Will Cup trek be worth it?

A day of negotiating M1 roadworks and M25 log-jams in a 370-mile round-trip awaits. Ah yes, it must be the magic of the FA Cup, writes Shropshire Star AFC Telford United reporter Chris Hudson.

AFC Telford United’s team bus was setting off at midday to ensure there were no delays as they made their way to Southend for tonight’s first round replay. The press posse was not too far behind them. 

I tell you what, though, none of us will mind one bit if they can pull off the much-hoped-for shock tonight and actually come home with a place in the second round safely tucked away. 

It’s a big ‘if’. 

Southend will justifiably start as overwhelming favourites – they are after all a high-flying League One outfit packed with experienced professionals. 

They should be good enough to get the job done. 

But then they ‘should’ have been good enough to get the job done first time round, 10 days ago. 

Then, it took a Jean-Francois Christophe equaliser in stoppage time to cancel out Jon Adams’ two goals and take us to a second game. 

History shows us that ‘minnows’ like Telford can enjoy their 15 minutes of fame. 

Heck, Telford have been famous for it in the past, chewing up expectant Football League sides and spitting them out with their reputations in tatters. 

Only last year we saw Havant & Waterlooville march serenely to the fourth round, where they gave the mighty Liverpool a hell of a fright - leading twice at Anfied before eventually losing 5-2. 

Havant’s progress included a replay victory against soon-to-be League One champions Swansea City. Away from home as well. If they can do it, then why not Telford? 

One thing is for sure. Win or lose, you can read all about it in tomorrow’s Shropshire Star.

Here’s hoping for a tale of joy, not one of sorrow. 

Now where’s that road map?