It's been 15 years . . .
A RAPTUROUS round of applause, backslapping and handshakes all round is what awaited Lancing manager Sammy Donnelly and his players at the end of a thoroughly deserved victorious cup tie at Culver Road on Saturday.
The Lancers have suffered 13 consecutive first-hurdle FA Cup defeats and it is 15 years since they last reached the first qualifying round of the competition. But now, having won two ties in a row, they will travel to Tooting & Mitcham, at Morden on September 16, looking to add to the 1,500 banked so far.
And, more importantly, reach round two of the qualifying that they last achieved way back in 1967-68 when they reached the third qualifying round and went out to Eastbourne United away 5-0.
For full report, see this week's Worthing Herald.