FA Cup Flashback: Spireites in the Sky (1996/97)

We’re down to the final four as this season’s FA Cup rolls towards its denouement. To celebrate this season’s competition we’re looking back on some of the great cup ties from years gone by. Not necessarily the biggest shocks (Coventry City actually won the bloody thing…), nor even the most entertaining games (…it wasn’t a […]

Could it be Magic?: Despite the Doom-Mongers, the FA Cup Remains Vital to English Football.

The first football match I ever went to was an FA Cup First Round tie between Boston United and Morecambe in 1996. Taking my seat in the main stand at York Street next to my Dad and Granddad on a grim November afternoon, there was a palpable sense of excitement around the ground. The Pilgrims […]

Fylde of Dreams

Last weekend’s FA Cup First Round action saw teams from Leagues One and Two enter the competition, and with them the chance for non-league teams to spring an upset. As it transpired, there were few surprises. Hyde United received a 4-0 hiding from MK Dons, Shaw Lane were dispatched 3-1 by Mansfield Town, Ebbsfleet United […]

Hyde in Plain Sight

After 613 Extra Preliminary, Preliminary, First Round, Second Round, Third Round and Fourth Round Qualifying ties have (almost) been decided, the First Round (proper) of this season’s FA Cup was drawn on Monday night. As the clubs from Leagues One and Two join the surviving entrants from Non-League sides competing in Level’s ten and above, […]