Heed seek FA Cup financial booster

ALUN Armstrong has challenged Gateshead to go on the front foot in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Aveley.

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The Heed were handed an unexpected tie at the Essex-based club in the Northern section of the draw, and the Isthmian League Premier Division side will look to spring a shock at their Parkside home.

The tie offers a great opportunity for both sides as they vie for £9,375 in prize money, a place in Monday's draw for the first round, and the possibility of a lucrative tie against the likes of former Premier League clubs

■SOUTH Shields manager Ian Watson is hopeful his side's FA Cup fourth qualifying round home tie with Spalding United can attract a sizeable crowd at the 1st Cloud Arena.

With Premier League neighbours Newcastle United and Sunderland out of action, the non-league game will get a chance to take its place in the spotlight and there is no doubt the Mariners' bid to reach the first round proper for the third time in six seasons will be an attractive prospect.

Watson's men go into the tie on the back of an incredible start to Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City, Luton Town and Wigan Athletic as League One and League Two sides enter this season's competition.