RE-BORN Gresley could lose money on their FA Vase fourth round tie – even if they win and claim the £1,500 prize money on offer.

The East Midlands Counties League club are making plans for their FA Vase fourth round visit to Dawlish Town a week on Saturday, January 16.

The 400-mile round trip to south Devon, with an overnight stop before the match, could set the Derbyshire club back around £2,000.

And there is the added complication of a possible postponement if the freezing weather conditions continue.

So while the recent cold snap has proved a source of frustration to many a non-League football manager, arguably it has been long-serving Gresley manager Gary Norton who is the most frustrated of all.

"We need to arrange for coach travel and accommodation as we really need to go down on the Friday night before the game, which is unusual at this level," said Norton.

"That is a big burden to a club like ours and there is the added risk of the match not even going ahead.

"We've been looking into arrangements and we are a little bit worried about what we will do if the match is postponed. We need to make sure we don't lose money if we have to cancel hotels.

"We have not played since December 12 and, looking at the forecast, it looks doubtful for this weekend as well.

"They have struggled down in Devon too, although a few more games have taken place and Dawlish played at the weekend, which would suggest that conditions are not quite as bad down there."

Gresley go into their fourth round tie as one of the lowest ranks teams left in the FA Vase this season.

They are at the last 32 stage, so there are still fifth and sixth rounds to strive for ahead of the semi-finals of the competition.

After the fourth round, the team which eventually wins the Vase can land another £34,000 in prize money, including a £20,000 pot for winning the final.

Each winning round offers vital cash for clubs at Gresley's level.

Gresley rose from the ashes of debt-stricken Gresley Rovers, which went into liquidation in the summer after resigning from the UniBond League.

The newly-formed club dropped to the EMC League – step six in the non-League pyramid and one level below Dawlish, who play in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

"Having going through the financial problems that we have, you would expect a note of caution from people around the club," Norton added.

"It has taken a little bit of the gloss off what we have achieved in the Vase so far but it was the sensible thing to do.

"We would rather be in the competition and have to deal with this problem.

"It is a nice problem to have and we are certainly not moaning about it.

"Win, lose or draw, if we run at a loss because of the match, it will be a challenge for the club to offset that.

"It is not going to break us. After everything that has happened, one thing the current board won't do is allow us to spend money we haven't got."

As a result, Gresley are appealing to local businesses and individual for financial assistance in funding the trip.

"It is likely to cost the club between £1,500 and £2,000 in terms of travel and accommodation," said Norton, whose team have knocked out Grimsby Borough, Ollerton Town and Spennymoor Town so far.

"That is a lot of money for a club like us to find.

"We started from scratch in the summer and only have a modest budget, with most of the players only getting petrol expenses.

"We are getting good gates but the overheads on the ground are still fairly high.

"So we are appealing to local businesses or any individuals who might be able to support us financially. Every little helps.

"The prize money would just about balance it off if we were to win.

"That would certainly help significantly but we cannot rely on it."

● Anyone wishing to help Gresley should contact the club by telephoning 01283 216315 or emailing info@gresleyfc.com