A glory-hunting football fan has kicked off an epic FA Cup journey following a winner from each round until the final at Wembley.
Alex Irons has always loved the magic of the cup and is now on course to witness each stage until the trophy is lifted in May.
The journey will span across 10 months, featuring 14 matches, hundreds of miles and plenty of pies.
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The lifelong Fulham fan has loved the FA Cup for as long as he can remember with his first match being way back in 1998.
He is going to a match in each round and then following the winner until they get knocked out, then jumping on the victorious side and supporting them.
The radio producer, 33, has always had the idea of going from the first round to the final with this season being his first attempt at the challenge.
Funnily enough, Alex’s journey actually started just two miles from his final destination.
Wembley FC vs Bedfont Sports kicked off the challenge on 3 August, just two miles up the road from Wembley Stadium.
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Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the local side with Bedfont winning 2-0 to advance to the next round.
Alex has been documenting his journey with the title ‘FA Cup Glory Hunter’.
So far Alex has been to seven matches in total marking the halfway point of the challenge.
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Alex of Edgware, north London, told What’s The Jam: “I’ve always loved the set-up of the FA Cup.
“The fact that anyone in the pyramid has a shot at winning it makes it special.
“I appreciate it more than your top league fans due to my love for national league football.
“Being a Fulham fan I’ve not had the best experience with the FA Cup, it’s been a lot of heartbreak.
“But going and watching smaller sides progress through the rounds and having a chance at upsetting the big boys is what makes the competition so exciting.
“The challenge will lead me all the way to the final in May.
“It’s easily going to cost over £1,000 with the price of tickets, travel and food.
“It’s worth the cost as I’ve enjoyed every single match so far this season, it’s a great hobby.
“My partner Emily is fairly impressed with it – as long as I don’t get burnt out and keep on top of my chores.”
Alex’s journey so far is as follows:
3 August, Extra Preliminary Round: Wembley FC 0-2 Bedfont Sports
17 August, Preliminary Round: Bedfont Sports 2-3 Raynes Park Vale
31 August, First Round Qualifying: Chertsey Town 3-2 Raynes Park Vale
14 September, Second Round Qualifying: Biggleswade Town 2-1 AFC Dunstable.
But Hanwell Town lost 0-2 to Chertsey Town so he stuck with them for the next round.
28 September, Third Round Qualifying: Chertsey Town 3-2 Ashford United
12 October, Fourth Round Qualifying: Chertsey Town 1-3 Sutton United
3 November, First Round Proper: Sutton United 0-1 Birmingham City.
The Premier League team entered in the Third Round with the final taking place on 17 May.
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