The Bootiful Game Issue 2 The Bootiful Game Issue 2 | Page 40

Since the maiden tournament
in 1871 football’s oldest
annual knockout competition,
the F.A. Cup, has produced
moments of magic that are
still engraved in the minds of
English football fans today,
writes Josh Kingston.
" The Bootiful Game takes a
look at some of those less
known stories involving teams
that have competed in the
NCEL ahead of what should be
another epic cup campaign.  
" Harrogate Railway Athletic
are no strangers to success in
this famous old tournament.  
“The Locomotives” have
competed in thirty F.A. Cup
campaigns and they have never
failed to reach the preliminary
stage of the competition before.  
That proud record was
maintained this season as they
saw off Albion Sports 3-0 in
a replay after the original
tie had finished 1-1.  
" The club has
done far more than
just maintain the
previous stated
record.  Twice they
have reached the
second round
Harrogate Railway 2002-03 Record
Round
Versus
Result
Preliminary Round
Whitley Bay (A)
Drew 2-2
Preliminary Round
Whitley Bay (H)
Won 5-4
Replay
1st Qualifying Round Esh Winning (A)
Won 2-1
2nd Qualifying
Chester-Le-Street (A)
Drew 5-5
2nd Qualifying Round
Chester-Le-Street (H)
Won 7-2
Replay
3rd Qualifying Round
Workington (H)
Won 4-0
4th Qualifying Round
Marine (H)
Won 4-2
1st Round Proper
Slough Town (A)
Won 2-1
2nd Round Proper
Bristol City (H)
Lost 3-1
proper of the competition.  The
first occasion was in 2002 when
the North Yorkshiremen hosted
the heavily tipped Bristol City at
Station View.
" City were fighting for a place
a promotion place in Division 2
and were sitting in
fourth position in
the table having
just drawn 2-2
with Crewe
Alexandra in
their
previous
league
outing.   Scott
Murray and
Lee Peacock had
scored in that draw
and they were both
selected in a strong starting
eleven.
" Despite facing a team that on
paper were a sure bet for the
win, Harrogate Railway
produced a performance to be
proud of in front of the Sky
cameras.  City took a two goal
lead thanks to an unfortunate
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