Ambitious Eastbourne Borough have the extra incentive to do well in the FA Cup this season.

The prize fund for winners has been swelled this season by sponsorship meaning any lower league making progress will coin in the money.

Coach Nick Greenwood said: "It's big bucks this season. The winner of the first round gets £1,000 this season and the money rises quickly so there is a lot of money involved.

"The FA Cup is also a good way of raising the profile of the club which is what we want to do."

He added: "When we were Langney Sports we had a couple of good runs in the FA Cup and maybe this will be our year, especially as we didn't really do well in the cups last year.

"The cup is something everyone wants to do well in and Bognor, Worthing and the rest of the Sussex clubs will be looking for a good run."

Borough were due to entertain Whitchurch United today of the Jewson Wessex League, and barring any mishaps against the lower league opposition who have made a poor start, they will face either Whyteleafe or their rivals from down the road, Eastbourne United in the first qualifying round.

Borough, without taking anything for granted, took the opportunity to check out Whyteleafe at Worthing last weekend. The Rebels were sent spinning to a 3-0 defeat by their Ryman League opponents.

A good cup run would also keep bringing in the fans - which has not been a problem for Borough this season.

Greenwood said: "Our first home game of the season drew the second highest gate in the league. Our gates have got higher ever since we won the County League.

"This goes to show people in the area are interested in Pyramid football."

Borough boss Garry Wilson is pleased with the contribution from his new striker Dave Adams. He said: "Dave is a big lad and we've thrown him in at the deep end. We needed someone to hold the ball up and he's doing ever so well. He is excellent at bringing other players into the game."