Sheppey United thunderbolt proves FA Cup is still magic after historic goal
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The magic of the FA Cup is in full swing as Isthmian League South East's Sheppey United's Christmas' all came at once as they roared into the lead against Walsall on Friday evening.
James Bessey-Saldanha was the man of the moment at Holm Park as the eighth-tier side welcomed League Two's Walsall. Bessey-Saldanha received the ball on the edge of the area, before he cut inside and knuckled the ball past Owen Evans.
"Absolute scenes at Sheppey United! What a goal," one fan shared on X. While a second gleamed: "What a way to represent non league. Superbly taken goal. Come on Sheppey!"
READ MORE: Heroic non-league side reached FA Cup third round and led twice away at Liverpool
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"That is an incredible goal," a third said. And another added: "Love it…not a phone in sight. Non league limbs in the best competition in the world!" And even Laura Woods, who was presenting the game for ITV, couldn't help but smile.
Sheppey United chairman Tony Hughes would have loved the strike, admitting the build-up to the game had taken over his life. Hughes told KentOnline ahead of the clash: "I have my own business but I have not been to work for the last 10 days!
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“We knew if we beat Billericay it would be on TV, we knew when and at what time, and we did a lot of work then. We’ve had inspections and have had to make the stadium be able to stage that game.
"For me, Lee Allen (communications manager) and Jon Longhurst (the secretary), the work has taken over our lives." Sheppey have never reached the first-round proper – and FA Cup fever has taken over the town ahead of kick-off.
Sheppey's lead lasted just over 10 minutes, with Douglas James-Taylor saving some of the League Two side's blushes in the 33rd minute.
Less than 10 minutes after the break, Tom Knowles bent home a quality goal from the edge of the box to put Walsall in front for the first time on the night. Ross Tierney then made it three for the visitors shortly after the hour mark.
- FA Cup
- Walsall FC
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