Cheryl Cole might disagree, but who says there’s no romance left in English football?
The overly-ambitious money men, the behind the scenes wrangling, the loss of traditions, the dull games, the teenage trade… for 45 minutes on Saturday they were all forgotten.
Havant & Waterlooville’s performance at Anfield was beyond remarkable. They didn’t just have a day out or merely give it a go; they twice took the lead against Liverpool and nearly pulled off the biggest shock in the competition’s history before losing 5-2.
The fact the minor league side are six divisions and 123 positions below Liverpool barely does the achievement justice. You could almost add another tier or two, given the game of ‘haves versus havants’ was against one of the ‘big four’.
The FA Cup has divided opinion on this blog over recent weeks, with some seeing it as an annoying sideshow and others believing it can still warm the heart. The tears of joy in the crowd and the 20 minute post-match celebrations on Saturday certainly did the latter.
It was just a pity only the lucky 42,556 in attendance saw it live. Mansfield and Sheffield United fans may disagree, but in an age where television dictates all, it seemed strange to have to rely solely on radio coverage. Perhaps that made it all the more romantic?
While it’s back to normality with a full midweek Premier League programme, the real action continues next week when Havant travel to Hayes & Yeading in Saturday’s midtable Blue Square South battle.
Padraic Halpin, London
PHOTO: Havant and Waterlooville’s players show a banner to their fans following their FA Cup fourth round match at Liverpool REUTERS/Phil Noble
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7 comments so far
Well there will be more magic in the next round as it is Manchester Untied v Arsenal. http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews /idUKL289419320080128
- Posted by Mark MeadowsIt’s only when you come abroad you realise the full power of the FA Cup. I saw some great quotes from Xabi Alonso hailing the competition as like no other on Earth. It’s Juve v Inter in the Italian Cup on wednesday but no omne in Italy is really bothered…as it’s the Cup
This has brought back a bit of magic to the FA cup, sadly lacking in recent years.
- Posted by Mary WalderIt would have been even more magical if Havant were at home for this tie but the match itself was something really special, well at half time anyway.
- Posted by Betting Blue BoyI don’t think anybody would have backed Havant to get one over on Liverpool, even when the non-leaguers took the lead for the second time but for those on the continent and abroad looking in it was an occasion like this which really brought back the spirit of the FA Cup.
It is us Brits which really need to rediscover the true beauty of the Cup, it’s a special part of our sporting heritage.
I watched the haves versus havants game live on ESPN-Star in India. It was truly magical. A team which plays for the Conference South division taking on the giants of Liverpool was expected to be a goal feast and it did, but Havant getting two of the four in the first half, and leading twice was unbelieveable. That is the magic of the FA Cup. When else would the supporters of Havant get to be the part of the electric atmosphere of Anfield.
They really enjoyed themselves and deserve to party. As far as Liverpool are concerned, they did pull off a victory in the end as expected, but their first half performance was amongst the worst I have seen from them.
- Posted by NachiketI watched the haves versus havants game live on ESPN-Star in India. And Havant’s first half performance left me amazed. A team from the conference south division leading twice against one of the top four clubs in England - that is the magic of the FA Cup. When else would the supporters of Havant get to be the part of the electric atmosphere of Anfield. And when else would we fans get to watch them play.
They deserved a party after the game. As far as Liverpool are concerned, they did pull off a victory as expected, but their performance in the first half was amongst the worst I have seen from them.
- Posted by NachiketA standing ovation from all sides of Anfield .Given the current climate at Liverpool Football Club how many other supporters of Premiership clubs would have been so gracious to Havant if they were in the same position ?
- Posted by Cy NicalTo be honest with you Cy Nical, I honestly believe that most premiership sides would have done exactly the same given the nature of the performance. Most supporters in Britain can appreciate a good game of football - as mentioned by many foreign players and managers - and I doubt that this would have been any different if Havant were coming up against Liverpool or Arsenal or even Chelsea.
- Posted by Betting Blue Boy