So sad to miss important ties

CHARLIE’S CHAT - by Latics striker Charlier MacDonald


IT IS that time of year again, the first round of the greatest cup competition in England, the FA Cup.

After a disappointing last two league results, we turn our attention to the cup, and a home tie against Wolves, arguably the biggest team in the hat at this stage.

This tie could only have been made more difficult had we been drawn against them away from home.

In my opinion, this is a mouthwatering tie against a top side but one our lads will relish as the FA Cup is all about the underdog.

Although both teams ply their trade in the same division, Wolves will no doubt be favourites to progress so the pressure lies with them.

Athletic’s exploits last season proved players thrive on causing upsets, so this fixture is far more appealing for us than a potential banana skin against non-league opposition, something that no professional likes to have on their record.

On a personal note, I love playing in this tournament and was fortunate enough to make my full debut as an 18-year-old in the fourth round of the trophy against QPR, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory for Charlton way back in January, 2000.

Since then I have made 15 starts in the competition, scoring 10 times, a record of which I am very proud and aim to extend.

Every young footballer has the ambition to play in the later rounds of the FA Cup.

It is an opportunity to become an instant hero when the big guns enter the fold, providing the chance to test yourself against your boyhood team, world-class internationals and people you idolise.

But it is a chance that doesn’t come along very often. That is why it is such a special event for an individual who can make a name for himself and a smaller club, and gain public recognition.

Another massive desire players have is to appear at Wembley and although it is highly unlikely a club like Athletic will reach the final of the top cup competition in England at this present time, there are much better odds for us doing so in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy which sees us host Notts County on Tuesday night.

If we are victorious in this area quarter-final, we will be three games away from reaching the home of football.
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