With 241 FA Cup campaigns on record, this is the first time Arsenal and Lincoln City have met. Lincoln are appearing in the Quarter-finals for the first time and are the first non-league club to reach this far since QPR in 1914. The Imps have equalled the record of most League clubs beaten by a Non-leage club in one FA Cup run. Telford United did it in 1985 and Tottenham Hotspur in 1901.
In the early rounds they beat Altrincham at home 2-1, then I saw them overcome Oldham Athletic at Sincil Bank-simple. Next they beat Ipswich, Brighton and Burnley (away). It's only Arsenal next! at the Emirates.
There is an "Imp Invasion" in Lincoln's store of Ann Summers (don't ask, use your imagination),
red and white scarves are selling fast (both teams share the same colours), The Lincoln Imp pub is moving to the Holloway Road, the chief commentator for BBC Radio Lincolnshire has cancelled his holiday to Costa Rica, the Wig and Mitre pub is putting Imps' branded French Champagne on ice in the event. I think the locals will consume that one way or the other. Asda has sold out of tin foil as fans make their own FA Cup replicas.
In 1972 Graham Taylor started the revival of the club and made comments in his programme notes about the need for Lincoln to "arise" and like the Imp on the city Cathedral roof, the club has achieved a great height. But Lincoln City is not seeking safety, the club is taking the challenge to the Gunners. Just as the Imp was sent to the clergy by the devil to cause havoc, then 9,000 supporters and the team squad are heading to Highbury to turn Arsenal to stone.
No comments:
Post a Comment