Wrexham v Blyth Spartans (2nd half)
FA Cup 5th Round, 18th February 1978 at The Racecourse Ground. Blythe are 1-0 up coming into the last minute of the game had got there via the following route:
Sep 77 – 1st Rd Qualifier:
Sep 77 – 2nd Rd Qualifier: Crook Town (away)
Oct 77 – 2nd Rd Qualifier Replay: Crook Town (home)
Oct 77 – 3rd Rd Qualifier: Consett (away)
Nov 77 – 4th Rd: Bishop Auckland (away)
Nov 77 – 1st Rd: Burscough (home)
Dec 77 – 2nd Rd: Chesterfield (home)
Jan 78 – 3rd Rd: Enfield
Feb 78 – 4th Rd Stoke City (away – called off twice due to the cold)
Feb 78 – 5th Rd Wrexham (away)
Then, in the last minute, referee Alf Grey intervened. Wrexham’s Les Cartwright took a corner kick (Although the ball had clearly gone behind via a Wrexham player’s foot) after moving the flag. Blyth’s keeper, Dave Clarke, caught the ball but Grey ordered a retake. Again the ball was cleared but again the flag had fallen over. From the second retake, Wrexham cruelly levelled. 7.10 into the video
In the replay, thousands were locked out of St James’ Park as 42,000-plus saw Wrexham win 2-1 to deny Blythe a famous home tie against Arsenal in the 6th Round. More here in this great article from WSC.
[...] memories When Saturday Comes – The Half Decent Football Magazine – Blyth Spartans 1977-78 Wrexham v Blyth Spartans (2nd half) | Football Spotter anyone manage to get up to st james for the replay? __________________ smell a rat suspect [...]