Harty on the Albion and Audley Harrison

I’M sure the bosses at ESPN will be very pleased with the product the Albion and Woking produced for their satellite channel on Tuesday.

A real classic FA Cup replay tie, with arguably, on league position alone, the best club currently in the competition playing away against non-league opposition who were clearly “up for it”.

As a spectator, I have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable 120 minutes and subsequent shoot-out. Woking didn’t disgrace themselves, and unfolding drama on the night surely had fans of both sides leaving the Kingfield knowing they had their money’s worth.

Although the league still remains a priority, having toured the Amex for “Hart of the Matter” last week, without wishing to sound like that horrible girl from Willy Wonka, but “WE HAVE TO PLAY IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON”.

But should that ambition affect Gus Poyet’s team selection for Saturday week’s mouth-watering tie against FC United of Manchester?

Frankly, no. With all due respect to our northern opponents, a clear path to a lucrative third-round tie, either at Withdean or on the road, is there, so most fans would argue that the strongest possible side has to be picked on Saturday week.

By the time the third round comes, the Amex tickets prices will be out. It’s easy for me to say, but fans will be gobsmacked by how good the stadium is.

And, a great away day at a top club, will, like the stadium, re-ignite interest in the club among that all important “lost generation”‘of supporters who have been lost, along with the Goldstone, over the last 13 years.

However, playing devil’s advocate, I also know that Poyet will look back at last year, and make sure the Albion don’t fall into the same trap as Leeds United did. Runaway leaders of League One before Christmas, Leeds won at Old Trafford in the third round and then took Spurs to a replay, but their league form imploded, and they only achieved automatic promotion on the last day of the season.

A number of Leeds fans will say that they started believing their own hype.

Beating Fergie and co allegedly, in their eyes, put them back towards the top of domestic football – then try motivating yourself to go to Yeovil the next week, bit of an ask?