This weekend sees the return of the oldest cup competition in the world, the FA Cup. No-one could have predicted last year’s turn of events, Portsmouth the eventual winners after three of the four teams who made the semi-finals were from the second tier. One of these teams, Barnsley, picked up the scalps of Chelsea and Liverpool along the way the former at their home fortress of Oakwell. Today the blog will share its own memories of the famous competition, starting off with the first recollection of the contest back in 1996.
First memories – Liverpool 0-1 Manchester Utd 1996
The script couldn’t have been written any better had Shakespeare been given his trusty quill. As the goal went in a cheer went up downstairs and that could only mean one thing, a late goal. Eric Cantona, returning from an eight month ban, silenced his critics as only he knew how by grabbing the winner. The FA Cup added to a third Premiership crown that the Red Devils had picked up earlier in May. Liverpool shouldn’t be forgotten and in all reality won’t be. The self proclaimed “Spice Boys” turned up in a nice shade of cream much to the amusement of the viewing world.
Most vivid memory – Liverpool 0-2 Crystal Palace 2003
Not even Dougie Freedman receiving his marching orders could taint this performance, Palace overcoming Premiership opposition convincingly under the stewardship of Trevor Francis. It was one of those nights to remember. Setting off at 1500 hours, following an early reprieve from the toils of school, it was up the M6 to the promise land of Merseyside. A freezing night, we parked up at Goodison Park where we were immediately told to move the car further away from the fence otherwise it would get scratched by the kids. Bloody scousers! So we got to the ground, found the seats, settling in for the expected; a close game but to lose by the odd goal. Wrong! After the chorus of “You’ll never get a job”, the game began. It wasn’t one to remember until Julian Gray struck to become the toast of Selhurst Park. Gray then made the second, credited as a Stephane Henchoz own goal, to seal a famous victory and send us into the next round…..
Most disappointing memory – Crystal Palace 1-2 Leeds Utd 2003
Where we faced Leeds Utd, then managed by two-time Palace manager and now pantomime villain Terry Venables. Cup fever had now hit South London meaning this was a sell out and the game didn’t disappoint….actually it did. Leeds went ahead, Gary Kelly’s quick free kick catching Palace keeper Cedric Berthelin unawares. Palace equalised though, yes you’ve guessed it, Julian Gray’s sublime finish from the edge of the 18 yard box through a crowd of bodies. Controversy was soon to follow. Danny Butterfield found acres of space on the right hand side in behind the left back and hit a cross into the middle. Andy Johnson’s shot was cleared off the line by Danny Mills, Tommy Black then looked like he had scored only to be denied by Michael Duberry, this was not the whole story though. Black’s shot was a full yard over the line, not according to the the referee and his assistant who didn’t see it cross the line. Harry Kewell then did what he did best and we were out for yet another season. This moment is remember more than another in my books and one reason why Dermot Gallagher remains no friend of mine!
