An evocative, memory provoking FA Cup third round takes Liverpool to Kingsmeadow, the home of AFC Wimbledon in early January. It is the first time in their 12-year history that Neal Ardley’s League Two side have reached this stage and they have secured a tie bound to recall 1988 and the original Wimbledon’s famous 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool courtesy of Lawrie Sanchez’s looping header.
Much more recently Arsenal beat Hull in last season’s final, recovering from being two goals down to win 3-2 thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s extra-time winner. and In an uncanny piece of symmetry, the pair meet again at Emirates Stadium. “Let’s hope it’s as good a game as the final,” said Steve Bruce, the Hull manager, who was startled to learn that his and Arsène Wenger’s teams had also been paired in the rehearsal for last night’s televised draw. “It’s quite remarkable,” said Bruce. “For it to happen again is amazing.”
As the lowest-ranked surviving side in this season’s competition Blyth Spartans of the Northern Premier League had been hoping for Premier League opposition. Instead they got Championship Birmingham City who must visit their Croft Park home on the Northumberland coast. “Birmingham are a good side,” said Tom Wade, Blyth’s manager. “But we’ve got a chance at Croft Park.”
Their north-east neighbours, Gateshead did land a trip to Premier League West Brom while Dover, also of the Conference, will be delighted by the prospect of entertaining another top-flight club, Crystal Palace, on the Kent coast.
Two more Conference rivals should be similarly pleased with their destinations. While Wrexham face an interesting trip to Premier League Stoke City, whose manager Mark Hughes is from the Welsh town and grew up supporting Wrexham, Southport visit Steve McClaren’s Championship topping Derby County. Gary Brabin’s side may be only 20th in their division but says he is looking forward to a tactical duel with a former England coach. “Derby are riding high and Steve McClaren has organised them well,” said Southport’s manager. “But I’m sure we can give them a good game.”
If Sunderland’s meeting with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light immediately recalls a May afternoon at Wembley in 1973 when Jim Montgomery’s double save and Ian Porterfield’s decisive goal ensured Bob Stokoe’s Sunderland shocked then all-conquering Leeds United, Manchester United have a less glamorous tie in store. Louis van Gaal’s introduction to the FA Cup involves an excursion to either Accrington Stanley or Yeovil who must replay their second round tie but José Mourinho’s Chelsea should be reasonably happy with the short journey to Championship Watford.
