The romance of the Cup, as we so often hear. But for 1988 winners Wimbledon, the quintessential fairytale success story, the focus will be on League One duties from here on in.
Playing just their second match in their plush new Plough Lane stadium, the club reborn as AFC Wimbledon were this time victims themselves of a minor second round shock, as Crawley from the league below claimed a spot in Monday’s third round draw.
The last time Plough Lane hosted an FA Cup tie, it was a third round replay victory against Aston Villa in January 1991, with Alan Cork scoring the only goal in extra-time.