F.A. Cup (or England's Super Bowl)

This is the oldest Football tournament in the world. It started in 1872. It is a knockout format. Every team from the Premier League teams to the lower league teams are in the running. All of the teams are represented by a number, the numbers are placed in a bag and two numbers are pulled and these are the teams that play against each other. Often the lower league teams play against the Premier teams and can give the premier team a scare.Well today was the "match". Everton a Northern team against Chelsea a Southern team. Alan was cheering for Everton, unfortunately they didn't win although they did score a goal in the FIRST minute.
Lesley and Lilian came at separate times towards the end of the "match" and thought it was "tender" that Dad had his friends come to watch with him, I made them breakfast. Well, "kickoff" was 8 o'clock in the morning.


Alan has always played football(soccer)and at 15 was the captain of his school team. When we came to Utah he played every Saturday with various teams locally.(not all at the same time!)In his mind he is still playing. A definite case of "the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
Back in 1987 we went on a trip to England and visited "WEMBLEY STADIUM" which is "sacred" ground to football lovers. We took a tour of the grounds and the guide turned on the "sound" of the crowd's roar as we emerged from the "tunnel". (brought tears to our eyes). And at the end we took the walk and climbed the stairs to receive "THE CUP" (a replica of course) As the crowd roared (again) Alan kissed the CUP and held it up for the fans to see. Every English schoolboy's dream. It was a pilgrimage.