NANTWICH Town are cheering this week after landing a money-spinning league cup tie with megabucks FC United of Manchester which will surely help finance their promotion drive.

Player-boss Steve Davis has been hard at work since the Dabbers lifted the FA Vase in May. He has secured hitman Andy Bott from rivals Newcastle Town, and tied members of the Vase-winning team to two-year contracts.

But cash flow will be no problem after Nantwich were handed a home tie with FC United - the club formed by Manchester United fans angry at the 2005 American takeover at Old Trafford.

United, who will also play Nantwich home and away next season after gaining promotion from Division Two, regularly command gates of 2,000-4,000 and take massive support to away games. Jackson Avenue is expected to be full to the brim when they visit on November 11.

Davis, who has undergone a successful knee operation, said: 'It is a great draw because everyone wanted them. It promises to be a big crowd. But we are focused on winning the league and getting promoted.

'We were disappointed to miss out last season. I was worried we may lose half the squad because we did so well. It is fantastic they all pledged their futures to the club.'

Bott, 30, scored 19 goals last year and plundered more than 150 during his time at Lyme Valley Stadium. He is expected to link up with top-scorer Andy Kinsey, who hit 23 last season on his way to being named Player of the FA Vase.

Nantwich's pre-season fixtures are: Crewe Alexandra (H) July 11 (7.45pm); Connah's Quay Nomads (A) July 15 (2.30pm); Stafford Rangers (H) July 18 (7.45pm); Stoke City (H) July 22 (3pm); Witton Albion (H) July 25 (7.45pm); Eccleshall (A) July 29 (3pm); Winsford United (A) August 5 (3pm).