The 3rd round of the FA Cup is perhaps one of the most famous dates in world football and even the sporting calendar. It’s probably fair to say that in recent years, for many Premier League teams, it’s lost a bit of its lustre but for everyone else the FA Cup is massive!
For those teams outside of the elite few at the top of the Premier League, it’s a genuine chance to win a trophy, play on the hallowed Wembley turf, make a bit of money and indeed qualify for European competition. For those outside of the top flight altogether, a good run in the FA Cup can not only draw attention to a club or town that may be deemed “unfashionable” by some but also bring massive reward in terms of cash, which in some cases could literally save a club from extinction.
As a Wrexham FC fan, I have many fond (as well as plenty of dismal) memories of FA Cup fixtures down the years. Who could forget standing on the KOP on a cold January afternoon as the team who just the season before, finished 92nd in the football league had put Arsenal (who had finished the previous season as First Division/Premier League Champions) to the sword. A wonder free kick from Mickey Thomas and a scrambled goal from Steve Watkin (who I once spent the day with on an accountancy course) ensured there was a giant killing act that 3rd round weekend. The Dragons (they were the Robins back then) went on to take West Ham to a replay in the 4th round and narrowly lost by the odd goal.
The team from North Wales fell to Oxford United at the 2nd round hurdle this season so in 2014, another club will be hoping to make the headlines. Looking at the 3rd round draw makes you wonder if the true giant killing might have to wait until round 4, with perhaps Oldham playing Liverpool and Carlisle taking on Sunderland the best sources for a potential upset. Grimsby, Kidderminster and Macclesfield (all with home ties against Huddersfield, Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday respectively) would be considered giant-killers if they can be victorious but all 3 Conference sides will be hoping for an even bigger challenge if they can make it to the next round.
Arsenal v Spurs, Man United v Swansea, Newcastle v Cardiff, Norwich v Fulham will ensure that Premier League representation will be at least 4 lighter when the 4th round draw is made.
Let’s hope the wild and windy weather sweeping the UK doesn't decimate the fixture list too badly but with a chill in the air, it’s definitely a weekend for those football scarves.
Whoever you are following in the FA Cup this year, I wish you all the very best!
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