Oxford United enter the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday when they welcome Maidenhead United to the Kassam Stadium. It’s a competition that holds very special memories for one Oxford United player in particular.
Midfielder Josh McEachran was part of the Wigan side that reached the semi-final in 2014 before an agonising penalty shoot-out sent Arsenal through to the final.
“I love the FA Cup” he told iFollow. “Like every football fan I grew up watching it as a little boy and I have been lucky enough to play in it. I didn’t quite get to the final but I got to play at Wembley in a semi-final and that was an unbelievable day. It’s still a great cup and I’m looking forward to Saturday.
“We were the holders that year and we were on a brilliant run again. We beat Man City in the quarter-final and that was a good day out. Then we took the lead against Arsenal and it looked like it might be our day.
“Arsenal equalised right at the end of the 90 minutes and then we lost on penalties. I was absolutely gutted because I thought we were going to do it. Not many people can say they have played in an FA Cup Final so I was devastated.”
Wembley seems a long way off as United kick-off this season’s campaign against Alan Devonshire’s Maidenhead and with his brother Zak playing in the same league as the Magpies, Josh is well aware of the dangers facing the U’s on Saturday:
“We won’t take Maidenhead lightly in any way. They have been in the National League for a while now and you can never take anyone in that league for granted. They are going to come here and go for it I’m sure. They have nothing to lose so we know it’s potentially a bit of a banana skin for us.
“My brother Zak plays in that league and I have been over to see him and Oxford City play a few times this season. They started the season well but have just struggled in the last few games. They have good players and I think they will be fine but you see the standard in that division and the quality gets better and better. Notts County and Wrexham went up last year and have gone straight to the top of League 2 this time to you don’t take anyone in the National League lightly.
“But we have been playing well and it’s been enjoyable this season. It’s a game we are looking forward to and hopefully we can start a decent cup run with a win to get ourselves into the draw for Round 2.”
See the full interview in iFollow
Ticket prices have been reduced for Saturday’s game. CLICK HERE or call 01865 337533 to book your place.