Charlie McNeill's halfway-line strike helps Crewe past AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup

Crewe Alexandra beat AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, and Charlie McNeill's goal from the halfway line is the one everyone is talking about. He struck from almost the length of the pitch, and the ball was in the net before the goalkeeper could get back into position.

The win takes Crewe into the second round. It was a tie between two clubs from different levels of English football. Crewe play in League Two, the fourth tier of the league system, while AFC Wimbledon play in League One, one level higher. In the FA Cup, though, the league table counts for nothing. Every club enters the knockout draw, and one defeat ends the run.

Crewe's manager Lee Bell called the goal the "best goal of the day", according to the York Press. The strike was McNeill's, and it is the sort of goal that gets replayed long after the final whistle.

Wimbledon confirmed on their official account that the tie was over for them. Before this meeting, Crewe had not beaten Wimbledon in six games across all competitions, according to The FA's stats preview, which drew on figures from the data firm Opta. That record now has a new line on it.

The first round was drawn on 19 October, and the ties were scheduled across the weekend of 7 November. Crewe against Wimbledon was listed for a 3pm kick-off. For a lot of clubs at this stage, the draw is the moment the season's cup dream takes shape. Crewe's dream got a little bigger on Saturday.

What makes a goal like this stick is the surprise. Most strikers spend their afternoon near the penalty area, waiting for a chance. McNeill took one look at the goalkeeper standing well off his line, and went for it. Sometimes football rewards the bold effort, and this was one of those times.

Next up for Crewe is the second round draw, and Saturday's result gives their supporters a story to tell on the way home.