The Imps round to wembley starts to here,first stop conference north side AFC Telford United away
The road to Wembley via Telford
Telford was a new ground for all three of the Retford Imps on board the Bazmobile today. So it was to be expected that it took us a bit longer than we thought to get there. We had a pleasent trip around the backwater towns of the black country. The high point was checking out the local kebab shops while stuck in traffic; The "king kebab shop" was probobly the best looking. The low points were the sweets that we had chosen for the way down. We left Retford at about 11.30 and arrived in Telford at about 2.35. We paid the two quid to park the car (The cheapest of the season) and made our merry way to Telfords Bucks head stadium.
AFC Telford were formed out of the ashes of the old Telford United. I dont normally like the "new" type of lego brick stadium, but Telford have managed to rebuild their ground and it still has kept its character, unlike Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Rushden etc etc. We were on a covered terrace behind the goal. To the right was the clubhouse side which was uncovered and had a scoreboard next to it. To the left was the best stand in the stadium which was covered and fully seated. Opposite us was another covered terrace the same as the one we were in and it housed the most vocal AFC Telford United supporters.
I was nervous about this match before the game. The Imps have a poor record against non league sides in the FA cup. I can all to clearly remember defeats against the likes of Emley, Dagenham and Redbridge (when they were non league)and last seasons defeat at the hands of Kettering Town. The most nervous I have ever been at a football match was when we hung on for a draw at home to Gainsbrough Trinity in the 1997/98 season. The only two games I can remember when we didnt struggle against non-league opposition was when we beat Bracknall Town 4-0 in 2000-01 season and the 4-1 win over Stevenage Borough in 98-99; the last season that Lincoln made the third round!
Telford had already beaten Pegasus junior, Worcester City and Blyth to reach the first round and were out to enjoy there day. They had issued a special half Telford half Lincoln scarf to mark the occasion but at £10 a go I didnt bother. I would imagine that there will be a few left over in the end of season sale! The programme was a great effort; putting many issues in higher divisions to shame (there is a two division gap between the two clubs)
On to the match.
In the first half I felt that the Imps were very comfortable. Telford looked like a small side and seemed to be off the pace as the Imps took control of the match knocking the ball around well and holding the ball as oppose to just launching it long. We took the lead after about 15 mins through Sergio Torres who seems to make a massive difference to our midfield.
half time score
At half time we got a thumbs us from Telfords mascot "Bobby the Buck" never let it be said that this blog doesn't have friends in high places; always ready to give us the goss from high places!!
Bobby the buck!! top bloke and big fan of the "mind of an Imp" blog!
In the second half Telford woke up! They got it back to 1-1 with a great header and from then on totally dominated the next 20-25 minutes; we couldnt get the ball and when we did we gave it back to them. Then out of nothing Jamie Clarke who was having his best game in an Imps shirt put the Imps back in front. That goal took the wind out of Telford and the Imps began to take control. Aaron Brown added a third and the Imps were in round two for the first time in six seasons!
Admission £11
Programme £2 9/10 very good,one of the best I have seen this season.
Match 7/10
Ground 8/10
Food- Baz liked the pie and chips but said the soup was crap
Imps man of the match- Jamie Clarke.
Now in football there are certain moves that we always remember, Be it a bit of skill, a great save mayby, a huge balls up. We all have our favourites; the Cruyff turn, the Jose jive when Porto beat Manchester United in the champions league, Gavs famous Brown shuffle, the list is endless.
As we got there quite late we were at the back of the car park and thus had a long wait to get out. Just as it looked as if we were going to move an old boy to our left made a move "where the f@@K you going old boy?!" said Baz seconds later we let a car to our right out and the old boy takes his chance slipping Baz a dummy as he looks the other way and over takes us!!!!!
Move of the season!!!
old boy to the left!!
"HE'S DONE YOU BAZ,THE OLD BOYS DONE YOU!!!!"
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