OLDEST v "YOUNGEST" -UP FOR THE CUP

This evening's match between Salford City v Notts County, on a wet and windy day in Manchester, will be one of the most advertised FA Cup ties in history. It is the first round of the English Football Association Challenge Cup. There are some luscious ties elsewhere but following on from the TV exposure that Salford City has had in its documentary, then tonight's game will be one to watch. Oldest league club v One day hopefully the Youngest league club. Tasty.

What am I doing? Getting soaked at the Under 12 practice at 7pm and then drying off in the car with some serious air conditioning and changing my trousers, as I travel to Town, so I can watch the Bond film in Huddersfield, hooray, what a Spectreacle.

Notts County is the oldest existing league club founded in November 28th 1862 and since 1888 the club has played over 4750 league games, more than any other club.

Their colours were adopted by Juventus in their infancy when one of their players, John Savage, an Englishman, in 1903 was sent home to bring back kit that would suit the variable weather in Turin. He did and brought back local club, Notts County stripes, white and black.

County won the Cup in 1894 and were finalists in 1891. Albert Iremonger is their most prolific player with 601 appearances, whilst Tommy Lawton (1947-52) and Tony Hateley (1958-63 and 1970-2) were famous centre forwards. Unbelievably, County were in the First Division in 1991-2. Hard to imagine!

Will the "The Class of 92" persuade their "semi-pros" to upset the bookies.I don't think so.... watch this space.