It's Quarter-Finals day in the FA Trophy, and only one side from below Step Two remain in the competition- our very own Urchins.
Hornchurch have had a magnificent competition, having already defeated Maidstone United, Kings Lynn Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge Angels, Bowers & Pitsea and Wingate & Finchley to reach this stage. They made the long trip up the A1 yesterday, and will walk out at Blackwell Meadows refreshed and ready to take their Trophy adventure to new heights.
This is only the second time in their history they've reached this stage of the competition. The last time was in 2004, when they defeated Wingate and Finchley, Newport County, Aylesbury United, Stevenage Borough and Burton Albion before departing the competition at Hednesford Town. Victory today will add a new chapter- perhaps even the greatest chapter- to their history, and we're sure that the entire Pitching In Isthmian League is willing them on.
National League North Quakers defeated Wealdstone four-one in the last round, and have also knocked out City of Liverpool, AFC Telford United and Weymouth. This will be the third time they've reached this stage of the competition, and they were its winners in 2011- but they've spent the majority of their existence in the professional game so this is only the eleventh time they've been eligible to take part. For once the Urchins aren't facing higher division opposition with worries about their opponents having more match fitness, as given the halt of the National League season at Step Two Darlington's last match was that Wealdstone game, which was played three weeks ago- the same day the Urchins were rolling over the Stones.
You can watch the match live at a cost of £7.99, and you can do that here. You can also purchase a downloadable programme for £2, and you'll find the link to that here.
Good luck to the Urchins today- we'll be supporting you from the comfort of our armchairs. To get you in the mood, perhaps you might want to watch the highlights of that victory over Maidstone, which you will find below:
Image courtesy of the club.
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