Last season’s quest ended in disappointment. Not just because Man U beat Palace and I had money on The Eagles, but because I couldn’t get to the semi final or final. Well I could have, if I was willing to pay silly money, which, at the time, I wasn’t. But, undeterred, I go again next month on another FA Cup Quest, my third in total having had a pop at it back in 2008 and again last season.
It was an exciting day for anyone concerned with the cup at its most embryonic stage as the draw for the Extra Preliminary round took place this morning. It consisted of teams way down the non-League pyramid. Last year I chose South Normanton Athletic as my starting point as they are the closest team to my home. At this level anyway. And I could be making a return to Lee’s Lane if my original plan is scuppered by my wife, who is off to see an al fresco showing of the film Dirty Dancing on the eve of August 6th, the day of the games. Women eh?
My original plan is to travel to Hinckley. They’ve been drawn against Derbyshire side Heanor Town. Heanor is the town of my birth so naturally I feel drawn to them. The winner of that Leicestershire-Derbyshire derby will play the winners of Long Eaton United and Oadby Town in a pre-determined draw.
But if events conspire against me I will happily make a return to South Normo, whose home is a quaint setting with a good club house and decent grub.
So my cause will be determined by my wife this year. Story of my life, that.
FA Cup Guy 