End of an era

I've just heard on Sky Sports News that Ian Porterfield has died. He scored the only goal in 1973 when Sunderland, then a 2nd division team, beat the mighty 1st division team Leeds Utd in the FA Cup Final. It was a wonderful run to the final that was played in pouring rain. I was only able to attend the 1/4 Final against Luton Town. You had to get a voucher the previous home game to get a ticket. What a scrum. There was a huge crush at the gates and I got police horse saliva all over my coat, but a man got me in through the squishing.

In the semi-final on the telly they beat the equally great Arsenal getting through past seriously big players but no one gave them a chance in the final.

The game is remembered for three things: Porterfield's great goal, a double save from the goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery when the commentator thought Leeds had equalised and the manager Bob Stokoe's run on to the pitch to hug Monty for the save. It was the best moment of my football supporting life and it is a sad day for all the team from that day. Bob Stokoe died a few years ago and there is a statue recalling his run outside the stadium. I hope they do something to mark Porterfield's contribution to our history. 

Sunderland AFC

End of an era

I've just heard on Sky Sports News that Ian Porterfield has died. He scored the only goal in 1973 when Sunderland, then a 2nd division team, beat the mighty 1st division team Leeds Utd in the FA Cup Final. It was a wonderful run to the final that was played in pouring rain. I was only able to attend the 1/4 Final against Luton Town. You had to get a voucher the previous home game to get a ticket. What a scrum. There was a huge crush at the gates and I got police horse saliva all over my coat, but a man got me in through the squishing.

In the semi-final on the telly they beat the equally great Arsenal getting through past seriously big players but no one gave them a chance in the final.

The game is remembered for three things: Porterfield's great goal, a double save from the goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery when the commentator thought Leeds had equalised and the manager Bob Stokoe's run on to the pitch to hug Monty for the save. It was the best moment of my football supporting life and it is a sad day for all the team from that day. Bob Stokoe died a few years ago and there is a statue recalling his run outside the stadium. I hope they do something to mark Porterfield's contribution to our history. 

Sunderland AFC