If you’re looking for an example of just how much football can affect a whole community then look no further than Southern League Division One side Paulton Rovers.
In 2009 the club from a small village in Somerset hosted Paul Lambert’s Norwich City, who sat five divisions above them in League One, in the FA Cup first round proper.
This was the furthest Paulton had ever reached in the competition and although they were comfortably beaten 7-0 by Grant Holt, Wes Hoolahan, Chris Martin et al – the game transformed the community.
“When we played Norwich back in 2009 the whole place was buzzing,” explained club chairman David Bissex. “It was just amazing.
“The local television stations were coming out every night to film with us and that went on for about ten days, it was just awesome.
“All the shops and houses had posters and banners in them - the people from around here do come out in their thousands when it arises.”
Rovers head to Cirencester Town for a Buildbase FA Trophy first round qualifying replay on Tuesday evening after a 2-2 draw at Winterfield Road at the weekend, and Bissex is still hoping for a similar run to that famous effort in 2009.
“When we beat Salisbury a fortnight ago (in the FA Trophy) that was only the third game we’ve won in the FA Trophy since entering in 2004, so it’s time we had a run!” he added.
“Wouldn’t it be great to go to Wembley? It’s a big, big ask and it’s a long way to go but who knows.
“There’s a good atmosphere around the club, right from the players on the pitch to the social side of things.
“It’s a very community-led club and people get involved in doing all kinds of things to raise funds for us.
“There’s £3,250 up for grabs if we win and for a club like ours that money means an awful lot.”
Paulton’s opponents are based just 40 miles away and the clubs are more than familiar having played against each other in the league already this season when Cirencester won 3-0 and Saturday's Trophy tie.
Bissex knows Cirencester chairman Steve Abbley well and is hoping to secure bragging rights in the replay, with a home tie against Shortwood United up for grabs for the winners.
“He used to play for Wycombe Wanderers,” the chairman added. “I didn’t know him then but I’ve certainly known him for the last ten years or so.
“Steve is a very good friend of mine and we do business together so it’s a bit of a needle match as well!”
Buildbase FA Trophy history
Paulton’s best ever Buildbase FA Trophy performance was in 2004-05 when they were defeated by Dorchester Town 3-2 in the first round proper, whilst Cirencester have been two stages further as they reached the third round proper in 2002-03.
Did you know?
Burnley forward Ashley Barnes began his career at Paulton Rovers before moving to Plymouth Argyle.
The prize
The winner of Tuesday's tie will earn £3,250 and a place in the second round qualifying.
