Harty on the Albion and Audley Harrison

I’M sure the bosses at ESPN will be very pleased with the product the Albion and Woking produced for their satellite channel on Tuesday.

A real classic FA Cup replay tie, with arguably, on league position alone, the best club currently in the competition playing away against non-league opposition who were clearly “up for it”.

As a spectator, I have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable 120 minutes and subsequent shoot-out. Woking didn’t disgrace themselves, and unfolding drama on the night surely had fans of both sides leaving the Kingfield knowing they had their money’s worth.

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Although the league still remains a priority, having toured the Amex for “Hart of the Matter” last week, without wishing to sound like that horrible girl from Willy Wonka, but “WE HAVE TO PLAY IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON”.

But should that ambition affect Gus Poyet’s team selection for Saturday week’s mouth-watering tie against FC United of Manchester?

Frankly, no. With all due respect to our northern opponents, a clear path to a lucrative third-round tie, either at Withdean or on the road, is there, so most fans would argue that the strongest possible side has to be picked on Saturday week.

By the time the third round comes, the Amex tickets prices will be out. It’s easy for me to say, but fans will be gobsmacked by how good the stadium is.

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And, a great away day at a top club, will, like the stadium, re-ignite interest in the club among that all important “lost generation”‘of supporters who have been lost, along with the Goldstone, over the last 13 years.

However, playing devil’s advocate, I also know that Poyet will look back at last year, and make sure the Albion don’t fall into the same trap as Leeds United did. Runaway leaders of League One before Christmas, Leeds won at Old Trafford in the third round and then took Spurs to a replay, but their league form imploded, and they only achieved automatic promotion on the last day of the season.

A number of Leeds fans will say that they started believing their own hype.

Beating Fergie and co allegedly, in their eyes, put them back towards the top of domestic football – then try motivating yourself to go to Yeovil the next week, bit of an ask?

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I believe Albion won’t fall into that trap. Gus will keep everyone’s feet on the floor. I believe we will beat FC United, but with them bringing a large away following, it’s going to a cracking atmosphere at the Withdean, so home fans snap your tickets up while you can.

l Will Audley Harrison’s career be defined by his Olympic gold medal, or by his performance in Saturday’s heavyweight title fight in Manchester?

People can talk about mismatches but the promoters did their job. Enough of us bought into it – 22,000 watching live and an estimated 700,000 households paying £15 to Murdoch TV, that’s not forgetting the higher figure pubs and clubs had to pay.

Only my commitment to my Ferring under-16’s stopped me going on Saturday and, thankfully, by 10.30pm I realised I’d made the right decision.

Did Harrison freeze or did he con us all?

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I probably concur with what Barry McGuigan said in that he didn’t con anyone, he is just clearly deluded, it’s as simple as that.

One final question is that if the BBBC withhold his £1.5million purse because of his performance, will Sky consider refunds, be they full or part, to their subscribers?