The FA Cup continues to be the most coveted domestic cup competition in English football, providing a platform for teams from various levels of the football pyramid to compete against each other. Recently, one such team, Bishops Cleeve, an eighth-tier side, created a major upset by defeating Torquay United 3-0 in the second qualifying round. This monumental victory sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with many hailing it as one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history.
Creating History in the FA Cup
The 3-0 win over Torquay United was a momentous occasion for Bishops Cleeve, with goals from Ross Langworthy and Ethan Dunbar sparking jubilant celebrations among the team’s supporters. According to the team’s manager, Paul Collicutt, the win was one of the best days he had ever experienced in football, and it has put the team on the football map. “All of sudden its put us on the football map,” he said. “I had people ringing me up from all over Europe and not believing the result and how convincing the performance was.”
Collicutt’s statement reflects the magnitude of the upset, which has not only brought attention to the team but has also highlighted the competitive nature of the FA Cup. The competition’s unique format, which allows teams from different divisions to compete against each other, creates a level playing field that often leads to unexpected results. The win over Torquay United has given Bishops Cleeve a chance to create history by advancing further in the competition.
Paul Collicutt’s Vision for the Team
Paul Collicutt’s vision for the team is to continue the dream and achieve more success in the FA Cup. The team’s manager expressed his excitement about the upcoming match against Chesham United, stating that his team would be ready for the challenge. “I’m very excited, really looking forward to it,” he said. “Chesham are going to be well-prepared, they’re a solid side and they’ve made a good start in the league so it’s going to be a very difficult game for us.”
Community Support
The team’s success in the FA Cup has brought the community together, with fans from the village of Bishop’s Cleeve rallying behind their team. The village, which has a population of just over 14,000, has shown immense support for the team, with many attending the matches and cheering on their side. Collicutt has asked the village to continue their support, stating that the team would need their backing to overcome the challenges ahead. “I want to get the village to turn out in their numbers to support the club again,” he said. “We’ve sold in the region of 400-450 tickets and we’re hoping to go beyond that.”
Overcoming the Odds
The FA Cup has a history of producing upsets, with lower-tier teams often causing major shocks by defeating more established sides. The competition’s format creates a platform for underdogs to showcase their skills and compete against teams from higher divisions. Bishops Cleeve’s win over Torquay United is a testament to this, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, teams can overcome the odds and achieve success.
However, the road ahead will not be easy for Bishops Cleeve. The team faces stiff competition from Chesham United, a team that has made a good start in the league. Collicutt’s team will need to be at their best to overcome this challenge and continue their FA Cup journey. According to Collicutt, “the lads are going to be ready. If we turn up, we give them a game, if we don’t turn up we’ll get beaten.”
Learning from the Past
Bishops Cleeve’s loss to Melksham in the FA Trophy last weekend serves as a reminder that the team needs to stay focused and committed to their goals. The 2-0 defeat was a setback for the team, but Collicutt’s response to the loss reflects his experience and knowledge of the game. “This is the joy of non-league football,” he said, highlighting the unpredictability of the sport.
Personal Connection
Collicutt’s personal connection to the team and the community is evident in his passion and dedication to the sport. His playing career, which included stints with Swindon Town, Forest Green Rovers, and Cheltenham Town, has given him a deep understanding of the game and its challenges. As a manager, he has been able to apply this knowledge to inspire his team to achieve success.
Keeping the Dream Alive
As Bishops Cleeve prepares to face Chesham United in the FA Cup, the team’s manager and fans will be hoping to create another upset and continue their journey in the competition. The win over Torquay United has shown that anything is possible in the FA Cup, and Bishops Cleeve will be looking to keep the dream alive. According to Collicutt, “I was at the car wash the other day and the guy comes up and says my lad was at the Torquay game and he said to his dad that was the best day of his life. It’s the best cup competition in the world.”
The FA Cup has a unique ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. Bishops Cleeve’s journey in the competition has been a testament to this, and as they prepare to face Chesham United, the team and their fans will be hoping to create more memories and continue their quest for FA Cup glory.