Despite being active for more than a century, the FA Cup rarely feels played out. While there are always calls for changes in its exhaustive format, the magic of the cup remains intact. The Cup has always laid out an even playing field for all clubs in England, offering the prospect for both – a shocking giant-killing or a clinical cup run. Yesterday served as another example of the fact that the cup’s magic is present.
5th division side Boreham Wood have won hearts with their cup run this season, as they roared past 2nd division sides, before booking a 5th round tie against Premier League side Everton. The Wood’s hopes of making it to Wembley were, unfortunately, ended due to a 2-0 defeat against The Toffees. Nevertheless, the fixture between the two provided for some truly classy gestures and another example of the significance of the Cup.
Classy Toffees –
Boreham Wood will wear a special edition black kit tonight due to kit clashes with Everton’s home kit.
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 3, 2022
Everton have funded the whole cost of kit production for Boreham Wood and also paid for the travel and overnight stay for the team.
Magic of the cup! 💙🏆 pic.twitter.com/7Y00USSfH6
Due to both home and away kits creating a colour clash, Everton graciously offered to pay for all the costs associated with their commemorative Third play for their trip to Goodison. As per the club’s representative, Boreham didn’t ask for any such concessions, and Everton reached out themselves to offer the gesture. The special third kit, designed by Puma, despite being a one-off, is certainly a good looking one.
A Resolute Professional –
Jose Mourinho once hailed Frank Lampard as “the best professional I’ve ever worked with”.
And the Everton gaffer put on a perfect display adding even further weight to these claims. The former English International texted Wood manager Luke Garrard after the announcement of 5th round Cup fixtures. The message itself reads as a sincere one, as Lampard congratulated Garrard on his side’s victory over Bournemouth, he wrote, “Just wanted to congratulate you on the result yesterday” “Purely on a coach to coach level, I could see what it meant to you and that’s why we do the job!”
Frank Lampard sent this message to Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard after they drew Everton in the FA Cup.
— Harry (@HarryCFC170) March 3, 2022
Jose Mourinho once called Frank Lampard "the greatest professional he's ever worked with". He's still a class act and great professional off the pitch too 💙 pic.twitter.com/8nRk6lOiwu
Aside from the wonderful text message, Lampard showcased his class once again, as he asked for a picture with Boreham Striker Adrian Clifton after the game. The gesture was much appreciated by Clifton and he took to Twitter to laud Lampard’s gesture.
Frank only went and asked me for a pic. LEGEND of a player one of my fav midfielders of all time. @Everton @BOREHAM_WOODFC @EmiratesFACup #nonleague #vanarama #nationalleague #premierleague pic.twitter.com/tYIkpcZQGc
— BIGG CLIFF (@A17Clifton) March 3, 2022
Boreham’s FA Cup run didn’t just earn them television and gate revenues, but also some truly fond memories.
