War cry boosts Chasetown
Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore has revealed the secret of his side's latest FA Cup upset - by reminding his players they were lucky not to be serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore has revealed the secret of his side's latest FA Cup upset - by reminding his players they were lucky not to be serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Scholars earned arguably the club's biggest win in its history when they beat Blue Square Southern side Cambridge City 2-1 after extra-time in Tuesday's replay.
Victory set up a third qualifying round tie at home to Northern Counties East division outfit Rainworth Miners Welfare next Saturday, evoking memories of their run to the first round proper two years ago.
But the inspiration behind their latest triumph was a typically inspirational team talk from Blakemore.
"It was a special performance - phenomenal. Saturday's display was great but on Tuesday we showed quality, the ability to battle - everything," said the boss.
"Cambridge equalised with eight minutes to go and their tails were up, but I just wanted to get to extra-time to inject the lads with some more energy.
"I gathered them together and some of their players were sitting down and having a drink. 'I told them: 'Look at their players, some are having massages, one is having a stretch.
"I said to the players: If you think this is hard, think what it would be like if you were serving in Afganistan or Iraq having bullets fired at you and you hadn't eaten for three days. Don't show you're tired, jog on the spot.
"And it seemed to lift them - we went out there and they ran their socks off. I just thought 'what could I use that the players could relate to about tiredness'.
"I had to make them feel the last half hour of a two-hour game was easy.
"You could have heard a pin drop for 20 seconds. Then they got up to go out and it was the loudest I've heard the players get up for a game."
Defender Joe Williams bagged the winner and Blakemore felt it was appropriate after the former Bromsgrove man rejected a 'double your money' offer from Hednesford to stay at Church Street.
"It was fitting Joe scored," said the boss.
"Over the two games he was awesome."
Blakemore revealed the win was the best of his managerial career.
"Beating Blyth Spartans two years ago was a hell of an achievement, but Cambridge are a league higher than Blyth so this is probably the best ever competitive victory because of the level they play at," he said.
"There were two levels difference but the lads closed the gap with endeavour and quality.
"Lads such as Chris Slater, Vaughan Thomas, Joe in defence and the keeper Lee Evans were heroes."
Meanwhile, Chasetown have missed out on AFC Telford midfielder Steve Palmer - currently on loan at Willenhall - because of wage demands.
Blakemore has allowed striker Paul McMahon to join Newcastle Town.
