MARK Bower is hoping he finally gets some luck in the Emirates FA Cup as his Bradford Park Avenue side head to Harrogate Town in the third qualifying round tomorrow.

Bower spent time on loan at York City in the Football League club as a young professional and, after more than a decade at Valley Parade, played for Darlington, Halifax Town and Guiseley.

His career in the game is still going strong. He managed Guiseley to promotion to the Vanarama National League before joining Avenue.

But the former Bantams skipper is yet to enjoy a fairytale story in the FA Cup, and hopes it will come with the National League North outfit.

Bower said, “The FA Cup is a special competition but I’ve not had any luck in it as a player or a manager in 20 years in football.

“I can’t ever remember having any kind of a run in it which is disappointing. I think the furthest I can remember going is the third round with Bradford City and we only came into it at that stage.

“I’m saving it all for one big year and have a real fairytale just once. I’m due a bit of luck in it and so is the club so fingers crossed – this is the year.”

Avenue’s boss may have his tongue firmly in his cheek as he dreams of a leading his side out under the iconic arch at the new Wembley, but he is very serious when he considers what difference winning through a few rounds could make to Avenue.

He said, “Winning cup games lifts spirits and keeps momentum going and in the FA Cup there is the potential of making money as well and that is a huge bonus, especially to a semi-pro club at our level.

“The National League sides come into it in the next round and then it’s the first round proper and the Football League sides are in.

"There are some big clubs in that division above us like Tranmere Rovers, Hartlepool United, Wrexham, Leyton Orient, Macclesfield Town, they are all recent league clubs with big support so there’s a potential big payday.

“If you can get one stage further you just have to look at the clubs playing in League One and League Two these days, there are some massive clubs," said Bower.

"If you get one of them, home or away, there’s the possibility of a TV game and those fees do mean a massive payday.

“That kind of money doesn’t just set you up for one season – it goes a long way to easing the running of a club for a few years.”