Tipton Town hit FA Cup jackpot
Non-league Tipton Town struck the FA Cup jackpot when they clinched a maiden appearance in the first round proper on an historic night for the town, writes Steve Madeley.
Non-league Tipton Town struck the FA Cup jackpot when they clinched a maiden appearance in the first round proper on an historic night for the town, writes Steve Madeley.
The Midland Football Alliance outfit defeated the world's oldest club, Sheffield FC, in front of a record crowd of 1,429 at Tipton Sports Academy to claim a further £12,000 in prize money.
And John Hill's side, who had already scooped £17,250 for reaching the fourth qualifying round, now travel to League One side Carlisle United in the first round on November 6.
Commercial manager Dean Pearson said: "It is still sinking in. Playing in the first round is a fantastic opportunity for us and the funds that we will receive from getting through to the next round will give a club like ours a very good financial base for the next few seasons.
"What we want to do now is get some of the fans who were at the game last night to keep coming to support us. If we could do that it would be fantastic.
"We had earned £17,250 up to this point and there is another £12,000 from this. But we haven't even taken gate receipts into account.
"That is just pure prize money. In the current economic climate it's very difficult to get funding in place so this is an absolute God-send for us.
"The money will be put back into the club because it's absolutely vital that we have money to pay for pitch fees and for transport to matches and all that sort of stuff.
"It means it isn't quite so difficult to keep the club going. If we get promoted there will be extra costs associated with that so this will help us hugely."
The 62-year-old club clinched the trip to Brunton Park by beating Sheffield 2-0 in the fourth qualifying round replay with goals from winger Eric Bowen and striker Danny Campbell. The sides had drawn the original tie 2-2 at Sheffield on Saturday.
The crowd at Tipton Sports Academy doubled the previous record attendance for the club, who are chasing promotion from the Midland Alliance and have been beaten just once in 15 league games this season.
And Tipton's most famous son, Steve Bull, today gave his backing to the class of 2010.
"I drive past the ground regularly and it is a fantastic set-up there," said the former Wolves and England striker, who was known as the Tipton Terror during his goal-laden years at Molineux. "I have been following Tipton's progress and this is a great result for the team and the town.
"I played for Tipton from 14 until I left for Albion at 19 and the club is close to my heart. What I want now is a draw at Carlisle and a replay back at Tipton. I might be able to get to the game then - if I can get a ticket!"
