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The FA Cup is the most famous football competition in the world as well as being the oldest. This season`s final between Chelsea and Everton was the culmination of a competition which started in August of last season. This is the time when non league clubs start their attempt to line up a match with some of the top clubs. First of all, they have to negotiate the preliminary and qualifying rounds. For non league clubs, the ambition is hopefully to get through to the third round to meet one of the big teams from the Premiership. This is not only because this is where the glamour of the competition lies, but also it can be a major boost to a non leagues sides finances. Some clubs have taken the option, given who their opponents are, to change the tie to an opponent`s ground, or a neutral ground, in order to improve gate receipts.
Over the years, The FA Cup has provided its fair share of giant killing clubs. Tottenham Hotspur, were the only non league team to win the trophy back in 1901, when they were playing in the Southern League. The competition itself is played over fourteen rounds, beginning with the Extra Preliminary Round, which begins in early August. This round, and the First Qualifying Round, is open to the lowest ranked leagues. Teams from some of the higher ranked leagues are given exemptions from the early parts of the competition. The end result is that thirty two teams from the qualifying competition join forty eight League One and League Two teams. Premiership and Championship teams join in Round Three at which point there are sixty four teams left in the competition.
In recent times, Telford United has been the most successful FA Cup giant killers. In a glorious period in the mid 1980s, they beat no fewer than eight league sides. They also beat Stoke City in 1991-92. Even as recently as 2004, Telford were one of their famous cup runs with victory over league teams, Brentford and Crewe Alexandra. Other notable ties from FA Cup history include the dramatic 1-0 victory by Hereford United over Newcastle United. The match will mainly be remembered for one of the most spectacular goals in FA Cup history by Ronnie Radford. Wimbledon in 1975 became the first non league team to defeat a First Division club on their own ground when they beat Burnley. Sutton United and Blyth Spartans have all done their bit to add to the magic of the FA Cup.
Due to the unlikelihood of a non league team winning the FA Cup, it is not usually recommended that punters bet on the competition until the fifth round, when likely contenders become clearer, however there are a number of options available for the early rounds. You can place bets on individual matches; the next team to score; and correct scores. For more FA Cup betting, go to
http://www.bet123.net/wp/football/913/fa-cup-odds FA Cup betting