Rochdale 2 - 3 FC United of Manchester

It's almost two days since FC United knocked Rochdale out of the FA Cup in the First Round Proper and I still can't find the words to describe it.

We all thought Barrow would be a challenge too much in the Fourth Qualifying Round and beating them was the greatest day we've had since this club started back in 2005. No one thought it would get any better. We didn't expect anything against Rochdale, we just hoped we'd played well. Scoring a goal would be a fantastic bonus. Well, when we did score, courtesy of Nicky Platt, we were happy. "It doesn't matter what happens now" someone said to me. Then we went 2-0 up courtesy of an absolute screamer from Jake Cottrell and well, we all started to wonder...

Of course, Rochdale pulled both goals back and started to look like the only team who were going to win it. We were all praying that we'd hold on for a replay and that would've brought a joyous enough reaction. And then Michael Norton chased a rather innocuous looking ball into the Rochdale penalty area. Cue bedlam.

I've not been reduced to tears like that by any sporting event since the 26th of May 1999. It was a wonderful, magical moment that no one really dared believe was possible. Since a group of people decided to form their own football club in a Manchester curry house back in 2005 everyone connected with it have never ceased to amaze me with what we can achieve. This Thing Of Ours is truly special.

Brighton and Hove Albion or Woking await in the next round. I wonder if the Red Cardigans have another surprise up their sleeve for us?

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