A SECTION of Boro fans may want to see Graham Westley s men concentrate on the league rather than this weekend s FA Trophy first round tie against Ebbsfleet United. But Boro s participation in the competition could have a positive effect on the club s le

A SECTION of Boro fans may want to see Graham Westley's men concentrate on the league rather than this weekend's FA Trophy first round tie against Ebbsfleet United.

But Boro's participation in the competition could have a positive effect on the club's league campaign purely down to the prize money involved.

The prize money for the 2010 competition is as follows:

Preliminary Round winners (52) 2,000

First Round Qualifying winners (72) 2,300

Second Round Qualifying winners (36) 3,000

Third Round Qualifying winners (40) 4,000

First Round Proper winners (32) 5,000

Second Round Proper winners (16) 6,000

Third Round Proper winners (8) 7,000

Fourth Round Proper winners (4) 8,000

Semi Final winners (2) 16,000

Final runners-up (1) 25,000

Final winners (1) 50,000

Now it may seem like small fry to a lot of teams but, as has been so well documented over the first half of the season, there is a Setanta shortfall to make up and a cup run to Wembley would certainly ease any non league club's financial fears.

Boro chairman Phil Wallace has repeatedly stated that any income that hasn't been budgeted for will be put straight into Westley's playing budget.

Therefore a cup run could make the difference and net Boro the player they need to push them on to promotion in 2010. Just who that player is remains a mystery but Westley will have undoubtedly already come up with a list of potential signings he is ready to move for if he is given the green light.

Another day out at Wembley would be no bad thing for everyone connected with Boro.