Today I'm going back 13 years to 2008 and AFC Telford United's FA Cup 1st Round tie at home to Southend United. I remember this one because it was something of a classic Cup tie. Do yourself a favour and watch the video attached to my blog and you'll see what I mean.
After numerous chances spurned by both sides, Southend's Francis Laurent got the all important first goal following a quickly taken free kick that found the Telford players sleeping and Southend took that lead into the half time break. Straight after the break it looked as if Southend had a second until the intervention of a linesman. Southend could count themselves unlucky but, shortly afterwards, the reverse was true as they counted themselves extremely fortunate to be awarded a penalty. Happily, justice was done as the resultant spot kick cannoned back off the foot of the post and the danger was cleared. Next is was Telford's turn for a penalty shout but this time the referee couldn't see what the fuss was all about and the Bucks missed out. Telford were pressing hard when former Leamington player Jon Adams threaded the ball through the eye of a needle from about 25 yards for a dramatic equaliser. 1-1 and it was game on! I'd had my eye on Adams throughout the game due to his Leamington connections but I simply couldn't believe it when he popped up for his and Telford's second to give the Bucks the lead. It looked like that was going to be enough to give Telford passage through to the 2nd Round but, with just two minutes to go in added time, Southend had the last laugh with a shot from distance that crept in at the near post from Portsmouth loanee Jean-Francois Christophe. Southend's bacon was saved. 2-2 and it was to be back to Roots Hall for a replay. It was a wonderful game and the draw was a fair result although I'm sure that most of the crowd of 3,631 would have gone home disappointed. Football was the winner as they say!
Southend made home advantage count in the replay running out 2-0 winners to take their place in the 2nd Round where they dispatched Luton Town 3-1 before giving Chelsea the fright of their lives drawing 1-1 at Stamford Bridge before finally succumbing 4-1 in the replay at Roots Hall. Chelsea would go on to win the Cup that season beating Everton 2-1 in the Final at Wembley.
CRB Match No. 1657
Comments
Post a Comment