BURY Town chairman Russell Ward has pledged to flash the cash once again to ensure little-known Alfreton Town are well scouted before the side's FA Cup first round match next month.

Dave Gooderham

BURY Town chairman Russell Ward has pledged to flash the cash once again to ensure little-known Alfreton Town are well scouted before the side's FA Cup first round match next month.

After initial disappointment and some deflation among staff and supporters alike, the club quickly turned their attentions to the possibility of a mouth-watering second round match following yesterday afternoon's draw.

Hopes of a money-spinning match at Leeds or Leicester were dashed when the side were paired up with Alfreton - currently 14th in the Blue Square North table. They now face the long journey to Derbyshire.

But after scouting was described as an integral part of Saturday's fantastic 4-1 win over higher-league Basingstoke Town, preparations will now begin for a similar build-up.

Neil Reader, manager of the West Suffolk College sports academy, will be the man tasked with the mission of finding out all about Bury's opponents prior to the November 8 match.

And assistant boss Trevor Collins said they would also call on the services of central defender Roscoe Hipperson, who played against Alfreton during his days with Histon.

Collins said: “There were two things we were hoping for - either a big club away or a winnable match and this is certainly one we could win. We don't know a lot about them but they are the same standard as Basingstoke and Chelmsford (who Bury beat in the second qualifying round).

“We will be scouting Alfreton to make sure we know everything about them and we definitely have a chance to make it to the second round.

“Whatever happens, the Basingstoke win will be a day that no one will ever forget.”

Ward, who admitted he had “mixed emotions” as the televised draw was made and supporters packed into Bury's clubhouse, said manager Richard Wilkins would be given financial help as the side bids to make it to the second round for the first time in their history.

The chairman said: “We were hoping for a big club but we know we can beat Alfreton if we perform the way we did on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Leiston also still have a chance of making the first round proper if they come through their replay against Blue Square Premier side Lewes tomorrow night after drawing 1-1 at Victory Road on Saturday.

Supporters' coaches have been organised for the trip to East Sussex and will leave the town at 3.30pm. To book a place on the trip, contact Andy Dunn on 01728 635602.

Should the Suffolk side progress, they will face a home draw against Blue Square North side Fleetwood Town in the next round.