Skipper Alex Woodyard knows what it takes to go on a good run in the world’s oldest knockout competition and he wants to make more special memories with us this season.
“I remember watching the 4-2 win against West Ham on television that night,” recalled Woody. “A few of my mates were in the squad for that one – Joe Pigott, Scott Wagstaff and Mitch Pinnock. It would be great to have another run in the FA Cup. It really is special, and I think it’s really important for the club to have a good run this year.
“The stadium here has got everything in place, it would be good to have a big Premier League side or even a top Championship side come to us and play in front of a full house, like we do most weeks to be fair. Tomorrow will be a tough test at Weymouth and one we’re not taking lightly. We know the importance for ourselves, the fans, and the football club to get the job done.”
Having helped Concord Rangers to the furthest they’ve been in the competition by reaching the first round in 2014, where they were knocked out after a first round replay by an Ollie Palmer goal for Mansfield, Woody went on a remarkable journey with then non-league Lincoln two years later. He was in the Imps midfield as they made their way to the quarter-finals, beating Ipswich, Brighton and Burnley, eventually going out to a full strength Arsenal side at the Emirates.
“I’ve some real good memories of the FA Cup,” said Woody. “One being with Lincoln a few years ago, going on a run and knocking out a few Championship sides, knocking out Burnley away and then getting to the quarter-finals and playing at the Emirates in front of so many fans. That was a real special time.”
However, Woody is now not only keen to avoid an FA Cup upset at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but to also take our recent run of good form that we’ve shown in League Two into the famous competition.
“I’ve been in Weymouth’s changing room before,” said Woody. “It’s all on the day, they’re a good team, they’re good players and playing at a good level. We’ve done a lot of preparation on them, and we will need to be at the top of our game to get a result.
“You’ve got to take in other factors. Their fans will be really up for it, it’s a big day for them, but it’s a big day for us as well – it’s the first round, so it's massive. Also, we want to carry on with the run that we’ve been on in the league. It’s good to have little breaks in the league season, because you can take real confidence and togetherness from winning cup games.”
You can see the full interview with Wimbledon captain Alex Woodyard below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.