The remarkable progress of non-league sides Lincoln City and Sutton United in the FA Cup will continue after Lincoln City’s shocking defeat of Burnley on Saturday. With Sutton United due to play Arsenal on Monday, we’ll soon see if two non-league sides can qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
Here are five of the most interesting characters from the sides.
Lincoln City’s Matt Rhead
Matt Rhead bossed the Burnley defense. Photo: @BasvandenHoven | Twitter
The 32-year-old striker is a man-mountain at 6’3’’, 210 lbs and with a large bald spot. On Saturday, he became a hero to the footballing community by “assaulting” Joey Barton.
Joey Barton, forever and ever an enemy of football. #BFC #FACup pic.twitter.com/eRVeqTf1dW
— Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS) February 18, 2017
Lincoln City’s Alan Power
The Irishman is a fighter, like his childhood friend. Photo: @DennisA_James | Twitter
The Dubliner grew up playing football with Conor McGregor. After Lincoln City upset Burnley in the fifth round, manager Alan Power revealed there was a crate of beer waiting for them in their dressing room.
“We got rid of it,” he said. “We are a professional team and we are mid-journey, although I noticed Alan Power had one in his hand.”
The Cowley Brothers
Living the dream. Photo: @CuriosidadesPL | Twtter
The Cowley brothers left their jobs as PE teacher last year, and they’ve now made history together. Danny serves as the manager of Lincoln City, and his brother Nicky serves as the assistant. According to goalkeeper Paul Farman, “The way they live and the way they look at football can’t be healthy. It can’t be healthy, I swear. All they do is eat toast and watch football.”
Sutton United’s Wayne Shaw
Get ready, Arsenal. Photo: @PremBible | Twitter
Sutton’s backup goalkeeper, weighing in at 280 lbs, has got his own brand of chili sauce called “Roly-Poly Goalie”.
“I’ve done nothing but sit there and be myself,” says Shaw of his newfound fame. “Turns out I’m a big guy who people seem to want to look at. A publication asked if they can photograph me naked. Like, everything off, except a pair of goalie gloves, apparently.”
We can’t help but wonder if that’s the ESPN Body Issue.
Sutton United’s Nicky Bailey
A walking McDonald's advert. Photo: @sportsappsfans | Twitter
The 32-year-old Englishman claims that his diet has gotten him to where he is today. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a salad in my life, or a vegetable. It’s always worked for me. My prematch meal is always a McDonald’s — nine nuggets.”
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