Chapple backs Cards cup success

Geoff Chapple and 'Baggies Slayer' Tim Buzaglo

Woking legend Geoff Chapple believes his side have a chance of recreating history when they meet Swindon in the FA Cup first round proper.

Chapple made national headlines in January 1991, leading the Cards to a now historic 4-2 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

"It's one where we have a chance and we have to believe we have a chance as well," Chapple told BBC Surrey.

"It makes the hairs lift on the back of your neck."

Woking's recent FA Cup record

2006/07 - Round 1

2005/06 - Round 2 (r)

2004/05 - Round 1

2003/04 - Round 2

2000/01 - Round 1

1998/99 - Round 1

1997/98 - Round 1

1996/97 - Round 3 (r)

1995/96 - Round 3

1994/95 - Round 2

1993/94 - Round 2

1992/93 - Round 2 (r)

1991/92 - Round 3 (r)

1990/91 - Round 4

Woking last met Swindon in the 1995/96 season, losing 2-0 at the County Ground in the first round proper.

Chapple says he has clear memories of that winter's afternoon.

"One of those goals was a fluke, I can remember it vividly, Boadin's cross.

"A lot of people had it as quite an even game before we even kicked off, Swindon were going well at that time, as it turned out they probably did deserve it- from what I can remember of the game- just about but we were having a good time ourselves then."

Chapple believes the Cards can do it again.

Clive Walker was instrumental in Woking's giant killing side of the 1990s.

"We mustn't go there thinking we haven't got any chance. We've got a young side, we're playing some decent football which is what the supporters want,

"The FA Cup is the greatest leveller there is. It just may be that Swindon have a bit of an off-day. I'm sure our lads will be well up for it, if they're not up for that game, they're not going to be up for anything are they, and we'll see what happens."

Woking made a name for themselves in the 1990s with their "giant-killing" exploits, beating (then) league sides including Barnet. They were one of the few non-league sides to join the competition at the first round proper stage.

In the 1996/97 season, the Cards beat Millwall and Cambridge away before securing a 1-1 draw against then Premiership side Coventry at Highfield Road. A capacity crowd at Kingfield watched their heroes hold Coventry to 1-1 in a thrilling encounter before eventually succumbing to a late own goal.

"It's life changing, for a period of time you become very much in the public domain, television cameras at your house and at your work and everywhere. For a little period of time you become quite famous," Chapple added.

Woking, once FA Cup giant-killers, sometimes flirting with promotion to the Football League and treble FA Trophy winners in the 1990s, have since been relegated to Blue Square South where they are challenging for promotion and this weekend could propel themselves back into football's spotlight.