The FA Cup has been in the business end with Manchester City will be playing Manchester United in the final on 25th May at the Wembley Stadium. The oldest football tournament will undergo a massive change from the next season as there will be no replays in the tournament from the first to fifth rounds which used to take place as this was the last time when double legs games happened. The change has been criticised as the replays were the source of revenue for lower league clubs.
The changes have been made as part of a six-year agreement between the Football Association and the Premier League to reduce the pressure on the domestic calendar after increase of matches in the UEFA competitions. However after 147 matches played and 509 goals scored the tournament has come down to the two best teams playing in the final. The surprising factor for the tournament is none of the star footballers are there in the list of the leading goal scorer.
Jonathan Lacey who is a non league player, and features for Hertfordshire side Biggleswade Town is leading the race for the highest goal scorer of the tournament. The centre forward has scored 10 goals in the competition so far in six games before being knocked out of the tournament. The forward will receive the Golden Boot for the being the top scorer untill Erling Haaland scores 6 goals in the final against United.
JJ Lacey: A new star in building
Throughout his career, Lacey has only played for Sunday and non-league clubs. He started his career with Harpenden Colts, then moved on to Berkhamsted FC and Hemel Hempstead Town.The forward was unaware of the award untill he scored the hattrick against against Bishops Stortford FC back in September 2023.
This will be a historic moment for the player to receive such a prestigious award. His coach said, "JJ has been exceptional this season. It's a brilliant experience for him, brilliant for his family and brilliant for the football club that we've got him there representing us on the day."
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