WINSFORD United hope to blaze another trail of glory when they begin their FA Cup campaign on Saturday.

Both chairman Dave Cotterill and manager Dalton Steele believe it could be the perfect way to boost gates and inspire confidence for a push to the title.

The trip to Leigh in the second qualifying round is the first hurdle in a race which could reap a similar reward to last season's memorable trip to Chester City in the first round proper.

Cotterill said: "The FA Cup is the one to get the gates up and get the interest like it did last time.

"Obviously, it would be great to get to the first round and we'll definitely be going for it as we're not too far off the first round now.

"But every round is a bonus for us and it gives a buzz however far we get."

Cotterill, however, has made the UniBond Premier title the club's main priority in his first season in the chair and going into last night's league clash with Runcorn in second place proves that the Blues are serious contenders.

He added: "Our ambition, and Dalton's ambition, is to win the league.

"Last year we had a cup run and once we were out the league form went off but we're playing good football and winning games."

Boss Steele has also recognised the importance of a cup run but is aware of the tough task which awaits his players at UniBond Premier rivals Leigh.

He said: "A club like us needs a good cup run to generate finance and shift some armchair fans into the ground.

"The only disappointment with the draw is that it's not at home but we have a great opportunity to get through and maybe get someone here next round.

"We're not too far away from each other in the league. Whoever's on song on the day will win."

After Leigh, United turn their attention to the UniBond League Presidents Cup on Tuesday, when they travel to Altrincham hoping to avenge last week's defeat in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

A PRESS release from the UniBond League this week voiced strong opposition to the proposed two division Football Conference, indicating that the three senior feeder leagues to the Conference have refused to back the plan.

Dalton Steele has echoed the league's concerns, warning that this national two-tier set-up could sound a death knell for clubs like Winsford United.

He said: "Clubs at this level are self-sufficient and the finance of it could cripple everybody. The Conference are interested in league standard grounds to make their profile higher but it won't do much for football because it would set clubs back.

"But it probably won't happen because they need to get past the clubs first."

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