NPL East Division side Liversedge are hoping to continue their dream FA Trophy run, as they aim to get another win against a side at a step above when they face Basford United at Clayborn tomorrow.

This is Sedge’s first ever season in the FA Trophy and they have qualified for the first round proper at the first time of asking.

Cup runs can be lucrative for non-league clubs. and Sedge's win over higher-tier Scarborough in the last round earned them at least £3,225 in prize money.

But it is not just the prize money at stake for Sedge, it is about maintaining the buzz around the club.

The 4-0 win over Scarborough saw their biggest home gate of the season, as they welcomed 571 to Clayborn.

Sedge hope to attract another big crowd this weekend, which could be bolstered by Huddersfield Town and Leeds United being out of action and Bradford City playing away from home.

Manager Jonathan Rimmington said: “It seems every week at the moment we’re talking about a massive game and a bumper crowd.

“The crowds have been amazing. We’re trying to put the building blocks in place and it is really starting to show.

“Apparently Scarborough brought between 150 and 200. I know you have groundhoppers and neutrals, but that means around 300 to 350 were our own.

“Hopefully we can keep giving them performances like that and keep them coming back. They’ll play a huge part in hopefully getting us over the line tomorrow.”

Before the 4-0 win over Scarborough was another spectacular victory in the competition.

Liversedge travelled to Clitheroe of the NPL West Division and went down to 10 men when goalkeeper Jordan Porter was sent off.

Striker Joe Walton went in goal and kept Clitheroe out with several stunning saves, before a 10-9 penalty shootout victory saw Sedge through.

As a step 4 non-league side – the lowest level to enter the competition – there should be a limit to Sedge’s ambition.

But still unbeaten in the league and having already beaten higher-tier opposition, there is no telling how far they could go.

Despite the lack of FA Trophy history at the club, there is some in the dressing room, as goalkeeper Porter was part of the FC Halifax Town squad that lifted the trophy in 2016.

The 2020/21 winners Hornchurch provide some inspiration, as they completed the rare achievement of winning the cup while playing below National League North/South level.

One more win will see Sedge reach the round that teams from step 2 enter, and a big draw against one of those sides would probably be enough for people at the club to see the tournament as an enormous success off the field.

But the sense you get from the playing staff is that they won’t roll over for higher league opposition and any loss, no matter who it comes against, would be a failure.

Midfielder Ross Daly said: “We don’t see any game as a free hit as we’ll be disappointed if we lose.

“We believe we’ve got every chance of winning this game against Basford. We carry that confidence into every game at the moment as nobody is finding a way to beat us.

“We’ve taken out higher league opposition once, what is stopping us from doing it again?

“You see teams have these amazing runs in the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. It didn’t happen for us in the former this year, but we arguably stand a greater chance in this competition.

“We’re one of the best sides at step 4 right now. So why not us?”

Liversedge will be holding Remembrance Day tributes ahead of the match with Basford.

BY KIERAN ARCHER