PETER KENNY JONES trawls through the archives to find four memorable matches involving either of today’s teams that were played over the festive period…
GAME 1
NORWICH CITY 2-0 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 11, 1908
This may not seem like a result that could be considered as a classic, but this match-up in the beginning of the 20th century was one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in the competition’s history. Two weeks after the festivities, the magic of the cup and the magic of Christmas combined at Newmarket Road. Norwich City were just six years old and were in the wrong end of the Third Division in their third season as a professional club. They were drawn against the cup holders, who had won the First Division just four years earlier. Over 10,000 fans packed in to see the same 11 that had beaten Everton to win the FA Cup nine months previous, on a day when the pitch was rock hard, and the weather was bitterly cold. James Bauchop and Tommy Allsopp were the Norwich heroes as a pitch invasion ensued after the final whistle. It proved to be the final and most famous encounter at Newmarket Road as Norwich moved to The Nest and were defeated in the second round.
GAME 2
NORWICH CITY 2-1 LIVERPOOL
DECEMBER 10, 1977
League and European Cup holders, in the season when they were to win the European Cup for a second season on the bounce, Liverpool were toppled by Norwich in a yuletide treat at Carrow Road. Bob Paisley described the game by saying: “I can’t remember us making so many chances in my 38 years at Liverpool.” They bombarded the Norwich defence, but Kevin Keelan was resolute in goal and kept the Merseyside men at bay until Phil Thompson scored with 10 minutes to go. This wasn’t enough to launch a comeback, despite the best efforts of the away side. John Bond’s team had managed to secure the victory by taking two of their very limited chances through Colin Suggett and Martin Peters (pictured). Bond said: “When you think that they’ve got two players who cost more than our team, you expect them to be a little better than us.” A proper winter battle ending in upset for the favourites on a memorable East Anglian day.
GAME 3
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-3 WATFORD
JANUARY 2, 1984
Keith Burkinshaw’s Spurs headed into the game on a poor run of form and this loss to the Hornets 36 years ago helped ensure their title hopes were well and truly derailed. The Tottenham defence were wide open and allowed Watford to score two early goals, Maurice Johnston with a brace. It was a wet and miserable day with John Barnes running the Spurs defence ragged. The White Hart Lane faithful were vocal in their disapproval to Ray Clemence and his defence, who they felt were costing their team in a frightful festive period. This may have had the desired effect as Glenn Hoddle commanded a tight second half and helped his side draw back level; his penalty following a Chris Hughton goal. However, late drama was to follow as George Reilly won a spot-kick for the Hornets. Barnes sent Clemence the wrong way and ensured Watford took all three points home.
GAME 4
WATFORD 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED
DECEMBER 22, 2019
Last season may have ultimately ended in a way that no-one wanted, however this victory over Manchester United a year ago was only the Hornets’ second victory against the Red Devils in 32 years. Nigel Pearson declared he was confident he would be able to guide the team to safety following a strong start to his time in charge. Watford were aided on their way to victory by a mistake from keeper David de Gea, who failed to stop an Ismaïla Sarr effort from finding its way into the net, sliding through his arms and hitting him in the face on the way in. Sarr was again involved as he won the penalty that was duly dispatched by Troy Deeney in front of a packed Vicarage Road; the skipper scoring a late penalty to secure a victory over United, just as he had done three years earlier.
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