I wasn't able to get tickets to an EPL game when my wife and I were in England last August. We had to "settle" for a Championship League game (Charlton Athletic hosting Sheffield Wednesday). It was a blast (and about 1/4 the cost) and I recommend it for anyone going over the pond to catch some footie. Since then, I've always pulled for the "minnows" in the FA Cup.
Well, for the first time in ages, you'll have to win the FA Cup to get into Europe: just getting to the final won't suffice. Pompey are the bookies' favourites, but as a Boro fan, it makes me very nervous. It's clear that we're not likely to have a better chance of going all the way, but that sets up a heck of a fall. (Mogga and West Brom to get through tomorrow, too, but keep us apart till the final.) After last year, where it felt like the broadcasters were dictating the finalists, this may be one that goes the exact opposite way. [grum@work: if you're going to see a match as a neutral, the Valley is a good choice, and hardly 'settling'. I've been in the away end for a few thrashings, but Charlton's a club with a fantastic local base, and justly proud of being back in its old home. It's my favourite London away trip by a long way.]
fergie throwing his toys out the pram and avram proving he cant live with the big boys makes this years F.A.cup worth watching
Exciting isn't it, etagloh? Both our teams will never have a better chance to win it all. Boro v Albion would be a hell of a final, with the Mogga angle. Nervously counting down the hours till the Bristol Rovers match.
You might have to have a word with Cardiff about that final, Salmacis... Holgate's bunch have it all to do in the second half.
All credit to Dave Jones and Cardiff, who showed up, won their tackles, and passed the ball like a proper side: whoever they face in the semis shouldn't take them lightly. But that was shocking, piss-poor, choose your clich: their keeper didn't have to make a save in the second half, and we were left hoofing the long ball like a pack of cloggers. We were fucking rubbish, and that was an embarrassment.
Ouch. Cardiff, Portsmouth, Barnsley and either Bristol Rovers or West Brom in the semi finals. I love this tournament.
After ten minutes on the phone with my dad, for which the NSA will need special regional obscenity filters, I'm feeling a bit better. I can now watch the FA Cup as a neutral, and be glad that there's going to be one unlikely side in the UEFA Cup next season. The semi-final weekend, with both matches at The' New' Wembley, is going to be a great day out for everyone involved, as opposed to a short Tube ride for the fans of London-based clubs and Man Utd.
Jeez. Boro were really poor. Well done to the Bluebirds. 25 minutes to kickoff, and I'm crapping myself. Will we ever have a better chance to win this thing?
And a Darlo-born ex-Boro player puts WBA in front for his Redcar-born, ex-Boro legend manager... I think that most Boro fans are now behind WBA to win this, not least because they're managed by someone who's served his time and has a clue.
Well... I thought we played pretty poorly, despite the result. We're the best footballing side in the Football League, so why keep hoofing it, playing straight into Rovers hands? 1-5 certainly does not tell the whole story. Still, a semifinal, and we're the second favourites! Unbelievable! I'm off to get drunk..
Semi finals : Barnsley v Cardiff Portsmouth v West Brom
Ah well. I guess we had to play Pompey at some stage.
