Harty on Albion in the FA Cup, the draw with Palace and Worthing RFC
AN eventful few days for the Albion started with Saturday’s epic FA Cup victory against Newcastle.
A fortunate own goal and a cast-iron penalty denied at the other end sees the Seagulls travelling up to the mighty Liverpool for the next round.
At the time of going to press, a day and date has still to be agreed by the clubs, the police and the TV companies.
Given that Everton allegedly have first pick on a Saturday game, I would think Sunday afternoon, on ESPN or ITV, looks favourite for a repeat of the fifth-round game in 1983, when the Albion famously won 2-1, on their way to the FA Cup Final that year.
With the Albion due to be allocated 7,000 tickets, 15 per cent of Anfield, and the game almost certainly on TV, I doubt we’ll see the obligatory moaning and groaning over ticket priority.
With that amount of tickets up for grabs, everyone who wants one, I’m sure, will get one.
The Albion couldn’t quite make it a double whammy on Tuesday with “derby” 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Perhaps a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show, with Palace having lost a League Cup semi-final last week on penalties and the Albion still on an FA Cup high.
But, still with an electric atmosphere, despite the fact Palace cannot seem to get anywhere near a full house for perhaps their biggest home league game of the season, the game didn’t really deliver.
Another case of a penalty debate, as, in my opinion, neither team deserved their respective spot-kicks, so perhaps a draw was the fairest result.
Results did go the Albion’s way elsewhere, and a win this Saturday at home to fellow chasers, Leicester City, can move them further into play-off contention.
I read with interest about the proposals for the expansion and possible relocation of Worthing Rugby Club.
My views on the club are well documented. They are a template on how to run a club properly, both on and off the field, and a potential move away from Roundstone Lane would represent a huge statement of intent.
My only question, and not I hasten to add a concern, is where they would go to find arguably as good or better facilities than they have currently?
Where in the borough of Worthing, or surrounding districts, is there a comparable size of land up for grabs?
When Bob Rogers and co relocated from Castle Road to Angmering back in the 1970s, it probably represented the greatest land deal in the history of local sport.
To emulate that, Worthing RFC have really got to go some.
But, then again, it goes back to how the club is run, and nothing will be done unless it’s for the long-term good of the club.
Worthing FC under-18s start a run of five home league matches, which could yet define their season, on Monday, with a 7.45pm kick-off against Hastings United.
With both teams still in contention for the Ryman Youth League title, and with the Rebels having won the previous fixture 5-0 at the Pilot Field in August, a great contest is in prospect, so it would nice if the Worthing footballing public could come and support the team.
Admission is £2, and £1 for OAPs and under-18’s.
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
