‘The award can be passed down to my children. My name will forever be written in the annals of the world’s greatest cup competition, and that makes me crazy proud’ The non-league striker who pipped Haaland, Salah and Isak to the FA Cup Golden Ball Award

Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts after missing a penalty for his team during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on August 27, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images).

The FA Cup’s first qualifying round takes place this weekend as teams from Level 7 of the English football pyramid enter the competition.

The likes of Lancaster City, Real Bedford, Havant & Waterlooville and Cray Valley Paper Mills are getting set to make their bow in this year’s edition of the tournament, hoping that they are able to carve out a little bit of history and be one of this year’s fairytale stories.

Isthmian League South East side Ashford United will also be playing this weekend which means striker Gary Lockyer will get the chance to build on a remarkable goalscoring record in last year’s competition.

Gary Lockyer on his FA Cup top scorer award

Gary Lockyer with his Golden Ball (Image credit: Getty Images / The FA)

That’s because the 32-year-old telecoms worker finished as last season’s top scorer in the competition, with his ten strikes seeing off the likes of Erling Haaland, Mo Salah or Eberechi Eze, who netted Crystal Palace’s winner in the final at Wembley.

“It’s something that’s going to stay with me forever,” Lockyer tells FourFourTwo. “The award can be passed down to my children. My name will forever be written in the annals of the world’s greatest cup competition, and that makes me crazy proud.

Gary Lockyer of Ashford United at Wembley (Image credit: Getty Images / The FA)

“Growing up, you watch the FA Cup and dream of playing in it some day, so to win an award like this is just incredible.”

Lockyer, who became Ashford United’s all-time top scorer on Monday when he netted against Margate, netted 36 goals in all competitions last season, with his side getting knocked out in the third qualifying round of the competition.

“We non-league strikers get a head start on the competition, but it also comes with risk of being knocked out much sooner,” he adds. “Our aim was just to get as far as we could, as that obviously helps the club out financially and builds up the town and makes fans happy.

"But it was never a real ambition to win the Golden Ball – it was the cherry on top.

Salah couldn't compete with the 32-year-old telecoms worker (Image credit: Getty Images)

“For a lot of people, the most magical aspect of the FA Cup is the lower-league teams and players that leave their mark. A player like me winning the top-scorer prize is an extension of that, which makes me really happy.

“Having my name mentioned with the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah, neither of whom could outscore me, was something really special. I think it shows that football can still surprise you, and that’s why people love the FA Cup.”