AN FA Cup run is fresh in the minds of Ramsbottom and, with the finances now at stake, they would love to do it again.

Three years ago the NWCL Division One side reached the third qualifying round where they met Conference side Southport at the Riverside.

"It was a terrific day," said the Rams secretary John Maher. "I remember it even though it was lashing down with rain. There was close to 1,000 people at our ground which made for a terrific atmosphere.

"The Guardian had been following our progress in their series 'The Road to Wembley' and we were meant to get knocked out so they could follow another club but we just kept winning and their reporter had to come to our ground from London about four times!

"There were television cameras there, and my wife, who was shopping in Ramsbottom at the time, said she could see people going to the match and it was like their was a 'proper game' on. I didn't take offence as I knew what she meant!

"We did lose 5-0, there was just one player who ran us ragged, but it was a good day."

As well as the gate receipts, Ramsbottom got £5,000 for getting so far to spend on their ground.

"In those days we didn't get reward money, you had to spend it on the ground. We had a grant from the Football Foundation, put some money too ourselves and were able to do things like develop the dressing rooms and put new covered terracing behind the goal."

If Rams could progress that far this season, they would find themselves with a bigger sum in their back pockets.

They need to defeat NWCL Division Two side Blackpool Mechanics tomorrow at the seaside to snap up £1,000 and then, if they get through the first qualifying round, they will get £7,500 with another £7,500 for getting through the second qualifying round.

"It is a huge incentive," said John. "It does mean mega bucks to clubs like us now."

If the Rams get through, they will be at home to Northern League side Ashington or NWCL team Warrington and then, if they do make the third qualifying round, it's a trip to UniBond side Whitby Town.

"I think the last NWCL team to get to the first round proper were Newcastle Town about six years ago.

"It doesn't happen often. Once you hit the UniBond and the Conference sides, like we did, then that tends to be the problem. But you never know."

Rams new boy Jamie Wilson did not break his leg as first feared in the 1-1 draw with Woodley Sports on Tuesday but the 20-year-old striker will still be out for three weeks. Central defenders Mark Thomas and Tony Morris are suspended for the clash at Blackpool Mechanics. Neil Wallace is at a wedding and Danny Goodall will also miss the match.