CHALLENGING for promotion is the priority but Sam Ricketts recognises the importance of Wrexham embarking on an FA Cup run.

Wrexham, unbeaten in nine games and top of the National League, have reached the first round for the first time in four seasons and visit Weston-super-Mare on Sunday.

The competition has lost none of its magic in the eyes of Ricketts who feels there are lots of rewards for making progress.

"I want to win games and with that comes an FA Cup," said Ricketts.

"It suits everyone. It suits the club financially so you get a little bit of extra income, it suits the players because it is another really good competition to play in, a little bit more limelight possibly for them as well.

"And it suits the supporters because we can hopefully give them something else to cheer about, something to support.

"This weekend they are going down to Weston-super-Mare, a seaside town in the winter, but it is a day out.

"That's what the FA Cup is, it is something different and something for the fans to get behind.

"What we are trying to create at this club is a real cohesion, pulling together and momentum, and part of that is a good cup run."

Victory over National League South strugglers Weston would edge Wrexham closer to a potential money-spinning third round tie against Premier League opposition.

"It makes a huge difference at this level," added Ricketts.

"You saw it with Lincoln a couple of years ago how well they did and that injection of money, you can do things which you couldn't do.

"We are not blessed with a hugely rich benefactor, we are unique that we are fan-owned which is brilliant.

"But when we do get an opportunity to have a cup run and a little bit of extra income, it does open a few doors which otherwise would remain shut."