FA Cup: Macclesfield Town win at Walsall helps pay off debts

Macclesfield Town's FA Cup first round triumph at Walsall will pay off their VAT bill, says boss John Askey.

The Silkmen were the only non-league team to beat an English Football League side, as John McCombe's header secured a 1-0 win at the Banks's Stadium.

The National League side have earned £30,500 so far in prize money from two games, and will also get a percentage of gate receipts from those matches.

"It is massive as it means we can pay the VAT bill this week," said Askey.

The 52-year-old told BBC Sport: "We've not got a benefactor - there are a lot of clubs in our league that have, but we haven't.

"It is only through the generosity of the supporters that we're able to compete like we do."

Macclesfield were relegated from the fourth tier in 2012 and have not finished higher than sixth as they bid to return to League Two.

"The FA Cup has saved the club numerous times," Askey added. "I remember when we played West Ham one year and if we hadn't got them in the cup, we could've gone under as a club.

"We would like one of the lower teams really [in the next round]. We want to try and get to the third round, and if we can then obviously you are looking for one of the big boys."