THE magic of the FA Cup, we say it every year when good old Leiston win.
Last Saturday in the late August sunshine the boys in blue grabbed a win against a tough opponent and bagged a few quid in the process.
The ground had certainly changed since me and Tick Tock last visited back on New Year's Eve in 2011.
So, it's Hackney Wick up next at Victory Road next weekend. Apparently Tick Tock's grandfather used to be an avid Hackney Hawks speedway fan, so Tick Tock texted me straight after the draw. 'Turn right at the Green Man pub', apparently, he told me.
I couldn't see the relevance of that, what with us being at home to their football team, but I sounded interested!
Back to the trip to Cheshunt and for once the journey was relatively trouble-free executing the M25 but only after I intervened as Tick Tock put New Forest instead of Epping Forest into the Sat Nav for our picnic break en-route!
With no Little Chefs we took a picnic and it all added to the magic of the cup. Perhaps we should make this a regular event for future cup endeavours on the road!
A cup meal deal indeed.
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THE top of the National League has a familiar look at it.
Not the name of course as I can remember the good old days when it was the Gola League, but the teams.
Admittedly the table is fairly in its infancy but most of the top sides have all previously played in the Football League.
Indeed, this division contains 14 sides who have previously been part of the top four divisions in English football so it’s hardly a surprise.
Most if not all of the sides are full-time so it’s theoretically the English fifth division in terms of status to the other four (if that makes sense!).
Of course, it forces the finances further down the pyramid meaning that at Step 2 (one above the mighty Leiston) the two divisions contain some full-time sides as well.
This makes it even harder for clubs at Step 3 without the financial power. And whilst it makes non-league exciting and appealing, dining at the fifth division table will become a very difficult prospect in the coming years.
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And finally, should be a cracker against Quorn at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium on Saturday afternoon. I'm looking forward to this one.
I might buy a scarf actually, or a cap. I've noticed that little pop-up club shop near the turnstiles. Time for a visit.