FA Cup Semi Final

[Football Special]

2 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Hopefully we can put in a performance and result that will make it an unforgettable experience for him.

My brother and his nipper have finally managed to get out of Bahrain and are in transit back to England as I type. My nephew is football mad and was in the Tekkers academy in Bahrain that's sponsored by Saints. I'm really hoping that my membership and 3 aways this season will be enough to make me eligible to buy tickets to take him. After the shitness he's had to face recently - losing his mum and then 2 days later finding himself in a fucking warzone - it would be amazing to be able to take him to see Saints at Wembley.

Are you a member of Northern Saints? Drop them a message, might be able to help you out 

I actually think tickets won't be too hard to get anyway 

[Midfield_General]

17 hours ago, bpsaint said:

I remember the 2003 draw getting its own little lunchtime slot on BBC the Monday after the quarters, and it was done by then England manager Sven Goran Eriksson. Now it’s fucking Joe Cole stood at the side of the pitch drawing balls out of a bag like some half time competition.

I know. No light show, no pyrotechnics, no influencers live streaming it on TikTok - what has modern football become when the FA Cup draw is just balls being drawn out of a bag? They really missed a trick there, it could have been really really cool 

Edited 4 hours ago by Midfield_General

[EssEffCee]

28 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Are you a member of Northern Saints? Drop them a message, might be able to help you out 

I actually think tickets won't be too hard to get anyway 

Yeah I think anyone who wants one gets one.

[Football Special]

9 hours ago, Turkish said:

Only 4 wins pretty crap hit rate but we’re due to win one. I remember in 2017 we had a semi final draw which everyone was saying we had no chance and a lot decided they weren’t going to bother going to Anfield, it was one of the best nights ever. So for that reason I will do everything I can to be at Wembley end of April. Sons first semi final too and first trip to Wembley. Like Anfield 2017 I’ll go there thinking we probably won’t but then again, we just might and if we do it’ll be a day to never forget 

I remember it well mate, beat Arsenal in the 1/4 finals didn't we as well, no one gave us a chance with Van Dijk out and Stephens/ Yoshida in defence, but we had some luck and Puel had us very well organised, what a night. We have a few players in the squad like Mccarthy, Stephens, Romeu who will remember those cup runs of 2017, 2018, 2021, plus others who experienced the play off final so won't be overawed  by the occasion 

Felt a bit deflated after the draw but reading your post reminds me got to be positive about it, I'll be there with the kids as well , genuine landmark game got to make the most of it. 

It really struck me at Man City v Forest last year the City fans were just going through the motions, many leaving early to beat the queues , hardly any celebrations at the end , just  numb from all the success 

Edited 10 hours ago by Football Special

[Midfield_General]

Bazunu, Djenepo, Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu, Walker-Peters, Diallo, Lavia, Ward-Prowse, Mara, Armstrong.

Subs: Caballero, Perraud, Finnigan, Elyounoussi, Edozie, Aribo, Orsic, Adams, Morgan.

That awful side played a Man City team that started with Cancelo, Walker (when he was good), Laporte, Gundogan, Foden (ditto), Palmer and Grealish and had Ake, Mahrez, Rodri, De Bruyne and Haaland to bring off the bench.

It was also managed by Nathan Jones.

Result - 2-0 Saints win.

It will obviously be a very hard game but it can be done. 

Edited 4 hours ago by Midfield_General

[CB Fry]

10 hours ago, Football Special said:

At least we dont have to worry about Man City fans buying in our end, it will be quite an unattractive trip for their fans who will be tempted to save their cash for the final. 

FA might have learnt a lesson and lower ticket prices? 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c14xyegjzv3o

Learn what lesson?

City fans didn't turn up because they've been to Wembley a billion times recently, not because of ticket prices.

Forest/Palace sold theirs as will we. 

[oldsarum]

10 hours ago, Football Special said:

At least we dont have to worry about Man City fans buying in our end, it will be quite an unattractive trip for their fans who will be tempted to save their cash for the final. 

FA might have learnt a lesson and lower ticket prices? 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c14xyegjzv3o

These were last seasons prices for Semi Finals

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/07/Crystal-palace-fa-cup-ticket-details/

 

[John Boy Saint]

46 minutes ago, Football Special said:

. It really struck me at Man City v Forest last year the City fans were just going through the motions, many leaving early to beat the queues , hardly any celebrations at the end , just  numb from all the success 

That just made me think of the 2003 FA Cup final in Cardiff - don’t think we had been to a cup final since the ZDS Cup. We were pretty much up for a grand day out and created the amazing yellow wall. Whilst we were there in great numbers an hour or more before kick off, the Arsenal fans at yet another final rolled in 25-25 minutes before kick off - at the final whistle despite winning they had mostly buggered off home. We were still in the ground soaking it all up, which resulted in the rare sight of Arsenal actually parading the cup past us like years gone by. What stood out to me was Martin Keown who to that point I didn’t like, as they came past us all applauding politely, was clapping back at us looking into us lot saying “thank you”. 
You’d hope a Saints v Leeds final would at least have 2 sets of fans appreciative of the occasion. 

[Football Special]

8 minutes ago, oldsarum said:

These were last seasons prices for Semi Finals

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/07/Crystal-palace-fa-cup-ticket-details/

 

Yeah very steep in my opinion , semi finals involving Man City regularly well under capacity,  not surprised they dont want to pay those prices every year 

[Pamplemousse]

Man City will have a league game rearranged a few days before they play us (Burnley away) so it's not out of the question that they rotate a bit

Hopefully they'll be well and truly in the title race and close the gap to Arsenal

Edited 9 hours ago by Pamplemousse

[Willo of Whiteley]

When do we find out the dates for the semis?

[EssEffCee]

12 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Yeah very steep in my opinion , semi finals involving Man City regularly well under capacity,  not surprised they dont want to pay those prices every year 

Think they've got some safe standing in the upper tier now. Can see that being popular.

[Sheaf Saint]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

It really struck me at Man City v Forest last year the City fans were just going through the motions, many leaving early to beat the queues , hardly any celebrations at the end , just  numb from all the success 

I was chatting to a City fan I know a few weeks ago and asked if he thought the suggested 60 point deduction would happen. He said he actually wants it to because he'd love to see them drop down a division and get a load of new grounds to visit, and get rid of all the plastics that have diluted the atmosphere in recent years.

[Willo of Whiteley]

14 hours ago, tdmickey3 said:

Yep, the one below is hugely idiotic

 

DT has been a plum for a while now.

Probably had a full blown meltdown when Tonda started winning matches. 😂

[Turkish]

4 hours ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Hopefully we can put in a performance and result that will make it an unforgettable experience for him.

My brother and his nipper have finally managed to get out of Bahrain and are in transit back to England as I type. My nephew is football mad and was in the Tekkers academy in Bahrain that's sponsored by Saints. I'm really hoping that my membership and 3 aways this season will be enough to make me eligible to buy tickets to take him. After the shitness he's had to face recently - losing his mum and then 2 days later finding himself in a fucking warzone - it would be amazing to be able to take him to see Saints at Wembley.

Good to hear they are safe. poor kid been through a horrific time. 
 

I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to get them tickets, if we’re getting around 35k then should be able to get some. Are you a member of northern saints? 

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

I remember it well mate, beat Arsenal in the 1/4 finals didn't we as well, no one gave us a chance with Van Dijk out and Stephens/ Yoshida in defence, but we had some luck and Puel had us very well organised, what a night. We have a few players in the squad like Mccarthy, Stephens, Romeu who will remember those cup runs of 2017, 2018, 2021, plus others who experienced the play off final so won't be overawed  by the occasion 

Felt a bit deflated after the draw but reading your post reminds me got to be positive about it, I'll be there with the kids as well , genuine landmark game got to make the most of it. 

It really struck me at Man City v Forest last year the City fans were just going through the motions, many leaving early to beat the queues , hardly any celebrations at the end , just  numb from all the success 

I just hope in the likely event we do lose it’s because city were better and not controversial ref or VAR decisions like in 2017. They should be better, they should win but like Palace and Wigan finals if we’re at it, they’re not and we get a bit of luck which we’re long overdue in the later stages of the FA Cup then you never know. 

[suewhistle]

1 hour ago, John Boy Saint said:

That just made me think of the 2003 FA Cup final in Cardiff -  SNIP
You’d hope a Saints v Leeds final would at least have 2 sets of fans appreciative of the occasion. 

What I remember is a hand written sign in the back of a Saints' coach on the way home. "Cheer up Arsenal, You Won'..

[skintsaint]

14 hours ago, saintstowin said:

I don't think the draw is fixed but that was amateur hour with Joe Cole 'I'm not looking honest I ain't' while he held the bag away from him.

No idea why he didn't just hold the mic in the other hand and make the ball picking a more natural movement 😅

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, John Boy Saint said:

That just made me think of the 2003 FA Cup final in Cardiff - don’t think we had been to a cup final since the ZDS Cup. We were pretty much up for a grand day out and created the amazing yellow wall. Whilst we were there in great numbers an hour or more before kick off, the Arsenal fans at yet another final rolled in 25-25 minutes before kick off - at the final whistle despite winning they had mostly buggered off home. We were still in the ground soaking it all up, which resulted in the rare sight of Arsenal actually parading the cup past us like years gone by. What stood out to me was Martin Keown who to that point I didn’t like, as they came past us all applauding politely, was clapping back at us looking into us lot saying “thank you”. 
You’d hope a Saints v Leeds final would at least have 2 sets of fans appreciative of the occasion. 

Keown saying at the end on Saturday night that he was pleased for our fans as we’d had a lot to contend with. I’ve got his book and it’s very good, way better than the usual read in 2 hours variety from ex-footballers. 

[Saint86]

15 hours ago, Badger said:

As much as I like your optimism, I can’t help but think , shit, fuck, and bollocks ..  

Yes. Unlike arsenal, these are actually the best side in the country and they have little else to play for (long shot prem chase which may be all over by then, and out of europe) with a massive squad that has come back from the international break on fire.

If they can dismantle Liverpool 4-0... I dread to think what they'll do to put playoff run in mentality. It's the nightmare draw.

Edited 7 hours ago by Saint86

[RedArmy]

Just now, Saint86 said:

Yes. Unlike arsenal, these are actually the best side in the country and they have little else to play for with a massive squad that has come back from the international break on fire.

If they can dismantle Liverpool 4-0... I dread to think what they'll do to put playoff run in mentality. It's the nightmare draw.

Yeah I think with Chelsea you’d at least feel confident of scoring, and if you take the lead who knows. 
City could really dismantle us and hopefully it doesn’t knock any confidence for the run in. 
 

Never say never but it really is the worst draw we could have got. 
 

[EssEffCee]

8 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Yes. Unlike arsenal, these are actually the best side in the country and they have little else to play for (long shot prem chase which may be all over by then, and out of europe) with a massive squad that has come back from the international break on fire.

If they can dismantle Liverpool 4-0... I dread to think what they'll do to put playoff run in mentality. It's the nightmare draw.

On the other hand they could be bang in the title race by then and play Arsenal the weekend before.

[Toussaint]

Anyone know when ticketing information is likely to go up?

[CB Fry]

13 minutes ago, Toussaint said:

Anyone know when ticketing information is likely to go up?

Probably need to announce the date and time first.

[CB Fry]

https://g.co/gemini/share/5e6a6e6103c8

 

For the last three years they have kicked off late afternoon on the Saturday (5ish) and slightly earlier (4ish) on the Sunday.

[BARCELONASAINT]

i'm guessing we will be playing on the Sunday given that our tie was drawn second yesterday, just a guess

[CB Fry]

5 minutes ago, BARCELONASAINT said:

i'm guessing we will be playing on the Sunday given that our tie was drawn second yesterday, just a guess

I think the BBC/TNT decide what to show and when. Nothing to do with the order of the balls coming out.

[Lord Duckhunter]

AI reckons we’ll be Sat 5.30pm

 

[Toussaint]

35 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

Probably need to announce the date and time 

Edited 6 hours ago by Toussaint

[Toussaint]

1 minute ago, Toussaint said:

I thought we were the Sunday game?

Jumped the gun, I got it into my head we were on Sunday 

Edited 6 hours ago by Toussaint

[saintant]

3 hours ago, Midfield_General said:

Bazunu, Djenepo, Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Salisu, Walker-Peters, Diallo, Lavia, Ward-Prowse, Mara, Armstrong.

Subs: Caballero, Perraud, Finnigan, Elyounoussi, Edozie, Aribo, Orsic, Adams, Morgan.

That awful side played a Man City team that started with Cancelo, Walker (when he was good), Laporte, Gundogan, Foden (ditto), Palmer and Grealish and had Ake, Mahrez, Rodrigo, De Bruyne and Haaland to bring off the bench.

It was also managed by Nathan Jones.

Result - 2-0 Saints win.

It will obviously be a very hard game but it can be done. 

Rodri is their talisman and they rarely lose with him in the side.

[Saint_Tony]

This season they've usually confirmed dates on the Friday following the draw, so would expect no later. I would say most likely it'll be the Saturday game though. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

I’ll be so annoyed if it’s the Saturday 

[trousers]

Based on previous years, anyone know roughly when we can expect a date announcement?

[aintforever]

Think they will want Leeds Chelsea to be the Sunday game so expect us to be 5.30 Sat.

[Willo of Whiteley]

I think we’ll be the Saturday, Chelsea v Leeds the Sunday.

Just need to wait and confirm what Man City would prefer…

[Badger]

6 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I think we’ll be the Saturday, Chelsea v Leeds the Sunday.

Just need to wait and confirm what Man City would prefer…

Do you think they or Met Police will have the greater sway in deciding this ? 
 

But expect you’re right. 

Edited 37 minutes ago by Badger

[the colonel]

8 hours ago, John Boy Saint said:

That just made me think of the 2003 FA Cup final in Cardiff - don’t think we had been to a cup final since the ZDS Cup. We were pretty much up for a grand day out and created the amazing yellow wall. Whilst we were there in great numbers an hour or more before kick off, the Arsenal fans at yet another final rolled in 25-25 minutes before kick off - at the final whistle despite winning they had mostly buggered off home. We were still in the ground soaking it all up, which resulted in the rare sight of Arsenal actually parading the cup past us like years gone by. What stood out to me was Martin Keown who to that point I didn’t like, as they came past us all applauding politely, was clapping back at us looking into us lot saying “thank you”. 
You’d hope a Saints v Leeds final would at least have 2 sets of fans appreciative of the occasion. 

Remember 2003 and the Saints coach withe sign in the rear window 'CHEAR UP ARSENAL YOU WON'. Dreadful game. 

Agree Saints V Leeds would make for a great atmosphere. 

[Badger]

9 hours ago, John Boy Saint said:

That just made me think of the 2003 FA Cup final in Cardiff - don’t think we had been to a cup final since the ZDS Cup. We were pretty much up for a grand day out and created the amazing yellow wall. Whilst we were there in great numbers an hour or more before kick off, the Arsenal fans at yet another final rolled in 25-25 minutes before kick off - at the final whistle despite winning they had mostly buggered off home. We were still in the ground soaking it all up, which resulted in the rare sight of Arsenal actually parading the cup past us like years gone by. What stood out to me was Martin Keown who to that point I didn’t like, as they came past us all applauding politely, was clapping back at us looking into us lot saying “thank you”. 
You’d hope a Saints v Leeds final would at least have 2 sets of fans appreciative of the occasion. 

I remember that, and it didn't enter my head or those around me to leave despite the result. 

I remember Saints running past the Man Utd fans after 1976, to a mixture of V signs, and polite applause.  Saints fans less charitable to Forest in 1979 and at one point trying to pelt them with coins, such was the state of the game and mindset on the terraces back then.

Not sure when all this changed and the lap of honour stopped, but I recall late 90's/early 2000's being appalled by Man Utd whose post match celebrations didn't involve any  commiserations with opponents that day or lap of honour but to stand around jumping around like a girls netball team. Another element of Cup Final day being stripped away. 

Edited 21 minutes ago by Badger

[Pamplemousse]

45 minutes ago, trousers said:

Based on previous years, anyone know roughly when we can expect a date announcement?

Last year was a Friday, suspect it'll be the same, and then ticketing details announced over the weekend, probably go on sale from the start of next week

[die Mannyschaft]

24 minutes ago, Badger said:

Do you think they or Met Police will have the greater sway in deciding this ? 
 

But expect you’re right. 

I suspect there will be a large amount of arrests at Chelsea v Leeds game so needs to be on a Sunday. All high risk games get moved to Sunday