So it was that time of year again on Saturday as my local side Margate FC started their FA Cup campaign in the 1st qualifying round with a trip to tricky Hellenic Premier Division side Binfield FC.
Binfield, a small village side near Reading, went into the match unbeaten this season and hoping of springing a suprise that the FA Cup has come to know and love. Being unable to make the match due to work it was a tense afternoon as I lived off text updates from a friend at the match.
The first text simply saying '0-0 ht', thoughts immedietly taking me back to previous cup campaigns following the 'Gate' where defeats against lower league opposition such as Banstead and Potters Bar FC.
A much more dominant second half seemed apparent as three messages appeared in my inbox to say that we had a 3-0 lead and looked like progression to the 2nd qualifying round was secure.
Fair play to Binfield and I wish them all the luck for the remainder of the season. Back to Margate thouh and after their first league victory last week and now a win in a potential banana skin tie in the FA Cup things are looking up for the 'Gate'.
The draw for the 2nd qualifying round takes place later today and I am hoping that this post will hopefully encourage people to follow not necessarily Margate but the FA Cup from the early stages as it does offer excitement and magic, even at the early stage.
I will be following the 'Gate' in all their FA Cup action this season and you can follow their progress on this blog.
Next up in the FA Cup for Margate is a home tie aginst Ryman Premier League rivals Kingstonian FC.
ReplyDeleteThe game will be played at Hartsdown Park on Saturday 25th September 2010 with a 3.00pm kick off.
The opposistion for Margate are yet to play in this season's competition after recieving a bye in the last round due to the withdrawel of crisis club Croydon Athletic.
The two sides have already met in league action this season with 'The Blues' coming away on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline.
Revenge will be at stake for Margate as well as the £4,500 cash prize for the winners.