Every year in the FA cup there’s always a story to tell, last season we had National League side Boreham Wood, in 2021 it was non-league Chorley and in 2014 Northern Premier League outfit Blyth Spartans. What about this year?
There’s many to talk about but one that stands out is Wiltshire-based side Chippenham Town who currently sit 21st in the National League South which is the sixth tier of English football.
For the first time in their 149-year history they’ve reached round two of the FA cup after defeating League One side Lincoln City 1-0 and will face Burton Albion this Sunday.
Captain for the Bluebirds is 27-year-old defender Spencer Hamilton who is now in his third season with the club.
Hamilton is Gloucestershire based after he had a long spell with Gloucester City racking up 140 appearances across their backline and works at Hartpury College as a coach.
Hamilton gave his views on the feeling of getting so far in the FA cup.
“For me personally, it was a good achievement to reach round one. I’ve always just missed out in probably the last seven seasons of reaching it.”
“The first round was great, and I think the good thing about the club, there wasn’t any expectation on us within the game, so hence why going into Lincoln, we had nothing to lose and put up a great performance.”
“Now you’ve got that little carrot dangled over us thinking if we do win round two, we can obviously then hit some of the big teams in the Championship and the Premier League.”
With the game against Lincoln being a tight encounter, Hamilton summarised how it felt to play in these situations.
“It was quite funny; I remember asking the referee in the second half how long we had left, and he jokingly laughed and said 28 minutes because they were really piling on the pressure!”
“We were camped in but defended brilliantly and then the final whistle went and we had our analysis team and coaching staff on the pitch with the fans, and with a 3000 capacity it was brilliant to experience that with them.”
Another League One outfit awaits The Bluebirds in Burton. The defender gave his reaction to the tie coming up.
“I was speaking to my friend at the time of who we wanted, obviously you have Derby and Ipswich and because we didn’t really have any expectations getting into round two, we wanted that good away day experience.”
“Then Burton got drawn and BBC sport were there recording our reaction at the clubhouse, and some of the players faces were a little bit glum!”
With the 27-year-old being captain of the club in only his third season he gave his view of what it’s like to be a leader in this scenario.
“When we’ve played bad in the past, I feel I’ve got the voice to say it’s not good enough but in terms of us as a squad, we’re quite young and I’m only 27 myself but most of our boys are 20/21 and they have made it to the second round whereas this is my first time and I’m in my eighth/ninth year in the FA cup.”
“These chances don’t come often so I say to them to live in the moment because this might be the only chance they get.”
Embed from Getty ImagesAston Villa player Tyrone Mings made 10 appearances for Chippenham as he came up through non-league to get to where he is now, and he’s been keeping up with The Bluebirds run in the cup. His dad Adie Mings is a Chippenham fan and played for Gloucester City in 1996.
“He’s made the odd comment on Twitter, and he’s watched one of our games about three weeks ago.
“His dad Adie Mings is a big fan of the club so it would be great if there’s a buzz around his social media to try and generate a few more fans.”
Hamilton quickly suggested which team he wants to face if they achieved success at Burton.
“I’m a big Manchester United fan so I would love Manchester United in the next round. The main aim is to get a big away tie that’s the ideal scenario, but for a personal preference I would love to play at Old Trafford.”
“Whereas if we get a home tie it will be great to get a United, Manchester City or Liverpool to come to little Chippenham.”
Chippenham face Burton Albion on Sunday 27th November where they look to make more history in this extraordinary FA cup run.
