Features

I’m feeling a little chuffed after this weekend's FA Cup 2nd Round matches. I predicted, in my last article of a couple of weeks ago, that Havant & Waterlooville would overcome Notts County. They did 1-0.

Not the best of goals but a win is a win is a win! The Hawks, who were formed just nine years ago (a merger of Waterlooville FC and Havant) now face the victors of the Swansea City/Horsham FC clash.

Horsham, managed by former Crawley Town goalie, John Maggs, fought back to equalise with a penalty in the mud and rain at Queen Street last Friday night. Sixty years ago, Horsham had their first taste of the FA Cup Proper.

They lost 9-1 to Notts County. I don’t believe there will be such a scoreline at the Liberty Stadium for the replay on December 11th.

In the draw for the 3rd Round is Chasetown. The “Scholars” as they are known, held Port Vale 1-1 and have the prospect of playing Cardiff City at home should they beat their “Potteries” opponents. This was a tremendous result for the Midlanders who were only formed as a junior side in the 1950s.

Much was expected of Staines Town of the Ryman Premier, particuarly after they put out Stockport County, albeit on penalties, in the last round.

In the run up to their home tie with Peterborough United, Staines players and officials, when interviewed by the BBC, were hoping for another upset. Fatal. Darren Ferguson’s side, probably riled by the comments gave hapless Staines a lesson in quality football. They took a three-goal half-time lead with two more following in the second-half.

In the end, they could have scored nine or ten. All goals were scored by former non-league stars. Craig Mackail-Smith, the former Dagenham and St Albans striker moved his Cup tally this season to seven and Aaron McLean, once of Aldershot, also scored. Staines were lucky to get nought!

Up t’North, Harrogate Railway FC in their distinctive red and green parrot-style kit, gave Mansfield a run for their money. When Mansfield scored their third and killer goal, Harrogate seemed to run out of steam!

Elsewhere, Oxford United and Burton Albion live to fight another day but Torquay, following their heroics against Yeovil in the last round, succumbed to Brighton. Kidderminster and Rushden also fell by the wayside.

In the only Blue Square Premier tie, Cambridge United beat Weymouth and now face a glamorous tie at Wolves.