SOCCER:CRAWLEY MANAGER Steve Evans is dreaming of a miracle after his non-league team were given a trip to Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Yesterday’s draw at Wembley paired Premier League leaders Manchester United with the Blue Square Premier side, who have knocked out Swindon, Derby and Torquay on their way to the last 16.
Evans said: “It (getting paired with United) was just a surreal moment. We got the tie that everyone in the country wants. I suppose if you are Arsene Wenger or Alec McLeish you don’t want that draw – but we did.
“We will approach the tie in a really positive nature. The only non-league club capable of beating Manchester United is Crawley Town as we stand today . . . miracles do happen.” He added: “This is going to be the biggest day in our lives but we will give them the respect that Real Madrid gave them . . . the utmost respect.”
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn was another happy man, after his League One side were given a home draw against Arsenal. Hearn said: “We’re in danger of breaking even – I don’t know what’s happening these days with football! But the money is secondary. I’ve been chairman for nearly 16 years and we’ve never had anything like this. It’s going to be a fabulous day out. I love the FA Cup.”
Fulham’s reward for yesterday’s 4-0 drubbing of Tottenham is a home match against Bolton or Wigan, while there is another London v north-west clash with West Ham and Burnley meeting at Upton Park.
