LLOYD Owusu headed Brentford into the third round of the FA Cup and kept manager Martin Allen off his bike.

The striker scored the only goal of Tuesday's second round replay against Oldham in front of the live television cameras to ease the club's financial pressures.

The cash-strapped Bees pocketed a £75,000 appearance fee from Sky as well as picking up prize-money for reaching the third round where they will now travel to meet basement league strugglers Stockport County.

And if they get through that one, there is the prospect of a money-spinning tie against a Premiership side in the next round.

Allen was delighted with the victory and the cash bonus.

Only last month he got on his bike and undertook a sponsored bike ride to raise money for the club but Tuesday's cash injection means he can put his cycle helmet away for another couple of months.

He said: "I haven't got any more bike rides planned at the moment.

"Hopefully these bits and pieces which are coming our way from the FA Cup will help the club's position.

"We are all aware of the finances at this club.

"About six or seven weeks ago I was informed that certain people were having to put money into the club just to pay the wages.

"I've worked at this level and below for a few years now and I know how tight it is.

"A lot of clubs are in our position and part of that bike ride was to raise awareness as to the importance of clubs like this and hopefully one day some of all that money that the big boys get will be spread about a bit more evenly."

Owusu's 78th minute winner came just four minutes after Oldham had been reduced to ten men when Gareth Owen was sent off for his second yellow card in the space of four minutes both for fouls on Dudley Campbell.

He rose above substitute Marc Tierney to head the ball into the net via the post.

Allen said: "I'm delighted to get through. Oldham put a lot of men behind the ball and made it very hard for us.

"It was hard to cut them open but our non-stop pressure told in the end. We were very positive and everyone played their part.

"It was a great header from Lloyd to send us through. He led the line very well and really deserved his goal.

"He has been playing very well for us particularly away from home and I'm really pleased for him."