THE Football Association has introduced a major new financial incentive for non-league clubs.

Proceeds from the FA Cup are to be cascaded down in a huge new incentive to succeed for all entrants. This means that as the non-league clubs begin the tournament with the preliminary round this Saturday the prize for victory is set at a quite incredible £1,000, a grand just for winning one match.

As the rounds progress so the carrot gets bigger. Reaching the first qualifying round reaps a further £7,500 and round two the same amount.

Putting this into context for our local clubs, two seasons ago Ramsbottom United made it to the second stage of the qualifying rounds and under the new terms that would have reaped £17,000 in prize money alone.

Last season Radcliffe Boro hit the heights by a stirring run through to the first round proper which would have generated a fantastic pay day of £46,000. The potential this now offers must have everyone tingling with excitement as a club's fortunes could be totally transformed by a bit of success in just one competition.

Fingers will be firmly crossed at Ramsbottom as a difficult away trip to NWCL Division Two outfit Blackpool Mechanics isn't helped by the unavailability of key players. Centre backs Mark Thomas and Tony Morris miss through suspension, fellow defenders Neil Wallace and Danny Goodall have personal commitments and new signing Jamie Wilson, a former Bradford City YTS, looked lively in his midweek debut for the club but picked up a leg injury and will be out for three to four weeks.

Atherton Colls are in action tonight with an away tie at Unibond Division One outfit Witton Albion, 7.30pm kick off. There is a big local FA Cup derby clash at Stainton Park tomorrow as Radcliffe Boro entertain NWCL Division One Atherton LR. Centre back David Bean could return after injury for Boro.

BEN hotshots: Darren Mahoney - Tempest United 8, Phil Hornby Atherton Town 5, Jody Banim Radcliffe Boro, Daniel Christie Atherton Town, Barry Massay 4.