Chesham United win Emirates FA Cup Giant-Killing Award

Thursday 19 May 2016
Sam Beasant and Nick Gore lead Chesham's celebrations

Chesham United enjoyed a second memorable victory of the season this week after coming out tops in a poll to reward The Emirates FA Cup Giant-Killing of the season.

The Generals’ 1-0 first-round victory at Bristol Rovers was a landslide winner in our Facebook poll and their feat will be celebrated at half-time at Saturday’s Cup Final.

Bristol Rov 0-1 Chesham Utd

Emirates FA Cup
First Round
Memorial Stadium
Sunday 8 November 2015

The nominees were:

  • Oxford United for their 3-2 victory over Swansea City
  • Salford City, who beat Notts County 2-0
  • Chesham United for their 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers
  • Eastleigh beating Crewe Alexandra 1-0 

Southern Premier League Chesham were sat 75 places below League Two Rovers when they triumphed at Memorial Stadium, thanks to Ryan Blake’s 77th-minute strike.

Bristol Rovers 0-1 Chesham United

They will be presented with their award by FA Cup legend Ronnie Radford, whose wonderful winning goal for Hereford United against Newcastle United in 1972 was the defining moment of one of the greatest-ever giant-killings.

Chesham boss Andy Leese said: “This is absolutely fantastic.

"I’ve just had a look at the previous winners so for us to win something like this is amazing. It’s a great reward for the players and their fantastic achievement.

“I think there was 75 places between us and Bristol Rovers at the time, somebody likened it to Leyton Orient going to Manchester City.

“It was a fantastic occasion for us ."

Chesham boss Andy Leese and his assistant manager Jon Meakes after their historic victory

Chesham boss Andy Leese and his assistant Jon Meakes after their historic victory

On Sunday Radford’s attention will turn to Non-League Finals Day, where his beloved Hereford take on Morpeth Town in The FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium.

Last year’s winners of Giant-Killing award were Bradford City, for their stunning 4-2 win at the season’s Premier League-winners Chelsea.

By James Callow Content manager