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Vic Morgan: A Stroll Down Memory Lane During STFC's Break
Last weekend saw Swindon Town take a break from League One action, as the second round of the FA Cup rolled into Town. Already eliminated from the competition the Robins were afford an early Christmas shopping weekend. In topical fashion, Total Sport columnist Vic Morgan took a stroll down memory lane to revisit Town's FA Cup endeavours of yesteryear.
While Swindon Town enjoy their traditional pre Christmas FA Cup break, I thought I'd take a little stroll down memory lane.
It was some forty years ago that Swindon enjoyed the run in the world's oldest knock out competition which brought back some warming thoughts for these dark December days.
Back in 1976 we'd enjoyed a baking hot summer and the Town had one of its most exciting squads. The likes of Trevor Anderson, Dave Moss, Ray McHale and Dave Syrett were part of the Swindon set up along with the magnificent Will Dixon, my favourite Town player, and the Don was back at the club.
So, a really strong set up led by Danny Williams, who'd also returned to manage the team after leaving to join the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield. Danny of course had led Swindon to the League Cup and promotion double in 1969 and was warmly welcomed back a couple of seasons before this particular cup run.
It started of with a 7-0 win over Bromley. Goals from McHale, Syrett, Moss and Anderson, saw off the non league club. Another side from outside the Football League were dispatched in round two, this time it was Hitchin after extra time in a replay.
That meant a place in round three and the anticipation over Christmas of the tie to come. It was an away game against Fulham. Okay, on paper that doesn't sound too exciting. Consider the Cottagers team at the time though.
The names George Best, hard to believe it's ten years since that genius passed away, Rodney Marsh, the late, great Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery, were all part of the Fulham team.
The first meeting ended in a 3-3 draw. Swindon were leading three-one at half time through Anderson, Moss and McHale. They couldn't hold on though and two second half goals from the London club meant a replay the following Tuesday.
It was an extraordinary evening. Huge queues snaked around the back of the Town End and the excitement was intense. We were crammed like sardines and the crowd of twenty three thousand plus, yes that's right, swayed as one on a night of high drama.
Swindon were magnificent. Fulham were put to the sword in one of the best Town performances I've ever seen. Two from Dave Syrett, two from Dave Moss and one from Trevor Anderson, blew Fulham away. It was simply superb.
George Best though still looked a class above. Past his prime, Bestie was still quality and struck the crossbar after an exhilarating run. What a night, what a game! I can still see it now. Just breathtaking relentless attacking football from Danny Williams' third division team.
The excitement didn't end there. In round four Everton came to the County Ground. This time there were over twenty four thousand watching the game. Syrett again scored and the all time classic from Kenny Stroud rocketed into the Toffeemen's net.
The replay saw the Town's interest in the competition come to an end in spite of a brave display. Nothing though, will erase that magical night against Fulham.
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