Non-League Footballer JJ Lacey Wins FA Cup Top Scorer Award, Surpassing Erling Haaland

In a stunning turn of events, JJ Lacey, a 25-year-old non-league footballer from Biggleswade Town, has been crowned the FA Cup's top scorer with 10 goals, surpassing Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Lacey received the Golden Ball trophy at the FA Cup final, an accolade he described as 'once-in-a-lifetime stuff.'

Lacey's impressive tally came while playing for Southern League Premier Central side Biggleswade Town, which was promoted to step three in the English football pyramid this season. His 10 goals in the FA Cup included a hat-trick in an away tie with Bishop's Stortford, a team two leagues above his.

Erling Haaland, who had already secured the Premier League golden boot for the second successive season, scored all five of his FA Cup goals in the fifth round, knocking out Lacey's beloved Luton Town in a 6-2 drubbing at Kenilworth Road in February. Haaland would have needed to score six goals in Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the final to surpass Lacey's total.

Lacey's rise to the top scorer award is remarkable, as Biggleswade Town played only six games in the FA Cup before being knocked out by Solihull Moors in October in the fourth qualifying round. Lacey was unaware of the top scorer award until September, when he scored a hat-trick against Bishop's Stortford.

Reflecting on his achievement, Lacey said, 'It's once-in-a-lifetime stuff, to be able to walk the match ball out before kick-off, and to be presented this award, it's amazing for me and my family.' He added, 'To do that at their place was pretty special,' referring to his hat-trick against Bishop's Stortford.

Fellow non-league player Joe Taylor, who scored nine goals for Ramsgate, was the runner-up for the top scorer award. Lacey praised Taylor's 'unbelievable' season, which saw him score 53 goals in total.

Lacey's footballing career has seen him play for both Sunday and non-league clubs, including Harpenden Colts, Berkhamsted FC, and Hemel Hempstead Town. His rise from local clubs to becoming the FA Cup's top scorer is a reflection of his dedication and skill.

JJ Lacey's achievement being the FA Cup's top scorer highlights the potential and talent present in non-league football, proving that remarkable feats can come from any level of the sport.

Key Takeaways

• JJ Lacey, a 25-year-old non-league footballer, crowned FA Cup's top scorer with 10 goals.
• Lacey surpassed Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who scored 5 goals in the FA Cup.
• Lacey's 10 goals came while playing for Biggleswade Town in the Southern League Premier Central.
• He received the Golden Ball trophy at the FA Cup final, calling it "once-in-a-lifetime stuff".
• Lacey's achievement highlights the potential and talent present in non-league football.