FA Cup action will return to Frenchfield Park when Penrith entertain Whitley Bay.

The Bonny Blues started their campaign with a victory in the competition, beating West Auckland Town 2-1.

That win earned Penrith £1,500 in prize-money and the club will get a further £1,925 to add to their coffers in prize-money if they get past the Seahorses this afternoon (3pm kick-off) from their preliminary round tie.

“Obviously, it’s a big game,” manager Jim Nichols said. “Personally, I probably would have rather got the win on Wednesday and got up and running in the league.

“But it will be a big game for the club. It’s good financially and there is a big incentive for the lads, as well.”

The match will be a welcome break from league action for Nichols’ troops who have lost their first three league game.

Nichols pulled no punches when asked about Penrith’s early-season league form.

Reflecting after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Jarrow Roofing, he said: “It’s not good enough. Last Tuesday [at Sunderland RCA], we weren’t particularly great.

“But we sort of accepted that after the FA Cup win.

“Saturday [at West Auckland in the league], I thought we were a bit better, actually. The result didn’t really show that because we played a far, far superior side who put us to the sword.

“Tonight, I thought we played the better football. I thought we dominated the game without really creating any chances.

“The one thing you don’t do is then go on to lose the game. But, somehow, we have. We are really disappointed.”

Nichols added: “It’s tough. I think the players need to go away and have a good look at themselves because they are not offering enough.

"There might have to be people coming into replace them because we can’t accept that.”

Jack Dickinson, who started both Penrith’s FA Cup game against West Auckland and their league opener at Sunderland RCA, has left the club.

“Jack Dickinson text me on Monday night, saying he can’t commit to the travel in midweek and didn’t think it would be fair if he was only available once a week, which is fair enough,” Nichols said.

Jonny Murray has been missing recently with an ankle injury, but will be assessed to see if he is fit enough to feature.

Last season’s Northern League, Division One champions South Shields will see their FA Cup tie with Bridlington Town broadcast live by the BBC this weekend.