GREAT Harwood are hoping for a financial boost from the FA Vase when they take on Northern League side Thornaby in the first round proper on Saturday.
Harwood have already made £1200 for getting through two qualifying rounds of the competition and travel to Teeside on Saturday knowing a win would give them another £700.
But more importantly a victory at Thornaby would be a huge boost as they look to get their NWCL Division One season going.
"It is a big game financially for the club," said manager Dave Sharples.
"But really we need a win and then hopefully we can transfer our Vase form into the league and start to climb the table."
While Harwood may be rock-bottom of their league, Thornaby aren't doing much better as they are second off bottom in the Northern League Division One.
Sharples has his first choice strike pairing of Paul Mashiter and John Eastham available and is hoping they will be firing on all cylinders.
The boss was disappointed after Mashiter missed a penalty on Saturday and they lost 1-0 at home to Maine Road in the league.
"We should have at least got a point out of the game," said Sharples who so far has two draws and one defeat in his three league games in charge.
"Mashy missed a penalty which is unlike him as he has been averaging around a goal a game. I expect him to score every time he goes out and plays and will be expecting the same again tomorrow to help us progress.
"In the league, we need to beat teams around us - like Maine Road - as we have some big games coming up against the top sides where it will be tough to get anything. We need to start that as soon as possible."
Midfielder Eddie O'Neill is a doubt with an ankle injury while Sharples should have Andy Taylor and Paul Gouldthorpe available. He was also hoping to snap up another signing from the UniBond League.
