As part of our 140th anniversary celebrations this Summer, we’re taking a look back at some of the standout moments in the club’s long and illustrious history in our Flashback series.
2023 marks a special year for the football club, and tickets for our day of celebration at the end of the month are available online now, as we host founding Football League members Preston North End at Edgeley Park – click here to order yours today!
This time, Club Historian Des Hinks takes a look back at one of the all-time great Edgeley Park nights, as West Ham’s World Cup winners were sent packing in the League Cup:
The never-to-be forgotten night occurred on October 4, 1972, when England World Cup-winning skipper, Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds, Frank Lampard senior, plus a host of other household names were sent packing on one of the most emotional, action-packed nights EP has ever seen.
All of Stockport must have known that County had gone in front after 18 minutes, when Malcolm Russell sidestepped a defender and hit a 25-yard screamer that looped over Peter Grotier in the Hammers’ goal; the roar from the crowd shattered the night air!
But those ecstatic fans were stunned into silence when Clyde Best’s miss-hit shot evaded Alan Ogley’s grasp and trickled over the line off the inside of a post.
Two minutes later came County’s one slice of good fortune. Pop Robson saw his textbook header beat Ogley only to hit the post, allowing the legendary ‘keeper to pounce cat-like to safely grab the rebound.
Then, a captivating first half saw the Hatters awarded a penalty for a foul on Hughie Ryden. Eddie Garbett was County’s normal penalty taker, but the whole occasion had caught up with him, and he declined to step forward. Skipper, Tommy Spratt, took responsibility and smashed the ball into the roof of the net… cue hysteria all around Edgeley Park!
The second half saw the East Londoners press strongly for an equaliser, but, with a youthful Paul Hart and veteran Joe Ashworth imperious in the heart of the Hatters’ defence, aided by a vociferous and incessant chant of, COUNTY, COUNTY, COUNTY, echoing around all four sides of the famous old ground, it looked like Brian Doyle’s side would just manage to hold onto their lead.
But, with seconds remaining, Best, the Hammers’ powerful striker, intercepted a miscued back pass from Ray Charter, rounded Ogley, and looked certain to score.
However, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Ogley, almost on the ground and struggling manfully after picking up an earlier injury following a collision with Brooking, dived backwards and somehow got a hand to the shot and diverted the ball inches over the crossbar. In 2002, to celebrate 100 years of football at Edgeley Park, the County faithful voted it ‘the save of the century’.
A minute or so after that unbelievable save, the final whistle blew, and the EP pitch was flooded with a sea of ecstatic fans overcome with the emotion of a wonderful night, as County reached the League Cup last 16 for the first time.
Don’t forget – tickets for our final pre-season friendly against Preston, featuring a family fun day at Edgeley Park, the appearance of players past and present, and a limited edition kit, are available to purchase online now!
