked the better side.

"To give away two early goals gives you a mountain to climb, we did it against Colne and got away with it but you can't get away with it against teams like Harrogate.

"The experience and class told in the end."

Harwood's best two chances fell to striker Chris Heslop, who forced a tremendous save with a 20-yard volley and was later found wanting at the back post after a perfect cross from John Eastham.

"They showed character to keep going even though they were two behind," said Hughes, who brought on Neil Baron and Paul Demaine in the second half.

"Neil Baron came on and did enough to keep his place for next week, he knows what I want and that's what he did. He has character.

"Paul Demaine came on as well and gave us more steel.

"Harrogate were stronger and fitter but we gave a good account of ourselves.

"It was nice as well to see so many people from Great Harwood travel. I have never seen that before. It just goes to show that a good young team, playing good football, not just hoofing it up the park, can draw a crowd.

"We need to see more of it because things will get better for this team."

HARROGATE...2

GREAT HARWOOD...0