Liverpool v Wimbledon

The FA Cup is widely regarded as the most important domestic cup competition in the world of Football (or for my American friends "Soccer"). It's a trophy that has a prestigious history dating back around 140 years and includes several hundred club teams through out the English Football system. It covers not only teams in the Premier League, the Football League and the Football Conference but also way down to the lower tiers of English football.

Not only is it such a historical and open competition but it is also a world famous competition shown in over 100 countries to a viewing figure in the 100 of millions. It has everything fans could want, top teams, a sense of randomness, upsets, history, viewing base, prestige and a nice shiny trophy at the end of it. However not all upsets are as notable as the 1988 FA Cup Final which saw the daddy of all upsets.

One one side we had the all conquering Liverpool who, during the 1980's were the premier club in England winning pretty much everything. The League title was repeatedly won by the Anfield out fit during the decade who filled up their trophy cabinet with numerous other trophies such as an Fa Cup (1986), several League Cups (1981-1984), several Charity shields (1980, 1982, 1986), victory in the solitary Football League Super Cup (1986) and 2 European Cups (1981, 1984). They were pretty clearly the team of the decade in regards to English football.

On the other side of the pitch you had Wimbledon, a club who had a simple style of play and a team full of practical jokers. A little over 20 years early Wimbledon were an amateur side and in fact in 1963 they claimed the FA Amateur Cup (having previously been runners up 3 times). Many fans still thought of the team as amateurs despite the fact they had been promoted to then First Division (the top flight of English football) from the Fourth Division after 3 promotions in 4 years.

The match started well for Liverpool with John Aldridge having an early chance that caused the Wimbledon defense to make a last gasp challenger. Soon afterwards John Barnes came close forcing Dave Beasant to make an excellent save. It seemed like it would only be a matter of time before Liverpool break the deadlock. Surprisingly however it was Wimbledon that took the lead in the 37th minute as Lawrie Sanchez flicked in a Dennis Wise free kick. From then on however it was almost all Liverpool as the Scouser's looked to equalise. Alan Hansen forced Beasant into action later in the first half before John Aldridge got a penalty early in the second half, up to this point a penalty had never been saved in an FA Cup final but Beasant made history and denied Aldridge.

Despite some sustained pressure Liverpool couldn't beat Beasant as Wimbledon secured their first, and only, major professional trophy in what is widely regarded as the biggest FA Cup Final shock of all time.

Picture courtesy of Carlos yo