Berkhamsted players banned from watching FA Cup draw

What the report says

Berkhamsted manager Chris Devane says his players will not be allowed to follow the FA Cup second-round draw, describing it as a possible distraction as the club prepares for a first-round tie away at Plymouth Parkway. The match, between two seventh-tier sides in the Southern League Premier Division South, is due to be played on Monday before a televised international audience.

According to BBC Sport Football, both clubs are chasing a place in the second round for the first time in their histories. Berkhamsted, who were formed in 2009 after Berkhamsted Town folded, have already earned prize money by beating Bishop’s Stortford, Hendon, Redditch United and Southend United on their way to this stage.

Devane said his focus is on keeping attention on the game itself rather than the possible reward of the next-round draw. The BBC report says he has told the squad to leave media duties to him and concentrate on winning the match. That approach reflects the practical pressures on lower-league clubs, whose part-time players may need time off work and extra travel around the competition.

The winners of the tie will receive a larger FA prize fund payment, while both clubs will also benefit financially from the match being selected for television coverage. For Berkhamsted, the fixture is another significant step in a strong cup run for a club at this level of the English game.