NORTH Leigh chairman Peter King thanked Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round opponents Eastleigh for their generosity, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The Millers’ excellent run came to an end with a 6-0 away defeat, in front of an 889-strong crowd.

FA Cup rules require clubs to split gate receipts equally, but Eastleigh owner Stewart Donald – a former North Leigh player – donated his side’s share to the visitors.

“We’re ever so grateful to Eastleigh and Stewart Donald for their generosity in donating the gate receipts,” said King.

“I don’t think you’ll find many other clubs who will do that.

“I can’t praise Eastleigh enough, the way they looked after us was absolutely marvellous.

“We were all treated like kings and queens right up to the minute we left – we had a great day, despite the result.”

North Leigh’s best run in the competition had already netted them £16,925 in prize money.

While there are no plans to raise the playing budget as a result, the money does help the Millers remain competitive at the top end of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West.

King said: “It’s an absolute godsend, especially for a club like ours.

“It’s not easy when you’re only a small village with gates of 80 or 90 every week and you’re trying to compete with someone like Hereford, who get 3,000 to every game.

“Getting this money takes some of the pressure off me to find the sponsorship for us to continue to compete at this level.”

King is determined to ensure the windfall will also benefit the local community.

He said: “We’re installing new changing facilities for our youth teams and this will be a big help.

“It’s not just about the first team – we need to plan ahead and make sure the facilities are there for everyone.

“These kids are the future of our club and it’s important they’re looked after.”

On the game itself, Millers boss John Brough said: “It was just a step too far.

“Fair credit to my boys, they kept going.

“Six goals is always hard to take, but overall to get this far I am really pleased for the club and the players.”