MEMORIES, NOT MONEY COUNT

Who could have predicted the first year without FA Cup replays unfolding like this? A raft of Non-League clubs, whose draws after 90 minutes would have earned them a second bite at the cherry in any previous year, knocked out during extra-time or penalties and left to ponder what might have been.

- Gregor ROBERTSON

Last weekend, nine NonLeague sides would have earned replays under the old system. Weston-super-Mare, of the National League South, drew 1-1 with their vaunted neighbours, Bristol Rovers, but were denied the chance to host the League One side in a competitive game for the first time, and conceded twice in extra-time.

Boreham Wood, also of National League South, were drawing 2-2 with the League One club Leyton Orient when the clock stopped at 90 minutes. A visit to Brisbane Road would have been the result last year, but they lost on penalties instead. Southend, who drew 3-3 with Charlton Athletic, lost to a 121st minute strike when a visit to The Valley should already have been safely secured.

Then there was Guiseley, of the Northern Premier League Premier Division. After their 1-1 draw against League Two Stevenage, they would have earned a replay at home in any other year, but were beaten 5-4 on penalties instead.

Indeed, of the Non-League teams who went to extra-time against League opposition, only Kettering Town progressed, thanks to Nile Ranger’s winner against Northampton Town.

Remember that notion, advanced by many when the FA revealed that replays from the first-round onward were being scrapped this season, that the little guys would stand a better chance of winning through on the day? Hasn’t stood up to scrutiny so far.