So near and yet so far…Cruelly denied FA Cup glory in the dying minutes, the Bucks are this week facing up to a replay with League One Southend with their manager’s words ringing in their ears: We can still win it.
Two Jon Adams goals saw Telford dramatically spring from behind to lead the League One side 2-1 in Saturday’s first round clash before Southend escaped embarrassment with a stoppage time equaliser. The replay is next Tuesday at Southend, with the lure of a home tie in the second round with Luton or Altrincham on November 29.
And Bucks boss Rob Smith says it’s all still to play for and there’s no giving up.
“We’ve got nothing to fear going down there. It will be tougher - especially as our lads will have been at work in the day as well - but I don’t see why we can’t go there and win.
“We said before the game that no-one comes here (to the New Bucks Head) and beats us, and they still haven’t.”
Smith admitted his side’s brave display had thrilled him, and he also paid tribute to the fans - more than 3,000 of whom packed the stands to roar on the so-nearly cup heroes.
This was all the FA Cup stands for…drama and excitment all the way. And almost the result to upset the form book.
Southend scored first, from a free kick somewhat dubiously awarded for a handball in the 36th minute. Southend then had a goal disallowed and missed a penalty before Jon Adams equalised in the 70th minute with a ferocious 25 yard strike into the bottom corner. He made it two with only seven minutes to go and sent the Bucks’ fans wild with delight.
Sadly, the delirious joy came to an abrupt, and unfair, halt deep into stoppage time when a Jean-Francois Christophe shot was deflected off Jamie Vermiglio in a ruck of bodies and found the net.
Southend boss Steve Tilson was justifiably relieved to have escaped but insisted his side should have won comfortably - an opinion not shared by the fans or many soccer commentators.
“I can’t believe Peter Clarke’s goal was disallowed and if that had stood then the game would’ve been over,” Tilson said.
“Credit to Telford - they came back into it - but up until their first goal I didn’t feel like they were really causing us too many problems.”
Last word to Rob Smith: “I don’t know how much more I can get out of these boys,” he added.
“What an occasion it was. I don’t think I’ve ever heard noise like when we equalised before.”
