The Only Way is Sussex when Crawley Town take on Leeds United in the FA Cup - column
For me, some of the magic of the FA Cup was lost in recent years when kick-off times were changed, especially for the final, and the semi finals were switched to be played at Wembley.
But when a draw comes out of the hat for the third round such as Crawley v Leeds, then the magic and the romance reignites.
It is the archetypal David v Goliath, Big Club v Small Club tie between sides that are 62 places apart in the football pyramid – and I for one can’t wait to see it.
I guess I’m one of the lucky ones at present being able to be in the ground when thousands of Reds fans can’t be, but BBC TV must sense there’s the possibility of an upset on the cards having chosen it to be live on the TV, and I must say that I agree.
So far in their FA Cup journey, Crawley have defeated sides from the divisions above and below themselves in Torquay and AFC Wimbledon.
The game at Torquay will live long in the memories of those of us that were there to see it.
An 11-goal thriller in which Crawley only led once, and that was after the goal that made it 6-5, and for me it was easily the craziest game I’ve ever witnessed as a fan or a commentator –and there’s been a fair few to choose from.
A wonderful, professional team performance followed at Wimbledon where the side came from a goal down to claim victory and set up the third round tie against the men from Yorkshire.
The Reds are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions and this cup tie will allow a nationwide audience to see not only the quality of football played in League 2 but also the quality of football that John Yems’ men can play.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s Crawley’s turn to have their moment in the FA Cup sunshine and follow in the paths of Sutton United, Wrexham, Bournemouth and others in writing the headlines for the Monday papers.
Leeds may change their line-up considerably but they will do so at their own peril against this current Crawley side, who know that in terms of a third-round upset this season, The Only Way Is Surely Sussex next weekend!