The FA Cup third round draw has been made and there are some thrilling ties for those of us who love the ‘so called’ smaller clubs who get great fixtures.

First off the Swans drew Southampton away, the last time Russell Martin was involved in this tie he was Swansea City manager in 2022. The Saints squeezed through 2-3 in front of an empty stadium at the Swansea.com. Covid restrictions were back in force in Wales, since Boxing Day, so both sides played in an eery silence.

That game is below.

It was an entertaining game with Southampton being reduced to ten men on the half hour, Yan Valery receiving a second booking. Despite good possession the Swans lost the game.

This season we see Accrington Stanley drawn against Liverpool at Anfield, Harrogate will be delighted to get Leeds United at Elland Road, Morecambe go to Chelsea and Tamworth have Spurs at home. These are the ties we all love to see but you can bet your bottom dollar the TV selections will prefer the premier league draws.

We should add of course, with the sack race as it is in the Premier League it could be that Russ and his comrades down in the south coast won’t be there.

Photographs with permission Dimitris Legakis

Swansea City Polls