Fans’ memories on 40th anniversary of Bishop’s Stortford’s historic Wembley cup final win
There was no joy for the Blues at Wembley on Saturday, as Chelsea ended up beaten 1- in the FA Cup remaining by Leicester Metropolis – but it was a distinctive tale at the famous stadium on this weekend in 1981 for another Blues side.
Sunday (Could 16) marks the fortieth anniversary of arguably Bishop’s Stortford FC’s best achievement: successful the FA Trophy.
In beating Sutton United 1- by way of a past-moment winner by Terry Sullivan, the Blues became the very first club at any time to gain both of those the FA Trophy and the FA Novice Cup – having turn into the past at any time club to gain the latter cup, beating Ilford four-1 at Wembley in 1974.
Some Blues enthusiasts have vivid recollections of the ’81 remaining and the submit-match celebrations back in Stortford.
Andy Lines, the Every day Mirror‘s chief reporter who life in Stortford and hails from Hatfield Heath, explained: “As the past-moment winner went in at the significantly end we jumped up to celebrate and the picket bench seat under us snapped in two. We went sprawling to the flooring but we did not treatment – Stortford ended up about to gain the FA Trophy,
“For the 12 or so many years afterwards when I went to England video games I always looked around wistfully at the bench – which had been changed and was a somewhat distinctive colour – and right away remembered the good Stortford victory.
“The Hatfield Heath FC boys had gathered en masse for the remaining. We acquired on the bus exterior the White Horse and the singing began. Most of us ended up only fifteen and 16 many years previous but we had smuggled some beer onboard.
“Present-day Stortford chairman Ian Kettridge was there alongside with Heath legends Andy Clayden, Mike Bamber, Ian ‘Brains’ Barnett and my brother Richard ‘Rabbit’ Lines.
“When we acquired into Wembley we fulfilled up with Richard Banking institutions – who will work at Kain Knight in the city – who was waving a ‘Terry’s All Gold’ banner manufactured by his mum Mary.
“It was in honour of his favourite participant Terry Sullivan. When Sullivan’s intention went in we all went berserk.
“Soon after the match we headed back to Stortford and I recall cheering the staff bus as it edged by way of the crowds earlier the Bridge Household.
“There is almost nothing like watching your home-city club successful at Wembley.”
Shane McCormick – “I recall acquiring on the mentor and stating to Keith Coleman, who ran the club’s shop: ‘Keith, we won the Trophy!’ His reply was epic: ‘Yes, but what a s*** recreation.’ Each ’74 and the Trophy remaining ended up great days, but ’74 edged it.”
Rachel Susan Armitage – “When they scored we all jumped up and my uncle dropped his false teeth below the bench seating.”
Tony Claxton – “A great working day, our 2nd check out to Wembley. Initially in 1974 was as epic. The magnificent intention at the end of the recreation by my favourite Blues participant of all time, Terry Sullivan. Back again home and jumping in our vehicles, hooting our horns close to the city, then observing the staff arrive home. Soon after that, very well, most effective saved to myself… apart from ending up at a friend’s residence slumped in the corner with a website traffic cone on my head.”
Garry Hale – “The 2nd the moment-in-a-life span check out to Wembley. Lived in Rhodes Avenue at the time. A beautiful result and an even better celebration.”
Phil Wooden – “I was at both of those finals at Wembley. Fantastic days and great achievements.”
Rod Catton – “What a great cup run, and to gain was a good working day – will hardly ever ignore.”
Pamela Edwards – “I was there but a few of many years later on moved to Sutton, so my loyalties became divided.”
Barry Freeman – “Very best round was the semi finals towards Dartford home and away – it was a war zone!
Mike Ord – “What a working day that was, recall it very well. I went with my aunt and uncle. My uncle was Bunny Francis. At the time he worked with Brookway engineers. They had a mentor laid on for employees and family members to go. I also recall the semi finals with Dartford home and away. We had a ton of our coach’s windows smashed in around there in the very first leg. I are unable to recall who it was now, but another person climbed up the flagpole at Mann Egerton automobile ton and took the flag around to Dartford that working day lol.”
