PROGRAMME ARTICE 28 09

There was a comment last weekend from someone heavily involved in non-league football in the Midlands, asking why teams are ‘messing’ with the FA Cup as they have no hope of winning it. Some of this may have been tongue in cheek as his side had been knocked out in the previous round but you only need to talk to anyone involved with Sporting Khalsa or Coleshill Town to understand what the FA Cup means. Victories over higher opposition and just two games away from playing a Football League club and the glory and attention that will bring. I am sure the respective chairmen will be particularly keen on the prize money already banked but to the players, management and supporters, it is the shot at glory that drives them forward. It would be great to see both of our remaining teams get through to the 4th qualifying round and a possible game against a Non-League giant from the Conference. Here’s hoping. There was a rather special moment in the FA Cup on Saturday which has focused a lot of attention on Holbeach United, conquerors of our own Stourport Swifts in the previous round. A goal down in the final minute at home to Worcester City, their goalkeeper decides to take his place in the opposition penalty area for a free-kick. The ball floats into the box and the aforementioned keeper connects with a spectacular overhead kick to take the tie to a replay. Stand up and take a bow Ricky Drury. It’s amazing isn’t it that footballers at this level have got skills too (you wouldn’t think it if you read some of the newspapers). I doubt there will be many better goals scored in the entire competition this season.