Eastleigh FC, known as the Spitfires, because the famous plane made it's maiden flight from the local aerodrome, are taking on the Trotters.
As if to celebrate the importance of the Spitfire in the closure of WW2, the football club was founded in 1946. Known originally as Swaythling Athletic, the club developed under the watchful eye of local mastermind Derik Brooks, who gives his name to the club mascot, Brooksy the Bear.
The unreliable mascot of Spitfire the dog, slipped into obscurity as Brooksy took over. A Hampshire league club in 1950, Eastleigh have worked their way up the pyramid, with investment by Stewart Donald and careful management from Welshman, Chris Todd. He has recovered from leukaemia and been almost pecked to death by emus for charity on Soccer AM! There is nothing he can't handle.
Presently 4th in the Conference, the Hampshire club might just have an Indian sign over Bolton Wanderers, who are £173 million in debt; aren't easily able to pay players wages; have to rely on their loyal supporters to form a trust to raise money; are under a winding up order by HM Revenue and Customs; have a transfer embargo placed on them and will have to travel a long way south to the intimidating small stadium to attempt to preserve their dignity. Of course they will be OK! But never forget that this is the weekend when bigger clubs fear a fall from grace.
Meanwhile Exeter City, host Liverpool at St James' Park, this evening. TV schedules arrange for the match to be played on a Friday evening, kicking off 90 minutes after the last train leaves for the north. Heaven knows what the Liverpoool fans will do with themselves over Friday night and the weekend, unless, of course, they all head for the nearest B&Bs at Exmouth. Hold on to your daughters, you men of Devon. Coaches will carry the few thousand fans who don't get hooked up with the locals, back to Merseyside with a rendez-vous around 3.30am.
At Scunthorpe, the thoughtful club is laying on a big Screen in the club's Iron Bar, for a £1 entry, to accommodate all their supporters who can't make the game. Around 1400 are heading to Stamford Bridge hoping that Mark Robins' Scunny will catch Chelsea brooding after the loss of Jose and bruised from various training ground scraps. Unlikely. The last time they met was in London, in the cup in 2005. Chelsea won 3-1.
It may be West Ham's last cup tie at the old Boleyn ground. Wycombe Wanderers may catch Villa cold and then there is Swansea away at Oxford (see yesterday's blog).
Hartlepool, who broke Salford hearts, have to face Derby, high in the Championship, on a roll and financed by the founder of the Candy Crush video game. Money is no object.
Dagenham and Redbridge, with their third manager of the season and winless at home this season (so no excuses about wanting home advantage) have little chance against Everton, away. Jamie Cureton, 40 years old and in the game for 22 years, has never played at Goodison Park. He is with his 14th club and debuted in 1994 against Everton for Norwich. Spookey?
And where shall I be?...Oakwell. Barnsley v Fleetwood......Johnstone's Paint trophy, Northern Final, 1st leg. Two games and then Wembley! £5 a ticket for all comers. Luxury.
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