How to reach the first round of the FA Cup

Posted on by

It’s fair to say it’s been an unusual start to the season at Tonbridge Angels. 

First, we went unbeaten in ten. And at the same time got a decent qualifying route in the FA Cup.  

Second Qualifying Round: Merstham (H) 2-1
Third Qualifying Round: Walton & Hersham (H) 2-1

That culminated yesterday when we scraped a win against an otherwise struggling Cray Wanderers to reach the first round of the FA Cup for only the second time in 52 years. The first time was during COVID. No one counts that one.

Fourth Qualifying Round: Cray Wanderers (A) 1-0

All of which means we’re “in the hat” for the televised draw on the BBC tomorrow night. 

Up to now we’ve been using the mantra “lowest team at home”. It’s logical really. We wanted to face the lowest ranked team at the Longmead Stadium and get as easy a route through as possible. Especially after an early departure from the Cup in the previous two seasons. 

But this has now been turned on its head. We want the biggest team. At their place. We want Birmingham City.

So if you happen to be watching the draw tomorrow, look out for ball 75. We’d take Wrexham away of course. Or Huddersfield. Or Bolton (let’s leave my beloved Tranmere Robers out of this for now). We just don’t want an away trip to Peterborough Sports. No offence to Peterborough. I doubt they want us either. 

To get an idea how much it means to the club, just take a look at the face of Sophie Purves, the Tonbridge chairwoman, in the interview below. 

Tonbridge Angels chairwoman Sophie Purves

It’s not just the financial reasons (although they’re not insignificant). It’s about the fans, the players, and the coaches who work all hours to make the club successful. The culmination of a lot of hard work.

It’s new territory for the club. And for new territory for me. I’m loving every second of it.

Postscript: We were drawn at home against Harborough Town.