While the 48 clubs from League One and League Two are preparing for their first Emirates FA Cup tie of the season, Paul Taylor is gearing up for his SEVENTH.
The 26-year-old is at the halfway stage of his maiden ‘Road to Wembley’, a journey he is enjoying with his dad Pete, brother-in-law Andy Leslie and Andy’s dad, another Pete, with the occasional visit from his one-year-old nephew Harry.
The Fab Four have taken in matches at Clipstone, Barton Rovers, Anstey Nomads and Mickleover Sports, with Alfreton Town the latest stop en route to HA9.
Taylor gives us the lowdown on their trip to the Impact Arena for Alfreton’s 4-0 win over St. Neots Town.
“Having had a steady Friday night for once before Emirates FA Cup weekend, we were all set for our trip to Alfreton,” he said.
“Harry was unavailable for this one so it was me, Andy and the two Pete's heading to Derbyshire.
“Alfreton is very close to Andy and his dad, so me and my old man finally found a ground without any issues; not one re-route or wrong turn and even time for a stop off at KFC... all round success!
“The Impact Arena reminded me of going to watch Doncaster Rovers away from home in the old Conference and the lower leagues a number of years ago. The modern day arenas are pretty impressive but you can't beat a proper non-league ground.
“As usual, we had time for the traditional pre-game pint and a catch-up before taking our place in the stand.
“Fair play to St. Neots; I spoke to one of their travelling fans who told me what a big game it was for them. They were backed by 200-300 supporters in good spirits.
“Unfortunately for St Neots, though, that was as good as things got as Alfreton blew them away with four goals inside the first half hour.
“They just seemed bigger and stronger than the St Neots lads and although they held Alfreton to a goalless second half, it was a comfortable win for the home side.
“And with the game all but over by half time, I managed to avoid being showered in everyone's beers, unlike in the last round!
“Two things I took from this game and the qualifying rounds in general is that The FA Cup definitely means a lot to the non-league sides. It’s a great opportunity to earn some much-needed prize money and the chance to get a good draw in the first round.
“We also noticed how much we have enjoyed visiting clubs we hadn't come across or visited before; rough and ready grounds with good little set-ups.
“We have all really enjoyed the games and also paying reasonable prices for competitive football.
“The FA Cup is definitely a competition for the avid football fan!
“With a quick and smooth journey home and the qualifying rounds now complete, we were left discussing who we may be seeing Alfreton come up against next.
“I'm sure the Alfreton lads were delighted to draw League One side Fleetwood Town, managed by Joey Barton.
“I'm expecting a proper Cup atmosphere and a competitive game.
“I'm sure there will be a good crowd in for this first round tie and we're really looking forward to it.”
You can follow Paul’s Emirates FA Cup adventures on Twitter: @PaulT_92
