It’s not every day that West Ham have the opportunity to take on non-league opposition, and if Monday’s FA Cup clash with Stockport taught the Hammers one thing, it is to never doubt the ability and relentlessness of the opposition, regardless of division.
One key West Ham figure receiving notable praise was forward Michail Antonio, who knows all-too-well how important non-league football is in shaping careers. The 30-year-old spent time with non-league Tooting & Mitcham F.C. before getting noticed higher up the pyramid of English football.
In a post-match tweet after last night’s 1-0 victory over Stockport, Antonio took the time to praise the opposition for their spirited performance whilst reflecting on how grassroots football shaped him as a footballer, saying: “Without Non-league football I wouldn’t be where I am today and playing out there tonight reminded me that wherever and whoever you play, it all centres around a love for the game. Respect to [Stockport County], showed passion, fight and desire”.
Without Non-league football I wouldn’t be where I am today and playing out there tonight reminded me that wherever and whoever you play, it all centres around a love for the game. Respect to @StockportCounty, showed passion, fight and desire 👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/B0SBCDHVJw
— Michail Antonio (@Michailantonio) January 11, 2021
Craig Dawson’s late bullet header was enough to sink the National League side, but their performance was convincing as they looked to make marauding runs into West Ham’s box, especially in the second half.
Antonio’s “classy” praise for Stockport and non-league football garnered high praise from some Irons fans on Twitter, one of whom hailed him as a “top bloke”…
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty It’s refreshing, with all the money grabbing mercenaries in the professional game… https://t.co/8DlNbG0cF3 (@HammerHemel)
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty I would love it if you go into .coaching afterwards. Nearly gave up football earli… https://t.co/rMFHdLt0Fk (@kevalaaarrr)
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty I’ve played semi-pro football on worse pitches in worse conditions as a lot of peo… https://t.co/20Qbo99Ibt (@HAMMERMAT)
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty A lovely, classy comment. Awful conditions but both teams played professionally an… https://t.co/qqmtc6pbpV (@tlucy47)
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty love you Michail (@WHUOmar)
Twitter: @Michailantonio @StockportCounty You are a class act, Sir Micholas of Wandsworth (@jackgambardella)
