FA Trophy: Rocks v Torquay - Togetherness can get us through

Having watched the Rocks for more than 50 years, starting many, many years ago when they were in the County League, I have always got a buzz when they have been involved in cup competitions - writes Dave Robinson of the Rocks supporters' club.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2016, 19:40 BST
Updated 26th Feb 2016, 20:44 BST

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Players and fans celebrate the winning goal agaiust Sutton / Picture by Tim HalePlayers and fans celebrate the winning goal agaiust Sutton / Picture by Tim Hale
Players and fans celebrate the winning goal agaiust Sutton / Picture by Tim Hale

Back in the 80s when the club enjoyed a lot of success in the FA Cup, there was a real atmosphere around the place.

I can remember being crammed into Lane to see our famous victory over Swansea in 1984. Fans were wedged in but oh what a night!!

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Sadly in recent times the team have not savoured such memorable runs... until this year.

The FA Cup run certainly whetted our appetite and had we had a little more luck against Wealdstone, where we were the better team but lost, the run could have continued into the first round proper.

And so on to our FA Trophy campaign. It is a competition we rarely do well in so this year has surpassed all my expectations.

The victories we have achieved have been brilliant – beating teams who on paper we had no right to beat.

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Here is Jamie Howell and Darin Killpartrick’s thoughts on the game

Here’s how a man who’s been following the Rocks for 65 years is allowing himself to dream

And here is why Jack Pearce reckons he’ll get to see only the final 10 minutes of the Trophy tie

Jamie and Dabba have got this team believing and playing for each other. I feel this is one of the most ‘together’ teams I have seen at the Lane for several decades.

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These boys don’t seem to know the meaning of the word defeat. They all put their lives on the line for each other and believe they can beat anyone.

This belief has spread to the fans. There is again that real buzz at the Lane – we fans have a smile on our faces and pride in our club again. The belief that we could achieve something again is there for everyone to see.

The Torquay game cannot come quick enough for me – I really think we can win and I am desperate for revenge for an inept performance against Torquay in the FA Cup, which admittedly was 29 years ago!

Like so many diehard Rocks fans, I dream of Wembley... could this be our year?

DAVE ROBINSON

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Related topics:Jack PearceSwansea