FA Cup 2024/25

[HarryVardon]

When I was young (long ago), the FA Cup final was the most important fixture of the year. The reason for that was that it was the ONLY football match that was screened LIVE on TV. The audiences were enormous. The first cup final I watched was the Matthews final in 1953 and I have seen most others since then. But, I have to say that my interest has waned massively since then. There is so much live football on television that the reason for watching the FA cup final has almost disappeared. It has become a second rate tournament. Of course it will always be way, way ahead of the League Cup which should have been scrapped years ago. There are only two real competitions left now. The Premier League being the most important and the Champions League coming after that. The Europa League is a competition for Europe's second rate teams. As a Manchester United supporter since my first match was watching them win the League in 1952 against Blackpool. United will not be back on top until they win the Premier League and/or the Champions League. Eric ten Haag's achievements in the cup competitions are of total irrelevance.

[Big Boy]

When I was young (long ago), the FA Cup final was the most important fixture of the year.

I remember those days, rushing home from work at Saturday lunch time full of anticipation of the game ahead.

[Dannie Boy]

Although Plymouth got off to a good start yesterday against Man City, they couldn’t repeat their victory against Liverpool, still they by no means disgraced themselves - now time to avoid relegation!!


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[Big Boy]

At no time, even when they went a goal up (and despite me waking the neighbourhood up with my singing ) did Plymouth ever look as though they could win it. I enjoyed it though, but now maybe we can start looking at trying to survive in the Championship - a very tall order I'm afraid.

Man City were a class above.

[Dannie Boy]

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Robert’s was sent off for a horrendous challenge on Palace’s Mateta - from all angles and speeds it looks a terrible challenge!!

[pharvey]

Apologies - a tad late on parade with this...
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[Dannie Boy]

Any update after last weeks games?

[pharvey]

Any update after last weeks games?

Apologies, will post the table etc. when I get back to a PC tonight/tomorrow....

[pharvey]

A tad late on parade sorry - here's an update on the HHF FA Cup Standings and the Semi-Finals to be played

Congrats to BG on the Yellow Cap, I'll take my deserved position with the Wooden Spoon.... and DAMN YOU PeteC!!
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As for the Semi Finals....
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[Dannie Boy]

I was quite surprised that Palace managed to beat Villa as easily as they did - stats wise Villa were dominant but they couldn’t turn chances into goals which is what Palace did. Will we see another “upset” today when Forrest take on Man City?

[Big Boy]

“upset” today

On this season's performance, I think its an evenly matched game, and I wouldn't like to choose between the 2. What would be construed as an "upset" for you?

[Dannie Boy]

Well I did put the upset in inverted commas, because of course it wouldn’t be quite the upset that it would have been during the last 6,7,8 seasons, City have historically been dominant in many competitions so they have a strong pedigree, albeit they have dipped quite considerably this season, but they still have the capability to win any game. Forrest have clearly improved this season and are sitting high in the Premier League, they just haven’t had much in the way of success since the Clough days.

[Dannie Boy]

Well no “upset” in the game Forrest v Man City, and although City looked the better team, with just a bit more luck (or more accurate shooting) could have seen a different outcome with Forrest hitting the woodwork no less than three times.

[Dannie Boy]

It’s Cup Final day although these days it doesn’t seem anywhere near as popular as it did in my younger days - considered then by many to be the most important game of the season, whereas other than the respective two teams supporters, very few others seem to care these days?

Although I’d like to see Palace win, I’m expecting City to lift the trophy after 90 (or 120) minutes!!

[Lost]

Looking forward to it. Like yourself I'd like Palace to win... It'd be another case of a first trophy after such a long time (Newcastle, Harry Kane, Bologna) with the stars seemingly aligning for a Tottenham win too.

Thinking it'll end 3-1 City though.