2022/23
After beating Doncaster, it took a last-minute Jordan Garrick goal to spare our blushes against Barrow, but boy, are we glad that happened.
Oh no, wait, we’re not. We got Bristol City, away, a middling Championship side. On paper, a crap draw. In reality? We won 3-1, so it feels good. It wasn’t.
Another away draw, this time against Southampton again, wasn’t entirely fan-friendly, five days before Christmas. We went down 2-1, bravely, against the team eventually relegated from the Premier League.
Verdict: Bad Draw
2023/24
Another side relegated from the Premier League faced us in 23/24, but it was Sheffield United who we beat in round two on penalties. Aching for a home draw, I remember having it on in the car as we left Sheffield and finally, joy… City were at home.
Not only that, but West Ham came out of the hat. I don’t know what it is about the Hammers that makes it feel like a big draw, but they just are. They brought a strong side to the Bank as well, running out 1-0 winners after a brave battle.
Verdict – Good draw
2025/26
A confident City brushed aside Harrogate in the first round, and then divisional rivals Burton with a last-gasp winner.
What will the pot have in store for us? We’re ball number (unlucky for some) 13, draw to take place after the Codheads big day in against Man Utd, around 10:15 pm (so probably closer to half past).