As part of the Trust 20/23 celebrations we are looking back at some memorable moments of 20 years of Supporter Ownership.
One thing that sticks in the mind would be one of the most remarkable results in the history of Exeter City – a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday 8th January 2005.
Having beaten Braintree Town in the fourth round qualifying and Grimsby Town in the first round, City – then in the Conference – had to do a bit of giant-killing by knocking out League 1 Doncaster Rovers in the second round. It took a special goal by Dean Moxey to secure the win.
And that meant that supporters clamoured to St James Park for the third round draw the following evening. Gary Pallister, on the home balls, pulled out number 23 – FA Cup holders Manchester United. Tony Cascarino, drawing the visiting clubs, replied with number 64 – Exeter City!
Exeter City certainly didn’t just make up the numbers at the Theatre of Dreams. They pushed Fergie’s boys all the way, and had even opportunities to cause an even bigger upset – but a goalless draw was the result. The gate receipts from a crowd totalling 67,000 at Old Trafford almost eliminated the club’s debts in one go.
And needless to say, the celebrations continued in the stand for long after the final whistle – the Red Devils were coming back to Devon for a replay!
Naturally enough, plenty of supporters were optimistic that the Grecians could finish the job on a return to the Park when the teams replayed the fixture 11 days later.
Unfortunately that wasn’t the case – United were 2-0 winners at St James Park on 19th January 2005, thanks to goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney – what ever happened to them?
And while the Grecians couldn't make it past the eventual runners-up, the legacy of those games lives on and fills City supporters with pride to this day.
Why not watch the match in full?
If you are not a member, why not join today?
By joining the Trust, you will:
- Be able to stand for election as a Trustee;
- Have a say in any major decisions the club might face;
- Receive immediate SILVER priority status for tickets and the highest, GOLD, after 3 consecutive years;
- Receive a monthly newsletter;
- Enjoy free entry into our Director of the Day prize draw;
- Receive 10% discount in the club shop and bar (Excl. match programmes and reduced/sale items, bar on non-match days only).
It costs as little as £2 a month to have your say, sign up today here.