Spirit of the FA Cup lives on

As an erstwhile supporter of Woking (I still live in Woking and watch out for the results, but don't go any more), I was delighted to see them rekindling memories of previous FA Cup glories with a 0-0 draw earned at runaway League One leaders Brighton on Saturday. It should be noted that many non-league clubs have already had to battle through four preliminary rounds before reach the first round proper, so this was Woking's fifth tie. The reply at Kingfield on Tuesday week should be a rousing affair.

And I salute the other non-league victories and draws from the first round:

• FC United of Manchester of the Evo-Stick Premier'slower reaches won 3-2 at League One Rochdale, and will play Brighton or Woking in the second round.
• Cambridge United earned a creditable 0-0 draw at home to League One Huddersfield Town.
• Blue Square Bet South (same as Woking) Dartford drew 1-1 with League Two Port Vale.
• Fleetwood Town (BSB Premier) drew 1-1 with Walsall.
• Dover of the BSB South won 2-0 in a local derby (where no love was lost) at Gillingham.
• Vauxhall of the BSB North drew 0-0 away at Hartlepool United.
• Tamworth of the BSB Premier kocked out Crewe of League Two 2-1.

These were magnificent achievements, and show that the spirit of the FA Cup - at least in the early rounds - is still alive.