OFFICIALS from a non-league football club were left sweating on the proceeds of their fairytale FA Cup run.

Shildon Town were promised a much-needed £15,000 after the County Durham club's match against Notts County, almost three weeks ago.

Cash-strapped County are in administration and when the deadline for the money to be handed over passed on Saturday, officials from the Albany Northern League side feared the worst.

But after a telephone call from The Northern Echo to the administrator, Paul Finnity, the problem was resolved, and the cheque is in the post.

Mr Finnity, who is overseeing the £4.2m takeover of County by a consortium, which is due to be completed this weekend, apologised for the delay.

Staff shortages at such a busy time had delayed the cheque being sent out, but he said last night: "I have instructed it to be done now."

Shildon took about 1,000 fans to the first round cup clash - which the Railwaymen lost 7-2 - and helped swell the gate at Meadow Lane to 4,840.

Officials have planned to spend their share of the gate receipts to renovate the Dean Street entrance of the Shildon ground and bring it up to Conference standards.

Chairman Gordon Hampton said: "I understand that there are problems at Notts County and I sympathise with that, but my loyalties have to lie with Shildon and that money is a fortune to a small club like us."

A spokesman for the FA said: "We are aware of the issue between the two clubs and we are currently in contact with them about the gate receipts from the FA Cup tie."

Shildon's FA Cup run took them to the first round proper for the first time in 42 years, and this weekend they make history by playing in the third round of the FA Vase for the first time.

They travel to Oadby Town, and Mr Hampton is hoping for another army of travelling fans for the trip to Leicestershire.