Non-league side Marine have come up with a creative way to generate money from their huge FA Cup clash against Premier League giants Tottenham after fans were shut out.
Despite being granted permission to host 500 supporters last week, the Government's alterations to the regional coronavirus tier system on Wednesday meant the third-round tie will now be played behind closed doors. The Mariners' stadium is based in Merseyside, which was moved from tier two to tier three.
But the Northern Premier League Division One North West side have launched a virtual match ticket raffle to try to make up for up to £100,000 lost in revenue.
Virtual tickets are priced at £10 and one lucky winner will be given the opportunity to manage the side for a friendly fixture.
Other prizes include weekend hotel trips for four people in Liverpool, Marine matchday and season tickets as well as a signed club shirt.
A statement on the club's website on Thursday read: 'A message to the footballing world from Marine Football Club
'Yesterday we received the devastating news that the Merseyside region would be placed into Tier 3. This has now forced our once in a lifetime FA Cup game at The Marine Travel Arena v Spurs to be played behind closed doors.
'Our loyal fans have not been able to attend our Emirates FA Cup ties against Chester FC, Colchester Utd, Havant & Waterlooville and now Spurs with all games played with no fans.
'It means too, the loss of attending what is without doubt the most magical FA Cup tie ever with the likes of Harry Kane and Jose Mourinho visiting Marine. It also means we have now lost c. £100k in potential revenue which is a disastrous blow for our football club. This has been compounded by a sponsor pulling out of a £20k advertising package for the game.
'The Marine barometer will try and fill our 3,185 capacity stadium, the Marine Travel Arena. A club like Marine lives for this type of FA Cup run that can make or break the club’s future.
'With this support, our magical FA Cup run will hopefully allow us to secure our future for years to come. We can’t express our gratitude enough for the support we have received so far from across the footballing spectrum.'
Marine were dramatically drawn at home against Jose Mourinho's Spurs in the 149-year-old competition, with their tie set to take place on January 10.
A thorough coronavirus assessment had been carried out at the 3,185-capacity stadium in Rossett Park in the hope that fans could attend.
The Merseysiders are only the second team ever from the eighth-tier of English football to ever reach the third round after Chasetown FC were knocked out by Cardiff City at the same stage of the competition in 2008.
Marine offered all Tottenham season tickets holders free entry to a home game next season, when coronavirus restrictions are hopefully lifted, as no away fans were ever allowed to attend.
Spurs' official Twitter account showed their support for their FA Cup opponents by retweeting Marine's information on their virtual match ticket raffle on Thursday, and wrote: 'Spurs family, @MarineAFC need your support. Please help if you are able to.'
Although they will lose out massively on gate receipts they will receive a £75,000 windfall after the mouth-watering encounter was selected for broadcast on the BBC.