Needham Market head to League One Burton Albion this weekend in the FA Cup first round, the history-making Marketmen looking to net their biggest winning purse ever.

Victory at the Pirelli Stadium for Kevin Horlock's side would see Needham pocket more than £40,000 in prize money - a huge amount for a club  at Step 3 of the non-league pyramid.

They have already banked more than £20,000 in prize money alone on this, their historic FA Cup run - the club having never got this far before. And now all eyes are focussed on Burton, and the chance of a huge giant-killing.

"Most clubs at our level like to have a good cup run, it's almost essential to stay financially stable," chairman Keith Nunn said.

"Last year we had a good run in the FA Trophy (Needham lost to Stockport County in the last eight), with prize money alone more than £20,000.

"But the FA Cup is far more valuable. Were we to win at Burton we would get £41,000."

AFC Sudbury, who play one step below Needham, enjoyed television exposure last year when they reached the FA Cup first round and entertained Colchester United. But one disappointment for Needham is that they have not been chosen for live TV coverage.

Stowmarket Mercury: Keith Nunn, knows the financial rewards of the FA Cup run are great for a non-league sideKeith Nunn, knows the financial rewards of the FA Cup run are great for a non-league side (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"Yes, that's the big disappointment I suppose, given we are one of the three lowest ranked sides left in the competition," Nunn said.

"Then you are talking big money. But we aren't one of the chosen few. We will get a few thousands for the cameras being there and highlights shown and we'll take that. But it would have been nice to have been a live game."

Needham are filling up coaches and mini buses for the trek to Burton, with hundreds of fans travelling, Needham hoping to take 400-500 supporters.

"It's significantly the biggest game the club has ever played," Nunn added.

"We've never got this far before in the FA Cup and it has been an ambition for many of us at the club to do it. And for many of our players it will probably be the only time they will play in the first round proper of the FA Cup."

So, what are the chairman's hopes of the big day?

"Burton are bottom of League One and hopefully more interested in staying up as their main thing," Nunn said.

"But no-one wants to lose to a lower league team, especially one four divisions below them like we are. We've already beaten National League sides in the FA Trophy and they weren't happy afterwards.

"In saying that, this is the FA Cup and lots of things can happen."

Should Needham hold Burton to a draw, the replay would be at Needham on Tuesday, November 15.