Manager Jim Nichols feels Penrith have been handed a favourable draw ahead of their FA Vase first-round tie against Easington Colliery.

Nichols' men will be favourites for today's tie and the Bonny Blues boss feels it will be a big game for the club.

He said: "It's a big game for the club and it's a chance for the players to progress in a national competition.

"It's expensive by the time we pay expenses and we need to pay for the away team bus in the FA Vase and stuff like that.

"If we win, it will be a boost for the coffers."

Penrith have already beaten Morpeth Town, last season's FA Vase winners, in the league this campaign.

And Nichols sees no reason to fear anybody in the FA Vase.

"The Northern League is the highest division in the competition," he said.

"Easington is not a bad draw for us. I had them watched on Wednesday and, by all accounts, they look a decent side.

"We have played Durham City and Team Northumbria [also in Northern League, Division Two] at home already. We know there's decent sides and decent players in that league."

The Bonny Blues will be looking to bounce back after a midweek defeat.

They lost 1-0 at home to Consett AFC at Frenchfield Park on Wednesday night but Nichols wasn't too downbeat after the defeat.

He added: "We have lost the last three league games now.

"On Wednesday, we absolutely battered Consett.

"We were camped in their half for the final half an hour but we were lacking that little bit of quality in the final third, which is unlike us.

"But we were happy enough with the performance and I'm sure, if we play like that today, we will be OK."