Each year the FA cup produces fairytale stories and this year Loughborough FC have shown the magic of the tournament is still very much alive.
Taking on Godmanchester Rovers in the preliminary round, Loughborough put on an excellent performance to see them progress into the first round of qualifying for the first time in the clubs history.
The first half saw Loughborough dominate possession across Nanpantan pitch with strong performances coming from much of the team. Raul Alexis capitalized on some excellent assists to score two early goals and put Godmanchester firmly on the back foot.
Returning for the second period, Loughborough continued in a similar fashion with high energy on the pitch helping them extend their lead to three, after a powerful strike from Michael Emmerson. The home sides’ only serious error came later in the game as a defensive mix-up allowed Godmanchester to take a goal back, however Loughborough responded quickly as Daniel Nti made it 4 – 1 and in doing so, sealing the win.
The side has been in formidable form this season, already having played eight matches in August with six wins, one draw and just one game lost. It places them at the top of Midlands Alliance league and suggests Stuart McLaren’s first year with the club could be a very successful one.
Speaking before the match, manager McLaren had commented:
"Some clubs can dream about making The FA Cup Final, I think for us, to reach the First Round Proper would be a dream at this stage.”
That dream is now one step closer to becoming reality.
