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The magic of the FA Cup is alive and kicking as Isthmian Premier Division side Horsham FC rewarded their fans' 428-mile round-trip to South Yorkshire with an almighty shock.
Horsham had taken 563 supporters from West Sussex to Oakwell on Friday night. And the party showed no signs of being spoiled by League One Barnsley as they went into the break level at 2-2.
The Football League side might have hoped their experience would have helped them when French defender Maël de Gevigney handed them the lead with just over 20 minutes to play. However, coming off the bench, Tom Richards was the hero – firing Horsham level again in the 81st minute.
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Horsham cheekily tweeted after the game: "Bad news – we won’t be going to Potters Bar for a league match on November 14th. Good news – we’ll be hosting Barnsley instead!" And one fan responded: "That’s why we love the FA Cup!"
"Evidence of why replays should remain," a second replied. And another added: "This is what the FA Cup is all about!"
What is your favourite ever FA Cup upset? Let us know in the comments section.
The clash was switched to Friday night at late notice by South Yorkshire police – causing Horsham manager Dominic di Paola to have to work remotely on the bus to Oakwell.
And after jumping through hoops to make the game – that one staff member from the club described as a "logistical nightmare" – Horsham didn't let the occasion get to them. There are 98 places between the two sides in the Football League pyramid, but they looked very evenly matched on the pitch.
Horsham's travelling fans continued to bounce away at Oakwell as the Barnsley fans trudged out of the stadium. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the FA Cup, eighth-tier Sheppey United were performing heroics of their own as they took the lead against Walsall with a thunderbolt from 25 yards.
However, the League Two side battled back and ran out 4-1 winners away from home, booking their spot in the second round. Horsham will join them in the draw on Sunday, while the replay with Barnsley is scheduled for mid-November.
- FA Cup
- Barnsley FC
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