GRAHAM Westley was holding what appeared to be a magic wand when he spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference on Monday and, on the face of it, he’s going to need to produce a miracle to beat Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

The FA Cup second round replay is without doubt the biggest match for Newport County AFC since the Conference play-off final victory over Wrexham at Wembley in May 2013.

With the BT Sport cameras in attendance at Rodney Parade and a lucrative third round trip to Anfield to face Premier League giants Liverpool the prize for the winners the stakes are high.

Now that the sensible precaution of hiring in pitch covers has been taken, both sides can look forward to banking a £37,000 broadcast fee tomorrow night.

And if Westley can pull a rabbit out of a hat and guide basement boys County to victory over league leaders Plymouth then the Exiles will be in line for a £144,000 broadcast fee with the Liverpool tie also being screened by BT Sport on January 8.

Add in 45 per cent of the takings on tickets sold at Anfield and we are talking about a substantial payday for a club forever in need of a financial boost.

If Westley and County can harness the magic of the FA Cup and hurl that famous form book out of the nearest window it guarantee the team and their long suffering fans a memorable trip to one of the country’s finest stadiums.

What a Christmas present that would be to every member of the amber army after what has been another largely forgettable year.

More importantly in the long run it would also allow the manager to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window and provide a huge helping hand in the battle to avoid relegation from League Two.

In contrast, if County were to lose tomorrow night – as the form book suggests they will – they will be heading to Stevenage on January 7.

If that wasn’t enough of a sobering thought it would also mean that Westley would have his hands tied as far as potential recruits are concerned in the New Year.

The boss has made some space in his squad with the departure of Jon Parkin to York City and the news that three youngsters will also be leaving in January.

And the FA Cup money already in the bag should allow him to add one or two new faces but victory tomorrow night would be a major boost to his plans.

County’s current form suggests that reinforcements are needed in defence and attack and if loan players Rhys Healey, Josh Sheehan, Kyle Cameron and Jordan Green return to their parent clubs then the manager has an even bigger rebuilding job on his hands.

And, while retaining their Football League status is absolutely the number one priority, that’s why it’s vital that County somehow find a way to halt the Pilgrims’ progress tomorrow.

Plymouth is one of Healey’s potential destinations next month if he moves out on loan again after returning to Cardiff City.

Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock was reported to have said that he may want to send the striker to a “better club” to aid his progression.

Asked for his reaction to that statement, Westley said: “Plymouth are a better club. They’ve got a bigger infrastructure, a bigger fan-base, they’ve got their own stadium and they’ve got a bigger playing budget.

“They’re a better club right now.

“The challenge to us is to put ourselves, by virtue of our efforts, in a position where they’re not viewed as a better club.

“That’s going to take a lot of hard work.

“If you’re a lesser club and there’s better clubs out there then have some ambition about you, put some work ethic in and put yourself in a position where people don’t say those things about you.”

The Exiles may never be in a position to say they are a bigger club than Plymouth but, if they get everything right and enjoy a little luck, they can beat them on the pitch tomorrow night.

It’s time for everyone – the management, the players and the fans – to put aside the defeats and disappointments of the past few weeks and months and ensure that the year ends on a big high.

The people of Newport need to get behind their team in big numbers and create a hostile atmosphere for Derek Adams and his side to give Westley’s men the very best chance of progressing.

I’ll see you there and I’ll see you at Anfield in two and a half weeks, not Stevenage!