Weston-super-Mare, the joint lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup alongside Macclesfield, are preparing for a third-round tie against Grimsby Town. The National League South side have reached this stage for the first time, and hopes are high for another upset. 'There’s always an upset in the Cup: why can’t it be us?' said manager Scott Rogers.
The squad combines players at both ends of their careers, including builders, teachers, labourers and lecturers. Captain Emlyn Lewis works at Cardiff Metropolitan University and had to use annual leave for the trip north. The club's longest-serving player, Jacob Cane, has made over 400 appearances and recalls sharing lifts with Ollie Watkins, whose signed shirts adorn the clubhouse.
Weston overcame division rivals Chelmsford City in the previous round, with striker Louis Britton scoring both goals. After the match, players joined supporters at a local pub. 'We had a few beers with them and it was brilliant,' said full-back Michael Smith, who has 19 caps for Northern Ireland. 'That’s what this level is all about.'
The team trained on a slick artificial surface, a far cry from the 'mud bath' of earlier seasons. Rogers bought a crate of beers from Morrisons for the bus home and allowed himself a quiet moment to reflect. 'I just sat on the coach on my own and it was nice to have that moment,' he said. 'Everyone was saying: “Why aren’t you in here?” I just needed some peace and quiet.'
