Thursday, November 29, 2007

FA Cup 2nd Round Proper

London, UK

It's the FA Cup 2nd Round Proper this weekend. It's that time of year when the smaller clubs have the opportunity to advance to the 3rd Round and meet one of the "big boys" like Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United of the Premiership. Some of those smaller clubs are from outside the Football League

The two fixtures that stand out for me are Horsham v Swansea City (playing Friday night) and Staines v Peterborough United. Both Horsham and Staines play in the same league as my club Margate and both play teams that Margate have played previously in the FA Cup. In the 1972/3 season, Margate beat Swansea (then of League Division 3, now League One) 1-0. Four years earlier, Peterborough United beat Margate 4-0 in front of over 7000 spectators at Hartsdown Park.

The last time Margate had the opportunity to reach the 3rd Round was 5 years ago. After beginning their FA Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Gravesend & Northfleet (now affectionately known as Ebbsfleet United) in the 4th qualifying round, the 'Gate beat Leyton Orient 1-0 after a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road. Due to the ground re-development at Margate, the victory over Leyton O. and the ensuing 2nd round clash with Cardiff City were played at Crabble, the home of Dover Athletic

In front of BBC "Match of the Day" cameras, Margate lost 3-0. But hit the woodwork twice.

7 comments:

Ellee Seymour said...

I shall have to support Peterborough I'm afraid, they are almost local for me.

CityUnslicker said...

after leeds' effort this year I want the cup to go away already; and it is not even Chirstmas!

Jeremy Jacobs said...

Ellee, I'm sure Peterborough will overcome the blot on the landscape from Middlesex!

Jeremy Jacobs said...

CiytUnslicker

Fear not. Promotion for Leeds will happen this season.

Colin Campbell said...

Ah the romance of the FA Cup. A fantastic sports tournament.

Jeremy Jacobs said...

More than just a tournament Colin

Jeremy Jacobs said...

Ellee

Looks like Staines were lucky to get the 0