HARTY: On Albion and the third round FA Cup draw

After a thrilling, but in some ways fortunate 3-2 win against non-league Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday, the Albion found themselves in the velvet bag with all the big boys.

As the draw progressed, no sign of the Albion's ball, number 52, or the balls representing the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. Could the dream tie and the money that comes with it be a reality?

Almost predictably, my daughter, Amy, came into the room wittering on about something or other. I, semi-politely, asked her to be quiet as it was all about the anticipation of the FA Cup dream.

She was suitably unimpressed and, just at the moment Stockport or Torquay's ball was pulled out, as a home team, quick as a flash, and before Sir Steve Redgrave had a chance to delve into the pot, Amy, like Nostradamus, predicted "this will be you (Albion) next".

Seconds later, one of the greatest Olympians this country has ever produced, announced "will play number 52".

Complete deflation is not a suitable adjective that can get near how I felt. However, after some time for reflection, I weighed up the pros and the cons.

Let's start with the negatives. Whoever wins the initial second round tie, it's a hell of a journey for supporters to make, especially in light of the fact that it's two days after New Year's Eve.

Without wishing to offend any of the respective opposing fans, big box office it ain't and clearly it's not an exciting tie. And also one that, if the Albion were to lose, it wouldn't be that big a surprise, despite Torquay's league position.

However, looking at the positives, it's also a very winnable tie. With Gus Poyet well and truly entrenched at the club, it gives a great opportunity to progress to the fourth round for the first time since 1993, and possibly get that mega tie, with all its financial benefits.

And, on a personal note, a timely reminder to all us blokes to always get your dates right. As I watched the beginning of the draw, I dreamed of a trip away against top-rated Premiership opponents, because I wrongly thought the ties were being played on the weekend of January 9 and 10, not the weekend before.

At the turn of the new year, the commander in chief has a landmark birthday. While it would be crass to reveal my wife's upcoming age in print (a subtle clue, "life begins at") so, therefore, had the velvet bag and balls thrown up a glamour away tie, with various plans in place, I would have been in the biggest doghouse this side of Battersea had I even suggested about me and the lad making the trip.

So here's hoping Fergie or Wenger are still on offer either home or away in the fourth round.

Many thanks to all the good people at Broadwater CC for a cracking night at the annual dinner last Friday.

The Ian Hart's Spare Parts cricket division's maiden victory against them on the opening day of their excellent cricket week in July has been forgiven and forgotten, and my lads will be locking horns again next year.

Next season will also see the re-formation of the colts section at the club. A lot of hard work by people within the club has gone on over the last year or so, culminating in the entry of two colts teams into local competitions next year.

Another welcome snippet of info is that it looks very likely that the Evening Cricket League will be back for at least one more season, with four clubs already looking at entering.

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