DENIS SMITH today stressed the importance of a good run in the FA Cup.

The Reds' manager takes his team down town to Conference South side Hayes on Saturday in the first round, looking for his first win in the competition with Wrexham.

Smith has set his sights on a money-spinning draw in the third round if Wrexham can first negotiate two matches - and the threat of Wednesday's winding up order from the Inland Revenue.

"I hate talking about the money side because I'm a football person but we could do with a good run in the competition, that's the way it is," said Smith.

"We need to get to the third round and draw Manchester United away!

"A good run could change everything at the club. And the further you go the money gets better and at the moment, we need it.

"We need to get a win at Hayes in what could be our last game. We need a win on Saturday and next Wednesday."

Smith, who twice reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in his playing days at Stoke, will be trying to steer Wrexham to their first win in the competition this Millennium.

Wrexham's last victory in the competition was in 1999 when the Reds beat Premiership side Middlesbrough before bowing out to Cambridge United.

"It's been awful, horrendous," said Smith, referring to three first round defeats during his three years in charge of Wrexham.

"Last year we were terrible at Yeovil, we lost to Darlington and should have beaten Hereford about 6-0 but lost.

"But the FA Cup is a magic competition. If you can't get excited about the FA Cup you should not be in football.

"Everyone wants to win the cup, it has great kudos. It's fantastic and recognised around the world as the biggest domestic cup competition."

Smith has guided Wrexham to the quarter-finals of the northern section of the LDV Vans Trophy where they make the trip to rivals Chester City later in the month.

Wrexham will also soon begin their defence of the FAW Premier Cup and they will be away at either TNS, Caernarfon, Bangor City or Haverfordwest in the quarter-finals.

It is the tie at Chester that is the talk of the town but Reds midfielder Alex Smith - a former Chester favourite - says the players are taking one game at a time.

Smith said: "We're just looking forward to the next game that comes along. We're not looking that far ahead.

"It's a big local derby but it's a long way away with a few games before then. I don't think the lads are looking to it yet but when it comes around it should be interesting.

"Chester have got some good players there and are starting to do really well at the moment.

"They had a tough start to the season but are getting results and have some good players - Michael Branch, Kevin Rapley, Kevin McIntyre, Paul Garden and Andy Harris.

"There's not really many changes since I was there. There's a few come in but a lot of the lads are still there.

"They are a really good team and thoroughly deserved going up last season. And I think they are well capable of doing well in the league. It will be a tough game."

Chester have spiced up the tie by revealing their interest in Wrexham duo Steve Roberts and Hector Sam.

But manager Smith says he has yet to receive a bid from Ian Rush's Chester.

"We've had no bids, not even 50p, from Chester. There have been no bids, from any clubs, for any of our players," said Smith, who is hoping for a positive outcome at next weeks' court hearing.

"I don't know what is going to happen on Wednesday, if nothing happens before. All that's left is administration or liquidation."