To Bognor and Back

When thinking about the FA Cup, one instantly conjures up images of fairy-tale giant-killings and enthralling comebacks. So what better way to continue our story than a ‘giant-killing’ of our own as Ryman League outfit Bognor Regis Town put out Oxford City who were a full 26 places above them.

The draw for the 3rd Qualifying Round Qualifying pulled out an interesting away trip to the small seaside resort on the south coast - Bognor Regis. 

Matchday arrived and the Cup Trio turned into a Cup Duo as Liam 'had to do some work'. After a two-and-a-half hour trip down the M3 we made it to Bognor Regis, home of Butlins and the International Birdman Competition.

Ben and I did as any tourist would and headed straight for the beach and bought some fish and chips. As fish and chips went, they were decidedly dodgy and tasted a bit like the stuff you get from Iceland. After a little wander down the seafront and up the pier we headed to the Nyewood Lane to cheer on Oxford on their journey to Wembley.

At the ground we met up with the lads from the Oxford Brookes Non-League Society who were in full voice as per usual. Songs such as "All you need is Bubb" and "Hoops Upside Your Head" rung round the Lane for all supporters to here.

An early goalkeeping error from Bognor delighted the travelling fans as Bradley Bubb put Oxford 1-0 up and surely on the way to the 4th Qualifying Round.

But Bognor Regis fought back with all the passion and skill that has made the FA Cup so famous.

They ran Oxford ragged in the 2nd half and came from 1-2 down to thrash Oxford 4-2. The home fans were left delirious whilst the travelling support acknowledged a brilliant battle from Bognor.

Not the result Ben and Dave expected or wanted at the start of the game but now we were Bognor Regis fans through and through! Up the Rocks!