They say that in the FA Cup, form goes out of the window.
Lowly teams become giants and legends are made. Accrington Stanley weren’t
granted a headline-grabbing second round tie, but the game did its utmost to
live up to the history of the magical competition.
Our last meeting with Oxford United was a profoundly
disappointing affair ending up in a 5-0 loss. The cup game was a chance for
redemption as much as the cash prize to boost the coffers.
We began with a disadvantage as our player-of-the-season so
far – affable ‘keeper Ian Dunbavin -sustained season-threatening injury in
training. Bavo has had his ups and downs in an eventful career but has been
nothing short of exceptional this season. All Stanley fans will hope he can get
fit sooner than expected.
An uphill battle was faced before we even took to the field and
Leam Richardson did all he could to remedy the situation; the gaffer’s
Yorkshire connections were exercised once more as nomadic stopper Paul Rachubka
came in on emergency loan.
A cold, hard pitch awaited the players. Attackers revelled
while defenders struggled and a goal-fest ensued. Oxford drew first blood after
finding fault on the flank before Craig Lindfield levelled with a point-blank
execution. James Beattie on returning to the starting eleven rose to the
occasion and struck one of the finest shots ever seen on the Crown Ground to
take the Reds ahead. After the U’s pegged back once more, Lee Molyneux expertly
converted a free kick and Stanley had only minutes to see out a memorable victory.
The tired Stanley backline faltered once more however and a replay was ordered
through a simple headed goal which should have been prevented.
Going away to Oxford next Wednesday will be a huge test of
character and skill. A home tie against Beattie’s former suitors Sheffield
United is the prize for a win which ought to spur the players on.
First though is an old grudge match from the non-league
days. Sunday’s trip to Burton has to be the priority in order to improve our
league position. Only after that can we dare to dream.
On, Stanley, On.