I love the FA Cup.

I feel like that should not be a controversial statement. But it so often is.

When writers talk about how much they love the FA Cup they often have to couch it in a defense of the tournament. They have to make an argument for why it’s still relevant.

I’m not going to bore you with that. I think those arguments are tedious, and too often the terms of the discussion are set by people who disagree with me. That’s a sucker’s game.

Instead, I’m going to talk about why I love it.

My favorite memories of football, especially Wimbledon football, are tied to the cup.

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I could list the obvious choices. The 1988 final against Liverpool. Last year against Liverpool in the third round. The away tie against the franchise, where we made our point despite the result.

But my favorite cup memory so far? Last year in the first round against York City.

Wimbledon Times:

Memories: Jack Smith hauls AFC Wimbledon level in last seaon's first round win over York City

At home for the replay. Going down a goal early in the game. Throwing themselves at the opposition’s goal, but coming up short for more than an hour. Things looking hopeless.

But then, late on, the rally.

Jack Smith running onto Akinfenwa’s header and slotting it past the keeper.

Matt Tubbs carving out some space and hitting the far corner.

Matt Tubbs again, finishing off a blistering stoppage time counter-attack and finding an empty net at the end of the rainbow.

It was, for me at least, the Dons football at its best. No one in that team was ready to give up that night. They kept at it right to the end, and they got their just reward.

That game is why I love the cup. It’s why I can’t wait for Saturday and the visit from Forest Green Rovers.