It’s still a magical competition.
IT IS nearly ten years ago now, but occasionally the memory is triggered and the mind goes back to a cold, wet night at Oakwell, a raucous crowd, Martin
Devaney’s high cross hanging in the air… and Kayode Odejayi leaping high to head in past Carlo Cudicini.
March 2008. The FA Cup. Barnsley beating a Chelsea side containing John Terry, Michael Essien, Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and more. A night of drama and delirium no-one there will ever forget.
There are others. Cardiff City beating Leeds United – the talented ‘chasing the dream’ era Leeds of David O’Leary – at a wild Ninian Park. Gillingham putting then-Premier League clubs Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday to the sword. And, many moons ago, York City stunning Arsenal at a snowy Bootham Crescent.
As a journalist and fan I’ve been privileged to watch big matches around the world and at great stadia, but it is surprising how many of the most memorable are FA Cup ties at more humble arenas.
This is the magic of the world’s oldest knockout competition and I desperately hope Football League clubs are seizing the opportunity this weekend.
This column was penned before the third round kicked off, but it did not take a crystal ball to know many teams will have fielded weakened sides.
This story is from the January 07, 2018 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 07, 2018 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NUNEZ SPARKS ROUT OF IN-FORM TIGERS
NORWICH City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was delighted with his side’s performance as they made it four wins in six games to maintain their climb up the table after a slow start.
SHAUN RUES SOFT LATICS' BORE DRAW
WIGAN manager Shaun Maloney had mixed emotions after his side drew at Stockport to make it six games unbeaten.
Bielik's words are own goal for Blues
IN MY early days at Brighton, we won back-to-back promotions and were practically unstoppable.
CLAIMS OF RACISM TO ASSISTANT MAR DRAW
PORTSMOUTH boss John Mousinho apologised to assistant referee Bhupinder Singh Gill for alleged discriminatory comments made from the stands during the draw with Oxford United.
WILDER'S PUSH FOR BIRTHDAY BOY RAK-SAKYI IS PAYING OFF
Hatters in slump as loan star hits brace
ARGYLE STUN ROVERS AFTER WAYNE SEES RED
PLYMOUTH assistant head coach Pete Shuttleworth praised Argyle’s never say-die attitude as the greens secured a last-minute win over high-flying Blackburn.
Former teen star is now real deal
FAMOUSLY, Karamoko Dembele was just 13 when he made his debut for Celtic’s under-20 side in 2016.
DERBY DATE SO VITAL FOR OMER
Interim boss has chance to boost bid
LINDSEY LINK-UP LIFTS LAURENCE!
LAURENCE Maguire has been reunited with Scott Lindsey at MK Dons - and believes his old boss is the right man to propel them into the League Two promotion shake-up.
I WANT TO ADD MORE ELLIOT
NEW Crawley Town boss Rob Elliot has promised evolution not revolution after stepping into the huge shoes vacated by Scott Lindsey.
