Fans who watched York City’s FA Cup victory over Chester were unaware of the magical forces behind the triumph.
They may have put the victory down to striker Lenell John-Lewis’s sharpness in front of goal, manager Neal Ardley’s tactics and some steadfast defending in the closing minutes.
But actually the win – which will see City play Wigan live on BBC2 on 1 December – was down to… magic.
Video: York City owner Matt Uggla on the new potion
Unbeknown to fans, the York wizards at the Potions Cauldron had brewed up a new elixir to boost the Minstermen.
The result is The Winning Formula potion – designed to “enhance the excitement at the York LNER Community Stadium and deliver a touch of enchantment and success to the beautiful game”.
It was first used before the FA Cup victory, and was an immediate success.
Asked by Potions Cauldron co-founder Ben Fry “is the Winning Formula potion entirely responsible for the FA Cup win?”, York City co-chair Matt Uggla didn’t hesitate.
“One hundred percent,” he said. “I don’t think it had anything to do with Neal’s tactics, the players or nothing.
“The fact that they had this drink got us through the game.”
All the way to Wembley
Matt said he hoped the Potions Cauldron could make enough of the Winning Formula to power City all the way to the final at Wembley.
He added that the drink was now part of the players’ fitness routine, with a minimum of two bottles a day. “I think they’ve got to have it before bed – the whole shebang.”
The Potions Cauldron is also a shirt sleeve sponsor for York City, and since then “there have been a few magical performances, so let’s keep it going,” Matt said.
The fun tie-up between the Shambles-based Potions Cauldron shop and York City has gone down well with all concerned.
Where to buy the Winning Formula
- You can only buy the Winning Formula potions from the York City FC shop open daily at the LNER Stadium or on the Potions Cauldron Christmas market stall opposite HSBC from 16 November to 22 December.
- The price is £8.99 for a pack of three 330ml bottles, tasting of mixed fruits – suitable for vegans, also sugar and gluten free.
- Limited only to 1,922 packs which celebrates the year that York City FC was founded.
York City’s commercial manager Glyn Sparks said: “We are delighted about our magical partnership we have with The Potions Cauldron.
“All at York City Football Club are so excited about the launch of the Winning Formula and all the enchanted wonders we can conjure up in the future.”
Phil Pinder, Potions Cauldron co-owner, said: “Supporting the local community is a big part of The Potions Cauldron Group ethos and at the heart of the community is the local football team flying the flag for York.
“Plus if we can help create some additional success for the club, that is an added bonus!
“As a shirt sleeve sponsor for the 2023-24 season this limited-edition drink release only helps to strengthen the partnership but injecting some magical fun.”