Oxford City’s managing director Colin Taylor says the club’s magnificent FA Cup run has helped boost the coffers and lift the profile of the Court Place Farm outfit.

A crowd of 1,175 – City’s biggest for 15 years – saw Mike Ford’s men lose 2-1 to Ryman League side Redbridge after extra time in their first-round replay.

Victory would have increased City’s prizemoney pot to £42,500, but they have to be satisfied with £24,000, which does not include their share of the gate receipts and bar takings from the bumper attendance.

“I think we have had a good run and are delighted with how we have done,” said Taylor.

“The players and the management have been great ambassadors for the club.

“I was delighted to see so many people at the ground.

“As well as the £24,500 prizemoney, the Cup also brought focus on the club, especially the new facilities we are building (new £2.1m community sports arena).

“We now have electricity in there and we are hoping it can open in a couple of weeks.”

The arena includes a full-size artificial floodlit football pitch, six floodlit netball courts, a new pavilion with six dressing rooms, a physio room and lounge area, plus improved parking.

The Cup result was a double dose of agony for Taylor, who watched the tie on crutches as he recovers from a snapped Achilles tendon.

He added: “I did it in the last round at the Weston-super-Mare. Felipe Barcelos scored a goal and as I was celebrating, the leg went.”

Taylor felt the pressure of a big home crowd may have got to City’s players on the big night.

He added: “I don’t think anything went wrong, I just think the sense of occasion got to some of the players.

“But Redbridge played well and deserved to go through.”