Cup form is definitely a worry at Liversedge, and it has not helped the club’s coffers this term.

Sedge have won five and drawn two of their 13 fixtures so far. That means they have lost six - just under half - but exactly half of those defeats have come in knockout competitions. In fact, they have won just one cup tie out of four.

They were knocked out of the Baris Northern Counties East League Cup in the second round - the first hurdle for NCEL Premier Division sides - in their third game of the season.

They struggled at home in their opening FA Cup game. After drawing, they went out away from home in the subsequent replay.

Last weekend they were dumped out of the FA Vase at the first hurdle and by a club from the lower tier of the NCEL set-up.

Sedge twice came from behind but AFC Emley won the tie 3-2 after extra-time.

Sedge spokesman John Hewitt said: “It was a cracking game with a real cup-tie atmosphere about it and both sides played really well.

"We just can’t seem to win when there is money involved though. No matter how hard the lads try and how well they play we always seem to get beaten, which is a big disappointment.”

Sedge know more than most what the benefits can be of a long run in either the national knockout competitions.

Under Eugene Lacy they went through to the fourth qualifying-round of the FA Cup a few years ago and their winnings, added to a grant, meant they could afford to level the pitch at Clayborn.

Hewitt added: “There is nothing wrong with the team spirit, and the lads are really playing for Billy Miller (manager). It has been a lot happier place since he came back.

“The players are also loving their football and the camaraderie. It spilled over a bit when we beat Long Eaton United the week before last because the atmosphere was so good in the club that the long Eaton lads stayed back and enjoyed a few beers.

"It was a bit impromptu and they ran out of money so one of our players bought them all another round.

“It was nice to see, just like last Tuesday when Darryl Leach scored the equaliser in our 2-2 draw at Pickering.

"Leachy has just become a dad for the third time and as soon as he scored the ‘rocking the baby’ celebration came out, and everyone was delighted.”