By Mister Happy
June 28 2005

For the first round of the Carling Cup Walsall will take in the delights of South London. Unfortunately a midweek match against recently relegated Crystal Palace is hardly likely to generate lots of lolly. Saddlers prospects of increasing their revenue streams through a good cup run have been somewhat diminished with the first round draw pairing them with Crystal Palace.

Although Palace have recently been relegated from the Premiership it is not what I would call a glamour tie that ignites the publics imagination. Indeed, no-one of sane mind could possibly relish the long mid-week jaunt down to Thornton Heath, possibly the most non-descript suburb of South London.

Saddlers have, in the recent past, competed in some fascinating cup ties. Who could forget the extra-ordinary journey through to the Milk Cup semi final against Liverpool taking the scalp of the mighty Gunners en route? We have been to Old Trafford in the FA Cup 4th round, visited the magnificent Upton Park, defeated Nottingham Forest in the Coca Cola (they were good once you know!) and played in that epic trilogy against Watford.

Last season Merson threw away the opportunity of increasing funding that would have been generated through a good cup run by playing a weakened team up at Hillsborough and inexplicably losing against Slough.

On paper, this one against The Eagles looks like a real toughy and if they take the match seriously we could be out at the first hurdle.

Venue: Selhurst Park

Kick Off - Tue 23 Aug - 8pm

Oh well! When’s the FA Cup draw!!