Glory for NORTHAMPTON means more misery for Merseysiders
The bigger they are the harder they fall – and Northampton’s Carling Cup triumph at Anfield has sent Liverpool crashing to a new low
It is 40 years since the Cobblers were on the receiving end of six of the best from George Best in a famous FA Cup tie. But the minnows from League Two finally wrote an even bigger headline in their history in a dramatic poenalty shoot out.
And the shame of Liverpool’s embarrassing third round exit was no more than they deserved.The truth is that Roy Hodgson paid the price of opting to give run-outs to a number of fringe players, on the back of their weekend defeat by Manchester United.
Hodgson insisted: “I have no regrets for making changes and giving a few players a chance. But they have not done themselves any favours in my eyes.”
With the sides locked at 2-2 after extra-time, Abdul Osman kept his cool to slot in the decisive spot-kick.
LIVERPOOL 2-2 NORTHAMPTON
Northampton win 4-2 on penalties
Milan Jovanovic fired in Liverpool’s opener, but Billy McKay equalised and Michael Jacobs tapped in to give the Cobblers a worthy lead in extra-time.
David Ngog’s late header set up the penalty drama, and the Reds misery in the rain was complete when Osman sealed a memorable win.
SIX OF THE BEST FOR COBBLERS
George Best wrote his name into the record books with a single-handed demolition of Northampton. His six-goal haul was a then-record for an FA Cup tie.
NORTHAMPTON 2-8 MANCHESTER UNITED
FA Cup, fourth round – 7th February 1970
The masterclass contained the complete set from Best; headers, cheeky flicks, dribbles, all against defenders who came with a tough reputation, but were unable to get close enough even just to kick him.
The luckless keeper on the receiving end was Kim Book, brother of Manchester City captain Tony.
