Can the Bulls do it again?

It's now 35 years since Hereford United defeated Newcastle United in the FA Cup but the tie against Leeds United next Friday week is bound to bring back memories of that famous game in 1972.

Here's a reminder from www.hu-fc.co.uk:

The story that shocked the football world on February 5th, 1972 came from Edgar Street, Hereford, in the FA Cup third round replay...

Southern League side Hereford United, one of the biggest teams in non-league football, had progressed to the third round of the FA Cup and had held first division Newcastle United several days earlier at St. James' Park to a 2-2 draw. Hereford were pleased to bring the former league champions back to Edgar Street for another crack, but surely had no chance of winning.

Malcolm McDonald, the England international striker and one of Newcastle's best ever players, promised to score ten goals past Hereford but the Bulls, managed by Colin Addison, had other ideas

Perhaps McDonald was a little optimistic, but with eight minutes left he netted the first and it looked as if Hereford were going out after a good fight at Edgar Street. Cue a substitution!

Roger Griffiths was replaced by the attacking-minded Ricky George minutes before Ronnie Radford, a midfielder not renowned for scoring goals, unleashed a thirty yard screamer out of the mud to equalise in the most spectacular fashion.

The goal eventually was voted 'goal of the season' by viewers of BBC's Match Of The Day, and Hereford went into extra time.

Surely, the part-timers of Hereford United would tire? True, they were but substitute Ricky George had fresh legs.

It was George who scored to put Hereford into the lead in extra time from close range, and Newcastle searched for a desperate equaliser. It was not to be found, as Fred Potter in the home goal saved everything Newcastle could throw at them. Hereford had secured the biggest FA Cup upset ever, 2-1 over Newcastle United.

The season was one of sweet success for Hereford reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup (eventually losing in a replay to West Ham United), the semi final of the FA Trophy (losing to Hillingdon Borough), and finishing second in the Southern League. The Football League member clubs voted the Bulls into Division Four after a second vote at the expense of Cumbrian side Barrow.

Photos: Everyone celebrates after the Ronnie Radford goal (top).

The Hereford players celebrate in style after the game (left).

Ricky George's winner goes in (above, left).

Thanks to Nigel Hill for the images.

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