And who do you want in the next round?
A question asked by Sports Report presenters down the years to a full time dustman, part time centre forward who has just scored the winning goal that allows him to dream of running out at Anfield or Old Trafford. For the working man turn terrace hero the thrill is the possibility, but for me we reach a crossroads in this project.
In the qualifying rounds the draw was an exciting trip into the unknown, allowing me to discover teams I knew little about. I looked forward to the first and second round draws with real anticipation for who Darlington might get. It’s been interesting watching their progression from last season to this, going further into the competition than they’ve achieved since their reformation in 2012 following expulsion by the FA. I’ve tried to imagine how it’s felt for an actual Darlo fan, whilst also being hopeful for interesting opponents to write about.
But the road to Wembley from here on is full of danger.
With one or two exceptions (currently including Spurs and Aston Villa) I definitely do not want to draw who turn out to be the winners in the third round. The prospect of following Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United all the way to the final couldn’t fill me with less enthusiasm.
Spurs have played football this season worthy of seeing Kayne and Son finally win the trophy they’ve been threatening to deliver for several seasons.
Aston Villa are managed by extremely likable former Brentford manager Dean Smith, and I can’t help but want good things to come their way now they have former Bee Olly Watkins in their ranks. If the likes of Watkins are going to leave for bigger and better things, as long as they don’t spoil it as Benrahma did by signing for West Ham, I’ll happily watch them achieve their dream. Olly Watkins announcing his arrival in the Premier League with a Villa hattrick against Liverpool felt like all Brentford’s hard work developing him from League 2 promise to multi-million pound England prospect being recognised in one first half of mayhem.
I don’t mind getting Brighton, Everton or Southampton, the latter were surprisingly poor as Brentford knocked them out of the League Cup in September. What about Fulham? I think I’d pin my hopes on them being one of many teams who’d think concentrating on the league is more important.
If you think my list of Premier League teams I don’t want is long, I can probably double that with sides from the Championship I’d rather not have to pretend to be interested in. What do I do if Bristol Rovers are paired with QPR and, worse still, Rangers win?
Up to now the draw has been a moment of excitement, as cup draws should always be. Having the opportunity to research distant northern teams and towns I knew little about, Mossley, Ramsbottom and Tadcaster, meant the name I was given was a challenge and opportunity.
Brentford being drawn at home to Stoke City in the third round twelve months ago was both of these things. Their brand of atritional and annoyingly affective football is both a challenge for a manager to overcome and for fans to have to watch, but it was also an opportunity. Get past a team from the same division and who knew what might come next? Recent Premier League winners Leicester was the answer, the sort of draw which genuinely excited fans despite the focus for Brentford being a push for promotion from the Championship.
The FA Cup third round is a guaranteed chance to cross “the magic of the cup” off your commentator cliché bingo card. Merseyside club Marine, who joined in the preliminary round with a win over Barnoldswick, tick that box in big bold letters. Imagine if they drew Liverpool or Everton? I expect they’d be disappointed with Bristol Rovers.
Glory Hunting 