DESPITE what the pundits say, the FA Cup still retains its appeal for the fans, especially those of the lower divisions.

It provides a welcome relief from the horrors of the relegation struggle, a different atmosphere and optimistic dreams of the new Wembley arch.

As we held our pre-match talk over a couple of pints of Wainwrights in the Harvester, we felt our chances depended upon which Bolton team turned up. The one thing we have been good at this season is inconsistency.

As no-one has yet been flogged in the transfer window, Neil Lennon was able to name an unchanged side, which raised our hopes as the last two performances have been good.

Full marks to the Leeds United fans as they turned up in their thousands to create a cracking cup atmosphere and a welcome boost to our coffers.

Unfortunately, the day went downhill from the kick-off as Leeds were well on top in the first half, giving us a lesson in finishing and fully deserving of their two goal lead.

We did a bit better in the second half but lacked creativeness in midfield and attack and other than a brief flurry in the last 10 minutes after Darren Pratley got one back, we never really looked like we were going to get something from the match.

As they say, we can now concentrate on the league! Molineux here we come.

The ongoing financial drama drags on with this week’s main action being the deal on the car park, which may give us enough money to pay some outstanding bills and thwart the HMRC on this occasion.

That should give the club more breathing space to get better offers from either existing or new bidders, and give the Supporters Trust time to set up properly and cobble a bid together.

With the January transfer window closing on Monday evening, there is no incentive for anybody to buy the club right now as very little action could be taken before the summer.

I expect cost-cutting measures to continue to be taken in the form of staff redundancies and players leaving by ending contracts or going out on loan but I feel the financial saga will continue for months.

Who knows, if we can stem the losses, Mr Davies may decide not to sell.

Anything might happen and probably will!