OXFORD City's epic three-match FA Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers is set to bring the Ryman League club the equivalent of two years' gate money.

City, who bowed out 1-0 on Tuesday after pushing the Division 2 club all the way, can expect to make more than £35,000 from the tie.

In gate receipts alone, City picked up around £20,000 from the three games.

They will also receive an FA grant of £12,500 for reaching the first round proper - subject to them showing that it will be used for ground development.

On top of that, they will collect £1,500 as one of five clubs to have gone the furthest in the competition from the preliminary rounds and £1,200 as fourth qualifying round winners.

"It is a significant amount," said chairman Mick Woodley. "It will probably be equivalent - with the £12,500 for ground improvements at the end of the season - to two years' gate money." It's City's second big windfall in 12 months following the sale last November of striker Jermaine McSporran to Wycombe for an initial fee of £85,000 - which could rise to £135,000 depending on appearances.

"How the money, like the McSporran money, is used we will sit down and consider," added Woodley. "We have got to consider whether we use it to improve the facilities or to improve the side."

Woodley praised the fans who turned out to cheer on City.

"I would sincerely thank the Oxford public who turned out on a cold night to support us," he said.

"To get over 4,000 was a real bonus and must have surprised Wycombe for the poor gates over the two games at Adams Park."

Story date: Thursday 18 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.