Gainsborough won't fear Accrington in cup - Wilcox

Russ Wilcox was appointed Gainsborough Trinity boss in September 2023

Gainsborough Trinity boss Russ Wilcox says his non-league side will "not fear" Accrington Stanley when they host the League Two club in the first round of the FA Cup.

The seventh-tier side from Lincolnshire set up tie by beating National League Hartlepool United 3-1 in Tuesday's fourth round qualifying replay.

Wilcox says there is "great belief" in his team after knocking out a side that plays two divisions higher than them to reach the first round for the second time in as many years.

Not even the 58 places that separates Gainsborough and Accrington in the English football league pyramid is an overawing gap for a club that got as far as the second round just 12 months ago.

"We have nothing to lose," Wilcox told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

"We don't fear Accrington. It's great to get a home draw for the fans, and hopefully we can fill the stadium."

The FA Cup has been a lucrative competition for Gainsborough in the past year, with the prize money collected being boosted by the broadcast income that came in from the second-round tie they lost at Harrogate Town.

In total, the club has made around £200,000 from the two cup runs.

"It's amazing," Wilcox said. "And it's more amazing to do it two years running.

"That's the biggest thing. There are not many teams that make it to the first-rounder proper from non-league."