Non-League Paper Programme: FA Cup magic strikes for the Wilkinson family

By Matt Badcock

There is nothing quite like the FA Cup when it comes to serving up new stories every year.

It’s not just the first round proper when a Non-League club who have battled through several games gets that dream EFL draw that captures the imagination of the TV chiefs.

And it’s not always about the, admittedly, vital prize money that means a club can improve their ground.

Sometimes it’s the moments in the extra preliminary round that will last a lifetime to the people involved.

Magic

Take the Wilkinson family.

Bobby is well-known for his success in taking Hungerford Town up the leagues, promotion at Bracknell Town and a great escape with Weymouth.

Now managing at Swindon Supermarine, he had a day he’ll never forget after giving his son Lucas his debut – who also scored!

Wilkinson junior announced his arrival in style in their 3-1 extra preliminary round win over Tuffley Rovers.

As if a goal in your first appearance for your dad’s team didn’t have enough FA Cup magic already, it was also his 18th birthday!

It came with some more quirky coincidences. Born on the 8-8-2008, his goal – on 8-8-26 (the year added together also makes eight – came in the 88th minute!

In fact all of the times of Southern League Division One South side’s goals had an eight in it. And Lucas’ lucky number is…eight!

Surreal

 “I don’t think that would have ever been done,” Wilkinson senior laughed. “It’s been getting lots of publicity.

“We were laughing as a family because I didn’t want anyone to know anything about him – I was keeping him under my wing, guiding him slowly. Now everyone knows.

“So it was a surreal one on his birthday. No one can ever take that away from the Wilkinson family – we will always remember that moment.

“The club got the pictures and presented them to me which was a special moment in itself.

“My family means everything to me. They’ve followed my journey. For me, this is just about my son on that day.

“He earned it himself – it’s nothing to do with his dad – and he deserves all the plaudits.”

Special moment

Wilkinson has two rules – he doesn’t want to hear about what’s going on in the dressing room and Lucas has to make his own way to and from training.

Wilkinson added: “He gets is harder than anyone! He’s a credit to work with and the boys love him.

“He’s a good player first of all. For him to do that on his 18th birthday was a very special moment for the family.”

More FA Cup tales will be written this weekend and continue to remind us why it’s the best cup competition around.