Berkhamsted players banned from watching FA Cup draw

Berkhamsted manager Chris Devane has banned his players from watching the FA Cup second round draw ahead of Monday's first-round tie against Plymouth Parkway, wanting them focused on the match.

Seventh-tier Berkhamsted travel to Plymouth Parkway in the final tie of the FA Cup first round on Monday, with the draw for the second round to be made ahead of the 19:30 kick-off and broadcast to an international television audience.

Manager Chris Devane has instructed his players to avoid watching the draw, viewing it as a potential distraction. "It's important the players are focused on what they're there to do and that's win a football game," Devane said. "There's no point losing focus about who you may play if you do win, if you end up jeopardising the opportunity to win by doing so."

Berkhamsted, formed in 2009, have beaten Bishop's Stortford, Hendon, Redditch United and Southend United to reach this stage. The winners will receive £47,750 from the FA's prize fund, with both clubs also earning £50,000 for the tie being selected for broadcast. Berkhamsted's part-time players are taking unpaid leave from work for the trip to Devon.