With 198 preliminary ties this weekend and a £1,000 prize for each winning side, it's an important weekend for many sides as they look for FA Cup glory.

A place in the first round proper is only four wins away, but even just a place in the first qualifying round where a further cash windfall of £7,500 is up for grabs will be a massive incentive for these clubs from the lower divisions.

Holbeach United of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League are one such club. They make a trip to take on Nantwich Town, who have already won once to get to this stage. Holbeach boss Dick Creasey has done his homework.

"They are a very young side marshalled from centre half by their player-manager Nigel Gleghorn, the former Stoke City player. They show a lot of movement and we will have our work cut out. But I would hope our overall experience will see us through."

"We look to the FA Cup as a means to raising funds for the club. If we can get through a couple of rounds we can expect to earn a bob or two and that's what it's all about." said Creasey.

Dr Martens Eastern side St Leonards start their FA Cup campaign on Saturday with a trip to Combined Counties Leaguers Merstham. Manager Glyn White said: "I would love to have a good run in the FA Cup because it's the one everyone wants to do well in and there is a lot of money at stake the further you go."

Rugby United travel to Midland Alliance side Oadby Town having started the league season badly, but they will be bouyed by their previous success inthe competition. Back in 1997/98 their cup run ended in glorious failure in the 3rd Qualifying Round narrowly losing out 4-3 to King's Lynn in front of 1,500 spectators.

United manager Tony Dobson said: "Saturday's game couldn't have come at a better time. There tends to be less pressure in the cup and players can go out and enjoy themselves.

"Oadby are a very good side who are flying at the moment and top of their league. But, in a one off game anything can happen and a win could provide the boost we need to get our league campaign back on track. We'll say to the players on Saturday that what's gone is gone and we need to start afresh from today."

The pick of the games in Kent is at Longmead Stadium where a crowd of around 1,000 is expected to see Dr Martens League Eastern Division side Tonbridge Angels meet G Travel Kent League champions Maidstone United.

Angels boss Alan Walker is a former Maidstone player while Tonbridge's Peter Overton and Lloyd Hume have also played for the Stones.

"This is the tie I wanted because I have good memories of my time at Maidstone in the Kent League," said Walker. "They should have been promoted last season so we will not be taking them lightly."

Deal Town entertain Hythe Town after coming through an extra preliminary round replay this week, while Sittingbourne play Slade Green at Central Park in two more all-Kent clashes.

Most teams at this stage of the competition are supposed to be at a similar level, but there are a few potential 'shocks'. Midland Alliance side Rushall Olympic may fancy their chances against Dr Martens Western neighbours Sutton Coldfield Town, as will Quorn, who travel to Histon.