St Albans City joint manager James Gray admits the financial implications are huge for the club if they can reach the first round of the FA Cup.

The Saints host fellow National League South strugglers Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday in the fourth qualifying round.

The winners will receive £12,500 and also have the possibility of a money-spinner in the next round which could have a significant bearing on their chances of adding to the squad this season.

Gray said: "It will be massive for us. The financial implications for us are massive. It means we could strengthen even further because we don't want to be languishing down there.

"It's going to be massive for the town. Last time we got to the first round there were 3,500 in there against Mansfield. If that could happen again it would be absolutely superb."

He added: "You never know, you could be at Sheffield United live on television in the next game which would be brilliant. It's a real possibility.

"Anything could happen and that's why we need to focus this week and try to get it right this Saturday.

"They're struggling a little bit in the league like we are but there are no bad teams in this league. The gulf in football in this league is very small."

The Saints are third bottom in the division after losing 1-0 at fourth-placed Maidstone United on Saturday but Gray was pleased with their response following the 6-0 drubbing at Whitehawk in the last league match.

He said: "I don't really feel we deserved to lose which was a good reaction. In the team talk I was just talking about the Whitehawk away game where we got thumped. I asked for a reaction and I think the commitment, desire and effort was there for everyone to see.

"The lads are a bit disappointed because other than maybe one other effort it's the only shot they've had on target. The game plan worked to a tee for us and we're missing a little bit of luck because I don't know how the ball didn't go in at the other end for us.

"If we did we'd probably have got a draw which I feel was deserved."