THE FRENCH FA CUP

It's the magic of the cup and the first serious game of the season.

Any club affiliated to the regional leagues have the right to enter the national Coupe de France.

In England we say the FA cup is the best in the world, and it probably is with some 700 teams taking part in the tournament.

Here in France even the most amateur set up can enter, hence 6,200 clubs set out in early qualifying rounds.

St Potan are potentially 17 rounds from the final, or 12 rounds away from a money spinning tie away at Olympique Marseille.

So Sunday we turn up at St Alban (about 15 miles away) for the Brittany extra qualifying round 1.

85 supporters, mainly away fans turned up for the tie.

The main stand at St Alban..er..the only stand at St Alban.

Early 1st half action as St Potan in red trail to an early goal.

The action is fast and furious. The game is crap and the crowd are furious.

Half time and St Potan lead 2-1. All supporters are force fed alcohol to stay for the 2nd half. An idea that needs to be adopted by AFC Bournemouth.

Ishmail blasts over from 2 yards. Kevin Bond wants him on loan for the rest of the season. The St Potan manager wants him to go to Madame Guillotine.

Notice the keeper has put both hands up in a normal position of surrender!

Jerome secures a 4-2 victory with 2 minutes to go.

We will all be glued to the radio at 1-30 for the 2nd round draw.

Number 22...St Potan, will play?????

Only 11 games away from that Marseille tie. We are already making hotel arrangements.