NEWPORT County AFC’s tough recent clashes with National League opposition mean that they aren’t getting distracted by a six-figure cash prize in the FA Cup.
The Exiles have home advantage for today’s clash with Eastleigh in the third round and if they avoid an upset then they will bag £105,000 in prize money, plus also go into the draw for a potential money-spinner later in the month.
County are favourites for the Rodney Parade fixture but won’t take the Spitfires, who are 11th in the National League, lightly.
Graham Coughlan’s side beat Oldham 2-0 in round one and then needed a replay to beat Barnet 4-1 after being pegged back in a 1-1 draw in Newport, when the Bees threatened a late winner.
Eastleigh stunned League One Reading in the last round, are set for a push for the play-offs in the second half of the season and boast 25-goal striker Paul McCallum in their side.
“It's a tough, tough challenge,” said County manager Graham Coughlan. “We have been here with Oldham and Barnet and can recall how difficult the challenge was.
“Eastleigh are free-flowing with the top striker in the National League, they are a really dangerous team with a lot of Football League experience. They score at will and put a lot of balls into the box.
“They come at you and ask questions of you, so it will be a stern test and one we are looking forward to. We've had that against Oldham and Barnet, so should be experienced enough to know what is coming.”
County earned £41,000 for beating Oldham and £67,000 for knocking out Barnet, with the live coverage of the replay on ITV also bagging the club £30,000.
Huw Jenkins’ much-needed takeover is poised to get the green light from the EFL soon but the cup run is boosting the Exiles’ coffers.
“Finances are part of football now, so it does play a major part,” said Coughlan. “It's very rewarding if you can get through to the next round.
“We've progressed because we reached the second round last year and the third round this year, so we have brought some money in.
“But for the footballing people - the players and me - it's about winning games and achieving.
“It's about what happens on the park between 3 and 5pm. Anything other than that is a bonus and we don't get too caught up in, albeit it's nice and badly needed.
“We are more interested in the football and it's a results-orientated business.”
County are poised to name a similar squad to the one that drew 1-1 at Sutton United on New Year’s Day.
Left-back Adam Lewis is not yet fully match fit after returning from a quad injury against Forest Green on Boxing Day and then missing out at Gander Green Lane while midfielder Aaron Wildig has not played since the pre-Christmas loss to Wrexham due to illness.
Coughlan is able to name a nine-man bench in the FA Cup but it is likely that he will only be able to do that by naming academy prospects in the matchday squad.
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