The Emirates FA Cup trophy paid a visit to the Cotswolds this week, as Cirencester Town’s players, staff, and some of their most dedicated supporters came together to celebrate a remarkable run in this season’s competition.
Cirencester’s journey to the third round qualifying has been built on an impressive record away from home. The Centurions have won all four of their Emirates FA Cup ties on the road so far this season against higher opposition, progressing from the extra preliminary round to become one of the last remaining National League System (NLS) Step 5 clubs in the competition.
Having overcome Hartpury University, Marlow, and Fleetlands in the opening rounds, their most recent victory was an outstanding cup upset. After drawing 2-2 with NLS Step 2 side Farnham Town at home, the Centurions faced a tough replay away from home. With the score locked at 1-1 for the entirety of the second half, they looked to have been heading for penalties before captain Harlie Price struck with a 90th-minute winner to send them through to the next round. The reward is yet another away trip, this time to Cornwall to face Truro City, who are again playing three steps above, in the third round qualifying.
Match-winner and captain Price, who has scored four goals in this season’s Emirates FA Cup campaign so far, reflected on the Centurions' run and visit of the famous silverware.
“We’ve played teams a league or more above us in every round and we’re still standing, so once you win a couple of those games you start believing," he said.
“To draw Farnham was incredible, and to force a replay and then score a 90th minute winner was undoubtedly the best feeling of my career and I’m not sure I’ll ever come close to that again. But that night, and today, is really for the fans – they come rain or shine and hearing them at Farnham last week was incredible and genuinely uplifting.
“To have the trophy here and be able to reflect on what we’re doing in the competition makes it feel even more special.”
The fans have played a huge part in making the run so memorable, and a group of these supporters who have been at every game were given the chance to see the trophy up close and enjoy their moment in the spotlight ahead of another long journey.
These travelling supporters have followed the team across the south-west of the country and created a memorable atmosphere at each stage of the competition. From the extra preliminary round through to the dramatic replay at Farnham, hundreds have made the journey to back the Centurions.
Les Sayers, who has been to every one of Cirencester’s Emirates FA Cup games this season, said: “It’s been a terrific journey for us so far. We had over 500 people here for the game against Farnham and almost another 500 travelled away with us for the replay! To have that kind of support behind the team, particularly on the road, is incredible for a club this size and shows the intrigue of The FA Cup.
“We’re certainly doing it the hard way, but we’re all looking forward to getting down to Cornwall and seeing how far we can go. There’s always hope in The FA Cup – you just never know what can happen in this competition.”
The Centurions are now just one victory away from matching their best ever cup run and reaching the fourth round qualifying, which they last achieved in the 2003-04 season.
They now turn their attentions to the tough prospect of the Tinners from the National League South on Saturday, looking to make history in the Emirates FA Cup and give their fans even more to celebrate.
