Last Saturday the news many expected was announced, England was going back into lockdown. There are differences from March, including elite sport can continue meaning no suspension of matches in the Premier League or EFL.
I’ve written before about what being considered “elite” means for a non-league team. Back in October we saw rules permitting fans to attend some games and not others described as “utterly baffling”, but essentially the line was drawn below National Leagues North and South. Any game hosted by a club below this level could welcome supporters. A club such as Darlington who play in National League North could not.
This week the benefit was turned on its head as all non-elite clubs were told that as well as matches being suspended until December, training was not permitted either. An exception was made for the ten clubs who have progressed to the First Round of the FA Cup such as Skelmersdale, FC United of Manchester and Cray Valley Paper Mill. The FA statement initially didn’t confirm what would happen should any of these teams win this weekend, leaving numerous social media users who follow non-league football to point out this left the prospect of a club considered “non-elite” playing a second round tie at the end of November against opposition who had continued to play and train.
Common sense (don’t smirk) has stepped in with all teams now treated as “elite”. Clubs from below National Leagues North and South can continue to train for as long as they remain in the FA Cup. So with that in mind, what can we look forward to over the next four days?
Skelmersdale are the major success story of this year’s competition being the last ones standing from the Extra Preliminary Round. They face Harrogate Town tonight (Friday November 6) live on BT Sport. The home side are embarking on their first season as a Football League club.
With all matches behind closed doors media coverage has been stepped up several levels. BBC and BT Sport are showing a number of games across the weekend on digital platforms as well as their main TV channels. BBC 2 have bagged FC United v Doncaster Rovers, one of the most eye-catching fixtures of this round. With several Premier League games being offered as the controversial pay-per-view package, what better time for grassroots clubs to be given greater exposure via the BBC red button and website? If you happen to have access to both broadcasters not being able to leave the house doesn’t look quite so bad.
For me the pick of the round is a repeat of 2018 as Hampton and Richmond host League 2 strugglers Oldham Athletic. Two years ago Oldham needed goals in the 88th minute and a winner in injury time to snatch victory from the jaws of embarrassment. Then it was the stereotypical cup tie. Small ground, fans packed tightly around the pitch, a football league team given a real scare by a non-league club looking to make a name for themselves. With no crowds does this make an upset at Hampton, or anywhere else, less likely?
The other reality we keep returning to is cash. All losing teams will receive 25% of prize money, £5,637, whilst winners receive just under £17,000. However the loss of revenue from a rare moment in the spotlight is difficult to estimate. This led a Bradford City fan to set up a crowdfunder for opponents Tunbridge Angels which has so far raised over £5000.
As well as no crowds another change for the Covid era cup is no replays. At this point twelve months ago Darlington took Walsall to a replay and to inflict similar on Swindon tomorrow wouldn’t be out of the question. In each round so far this season games which are level at full time have gone straight to penalties. However from this weekend teams have the opportunity to win in extra time before the fun and games of penalties. This gives greater advantage to the fitter team and surely means upsets, the much-celebrated “magic of the cup” will be harder to find.
Glory Hunting 