Old vs Young in The Cup

Source: FA.com

Sheffield FC take on FC United of Manchester.
Sheffield FC v FC United of Manchester
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
First Round Qualfying
3pm, Saturday 12 September 2009
The Bright Finance Stadium, Sheffield FC

The oldest club in the world take on the new kids on the block as FC United of Manchester travel across the Pennines to take on Sheffield FC in The FA Cup First Round Qualifying.

Whilst Sheffield have been plying their trade in the lower leagues since 1857, FC United were formed only four years ago, when a group of Manchester United supporters protesting about the takeover of their club by the Glazer family decided to form a new team.

John England, FC United’s matchday secretary, explains: “The Glazer takeover was the catalyst, the final straw, but it all began with what we saw as the increasing commercialisation of the club. We wanted FC United to be different. As a matter of principle, we have no sponsorship on our shirts.”

In their first four seasons as a club, FC United have enjoyed three successive promotions. “We have to pinch ourselves sometimes to realise how far we’ve come in such a short time,” adds England.

But FA Cup success has been much more limited - they haven’t been beyond the First Preliminary Round yet. That means a win on Saturday would be their most successful FA Cup run to date. “That would be nice because The FA Cup always has something special about it.”

After a pre-season tour of South Korea - rather unusual for a Northern Premier League team - FC United are currently lying eighth in the division. Another promotion is the aim for this season, but the long-term ambition? “To go as far as we can while still retaining our principles,” said England