BILLY BUNTER

Weblog: The football punter

Time is right for spirit of Crazy Gang to be invoked

AFC Wimbledon are 3,500-1 to win the FA Cup but it's never too early to start summoning up the spirit of the Crazy Gang in 1988. Every cup run has to start somewhere and what better way to start than with a first-round replay at home against a team you smashed 3-0 away just two days ago.

Yes, I reckon the Wombles have got York's number and they can keep their cup dreams alive even without Dave Beasant, Lawrie Sanchez, Bobby Gould and the rest of the madcap heroes of '88.

They've had a few decent results under new manager Neil Ardley – a home win over Bristol Rovers, a draw at Fleetwood and an encouraging 1-0 defeat (if defeats can ever be encouraging) to league leaders Gillingham.

Ardley has got plenty of firepower at his disposal with Jack Midson and Byron Harrison up front and with home advantage it should be game, set and match for Wimbledon.

Then we can all keep our fingers crossed for MK Dons to overcome Cambridge City tomorrow, which would set up the most feisty second-round cup tie for many years.