This Saturday, it’s Emirates FA Cup Final day as Manchester City and Manchester United do battle at Wembley Stadium.
When thoughts turn to past finals, as they invariably do in the build-up to these occasions, one of the standout memories from down the years is Wimbledon’s against-the-odds victory over Liverpool in 1988.
Only 11 years previously, the Dons had been members of the Southern League and now here they were, in the top-flight and competing in the FA Cup Final in front of almost 100,000 spectators at Wembley.
Few gave them a chance against a well-oiled and experienced Liverpool team, but Lawrie Sanchez put them ahead towards the end of the opening period and it gave them something to hold on to.
The drama continued into the second half when skipper, Dave Beasant, became the first-ever goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final as he thwarted John Aldridge with an hour on the clock.
The ‘Crazy Gang’ went on to survive a Liverpool onslaught to secure one of the most unexpected FA Cup Final victories of all-time as Beasant became only the second goalkeeper in history to captain a winning side.
“I was just over a month old at the time and being looked after by relatives,” said Dave Beasant’s son, Sam, who has also carved out a long career for himself in the game as a goalkeeper. “But having listened to dad talk about it and watched the game so many times on DVD, I feel as though I was actually there!
“I was born the day before the semi-final when Wimbledon came from behind to beat Luton Town to secure their place in the Final.
“What an achievement for a club that only a decade or so before were in the Southern League; it’s just a fantastic story and one that will continue to be spoken about for many years to come. It gives all clubs and players hope of what can be achieved.”
For Beasant Jr, the current campaign has had a happy ending with a place in the Pitching In Southern League Premier South Team of the Season after helping Hanwell Town avoid the drop with some impressive displays between the posts.
“I am extremely proud to be voted into the Team of the Season,” he added. “It’s been a tricky season for me, so for it to end the way it did was a great achievement.
“This season started at Beaconsfield Town but after just eight games, the manager decided that I wasn’t for him – a strange decision, if you ask me!
“So, in September, I found myself without a club and I didn’t really know what I was going to do next. Chris Moore rang me and asked if I could come and help out at Hanwell Town, which I did and had a great start as I secured the number one shirt on a regular basis.
“We struggled slightly as a team, which meant that I was always busy making saves, and I was able to win the Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards, but the main thing was that we achieved our objective of staying up, which was a great achievement from all involved.
“Hopefully we can take this into 2024/25 and have a successful season both personally and for the team as a whole.”
IMAGE: Hanwell Town FC
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER