Follow the FA Cup: 'Gate' open to Cup run

It’s a competition that makes names, creates shocks and is generally viewed as the most exciting cup competition for its excitement and ability to cause shocks that no other competition can do.

This weekend sees the first round of qualifying matches in the FA Cup with semi-professional sides kicking off their campaign dreaming of making the 3^rd round proper and hosting the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

As mentioned in a previous blog I am starting a new series called ‘Follow the FA Cup’ which will quite literally do that. I will follow a team from the first qualifying stage and follow their progress along the way, while picking up any team that should defeat that side.

The first team I will follow on their road to Wembley is my hometown club Margate FC. The Kent club kick off this seasons Cup campaign off after a solid start to their Ryman Premier League season. Having beaten Met Police on Wednesday night 3-1, ‘The Gate’, as they are known lifted themselves to 10^th in the division.

Margate do have history in the competition which includes a 3-0 win over Bournemouth, 11-0 defeat to Bournemouth, a 6-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. All of those dates happened in the 60’s and 70’s, however, more recently the club has suffered and have not made the 1^st round proper since 2002 when they hosted Cardiff City in the second round losing 3-0.

The visitors to Hartsdown Park this weekend are Tooting & Mitcham also of the Ryman Premier League. Tooting haven’t had a great start to the season and they currently sit 16^th in the division after a 2-2 draw on Wednesday against Lewes FC, however, they did suffer a 6-0 defeat away at Hornchurch last week.

Tooting also have pedigree in the competition having reached the first time proper on 10 occasions, the latest being 2009 when they eventually lost to Stockport County 5-0. The clubs most famous run was in 1959 when they held Nottingham Forest to a replay before losing 3-0.

21 year old University student Jack Elvin, who started his playing career at Tooting & Mitcham as a youngster said he ‘Hoped Tooting grab a win as the FA Cup is a great competition’ adding he ‘Loved the FA Cup.’

Recent hardship at Margate which has seen them struggle off the field meaning just seeing football still in Margate has been a relief and although Margate’s participation in the cup has been limited, 21 year old ‘Gate’ fan, Mark Baker reckons that might be about to all change.

“We stand a good chance on Saturday; they (Tooting) have shipped eight goals in their last two games so we will be going in as favourites. The FA Cup is still well alive whether you are a Margate fan or Manchester United fan and obviously the financial implications; even at this stage is a boost for any club at this level.”

The winners of this game will take their place in the draw for the second qualifying round which will take place on Monday morning at Wembley as well as picking themselves up an extra £3000 in winnings.

I will bring you a match report from on Monday after the draw as well as reaction to the draw as the competition picks up speed.

Be sure to check back. Also let me know what you think.