THERE'S still five rounds to go before the Millennium Stadium beckons, but midfield ace Lee Bullock admits York City's cup final arrives tomorrow.

With the club's financial problems well documented, Bullock reckons the City players don't need reminding of just how vital victory over Brentford in the FA Cup second round is.

"We feel its down to us to keep the club going, we know if we get a win its going to be worth a heck of a lot of money," he reasoned.

"If we get knocked out, then that money will be gone and we will feel responsible. It is bit like a cup final really."

As if the glory of an extended cup run is not enough, a second round win banks £30,000 in prize-money alone.

But it is the prospect of a third round tie against a glamour Premiership club and the chance of earning some serious television revenue that is the ultimate incentive.

However, while conceding the heat is on for the Minstermen tomorrow over their Second Division visitors, Bullock maintains City can handle the pressure.

"On the revenue side of things for the club, it is an absolutely massive game and there is pressure on the lads in that respect." said the 21-year-old.

"Winning means an extra £30,000 prize-money, plus the attendances from a possible big-third round tie.

"But we've shown in seasons past against the likes of Reading, Grimsby and Colchester that we can put up a good fight against teams like that.

"The fans can expect a good game and for us to give a good account for ourselves."

And for all the added sense of responsibility towards the club and its supporters this cup tie brings, Bullock admits there is also an element of self-interest.

"As a player, you just want to prove yourself and its good to match yourself with players from that level.

"In the past few years we have done that and hopefully on Saturday we will do it again. We will be going all out to win.

"We've watched a video of Brentford when they played Cheltenham and we've seen ways we can play against them and ways of stopping them. Hopefully, fingers crossed, we will get through."

Despite all the club's off-field problems, Bullock maintained the atmosphere among the players and Bootham Crescent staff remained buoyant.

"The players have all pulled together and we are still trying to get promotion. We feel we can do that," he said.

"The supporters are being brilliant and are trying their hardest to keep the club running, which will keep us in a job.

"We are all in it together, without quite knowing what's going on.

"We just need to try and keep our minds on the pitch, and keep doing the business out there."

On-loan striker Michael Reddy is cup-tied by Sunderland so there will be an enforced change to the side which beat Carlisle 2-1 last week.

City manager Terry Dolan refused to divulge his line-up but it seems likely Jon Parkin will revert to the attack after dropping back to defence for last week's match with the Cumbrians.

That would pave the way for Chris Smith to return to the line-up in a three-man defence alongside Chris Brass and Gary Hobson.

Dolan said: "I though the atmosphere last week was a bit special and we are hoping that it will continue this week as it spurs the players on."

The draw for the third round will take place on BBC 1 at around 3pm on Sunday after the televsed Oxford v Swindon tie.

Updated: 12:37 Friday, December 06, 2002