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'Anyway we won a free-kick on the left and he hit this low ball across the goalmouth. The Birmingham defence was certainly not expecting such a cross but, remembering what had happened against Derby, I threw myself full length at the ball and just managed to get my head to it.
'With the force and velocity of the ball coming over and me heading it, the ball went past the goalkeeper like a rocket. But with the pitch being so icy I skidded along on top of the ice and as I picked myself up my knees were all bloodied. Although at the time I didn't mind in the least.'
Coming as it did, late in Albert's life, I found it amazing he could still recall the goal in such great deal. It's rightly regarded as one of the greatest Liverpool goals ever. It was a strike that encapsulated the fearlessness of him, the fact that he flew bravely through the air horizontally, just a foot off the ground and risking severe cuts to his knees, just to get that ball in the back of the net.
Of course, at that time, the club was yet to win the FA Cup so you can imagine what it meant to the fans who were so eager to see Liverpool bury the so-called 'Cup jinx' and ram the taunts of Evertonian friends back down their throats. Until Ron Yeats finally lifted the trophy in May 1965 there'd be great hope every season but frustratingly it would always flounder at some stage.
In 1947, despite the quarter-final heroics of Albert Stubbins and company, the dream died in a replayed semi-final against Burnley. But even that bitter disappointment fails to tarnish the memory of the incredible Stubbins goal.
Now Liverpool and Birmingham are preparing to meet again at the same stage of the FA Cup and hopefully another Reds' striker can make a name for themselves in a similar way to Albert all those years ago.
For Liverpool, Tuesday's game is crucial because if their objective is to put a trophy on the table every year then this is their last chance.
Also, I think Rafael Benitez miscalculated the importance of the competition last season. In a way this is understandable because domestic cup competitions don't mean as much in Europe but I'm sure he's determined to make up for the Burnley debacle this year.
Keith on the magic of the FA Cup
For me the FA Cup remains a magical competition. From talking to my friends and colleagues over the weekend I can sense a buzz of excitement about the games that will be gracing our television screens over the next four days. It's an old cliché but there is still a romance about the FA Cup. And like dear old Albert Stubbins discovered way back in 1947, it can create heroes and spawn memories that last a lifetime.
He'll be desperate to go all the way and so too will the fans. I've no doubt that the supporters on the Kop still revere the FA Cup in the same way as they used to and to see their team lift the trophy in Cardiff on May 13 would be a fantastic way to end the season.
Of course, Birmingham must bebeaten first and one fact that won't have escaped Rafa is that they are the only team he's yet to have won against since coming to England.
I'm expecting another tough game for Liverpool at St Andrews. True, Steve Bruce's side are struggling in the Premiership and the Reds have suddenly rediscovered their pre-Christmas winning form, but it won’t be easy and it wouldn't surprise me to see this tie go to a replay, with Liverpool eventually coming out on top.
After that you're into the last four and the cup is anyone's. Chelsea are the obvious threat but have we just witnessed the first hairline cracks in their super structure? Only time will tell but if this is the case then there'll be renewed hope for all clubs still left in it.
For me the FA Cup remains a magical competition. From talking to my friends and colleagues over the weekend I can sense a buzz of excitement about the games that will be gracing our television screens over the next four days.
It's an old cliché but there is still a romance about the FA Cup. And like dear old Albert Stubbins discovered way back in 1947, it can create heroes and spawn memories that last a lifetime. |
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樓主: 奧雲仔仔
發表於 06-3-21 05:37 PM
發表於 06-3-21 06:12 PM
