‘Part of a fantasy that became reality’ – Shaun Gale recalls Hawks’ memorable cup victory at Notts County

Multiple players and management staff have come and gone from both clubs since that FA Cup second round tie at Meadow Lane in December, 2007.

Hawks have had two relegations and two promotions in that time, while this weekend’s FA Trophy fifth round opponents Notts have had one promotion and two relegations.

But ask anyone with a long Hawks association and they'll be able to take you through precisely what happened the last time the teams met.

Substitute Tony Taggart's solo effort was just another memorable moment on a dream FA Cup run which took the club to the fourth round and a trip to Anfield in January 2008.

That dramatic 87th minute strike proved the difference as Hawks secured a 1-0 victory at Meadow Lane - beating a League Two side then two tiers above them in the pyramid.

The manager who masterminded that victory, Shaun Gale, could also be at Westleigh Park this weekend to witness what he hopes is another cup upset.

Now Gosport Borough boss, he might be calling the game as a commentator for BBC Radio Solent as Hawks host Neal Ardley's National League side in a last-16 meeting on Saturday.

This time around it's just the one division that separates the two clubs as they prepare to face off for the second time.

But Gale has warned Ardley and his squad not to make the same mistake the Magpies did the last time the teams met.

Recalling that memorable afternoon, Gale said: 'It was amazing, a great day.

‘Every part of the cup run was just unbelievable.

‘It was just part of a fantasy that became a reality. It’s something you dream of as a kid then going into management then it became a reality.

'Tony Taggart got the goal and we deserved it because we played well.

‘I think they underestimated us. One of the things I do remember - I’m not aiming it at Notts County as a football club - it was just the manager on the day (Ian McParland) treated us with quite a lot of disrespect.

‘I think he just thought all they had to do was turn up and they’d win, but he came unstuck.

‘It happens sometimes, everyone has seen the magic of the FA Cup.'

This time around there are just 26 places between the two clubs in the pyramid.

But Gale views this meeting as potentially even tougher for Hawks than when he defied the odds 14 years ago.

Paul Doswell's squad head into it having not played a competitive match since January 19, and they only returned to training on Monday on the back of another 10-day self-imposed isolation period because of Covid-19 concerns.

Gale feels his former club could be at a disadvantage for the tie and feels it should have been pushed back to give Hawks additional preparation time.

‘For them now to have to play, they weren’t even training because they’ve been closed down, in a big game is a bit of a farce really,' he said.

‘It’s a bit unfair of Havant expecting them to have a two-week break then coming back to playing football. It's going to be tough.

'They’re at home and Havant are a good side.

‘They might nick it and you’re not far from Wembley, then it’s all good.'

Notts dropped out of the Football League for the first time in their history following relegation from League Two in 2018-19.

Gale is adamant the oldest professional club in the world should not be operating at non-league level.

'It’s a big club, a massive football club,’ he remarked.

‘They’re not a non-league football club and they’ll want to get back to the Football League where they deserve to be.

‘They’ve got a great fanbase, it’s a fantastic old football club.

‘I’m sure they’ll be focusing more on the league then the Trophy so if the game does go ahead it’ll be an opportunity for Havant.'