DANCING with BLUE SHADOWS

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City:
Centenary FA Cup Final Replay: 14th May 1981:

The Centenary Cup final was a rousing contest, one doing justice to a much celebrated hundred years of FA Cup competition. Bristling with attacking play, explosive goals, sublime skills and full bloodied action, It was a match to live long in the memory.

For long periods of Saturday's nerve-shattering 1-1 draw Manchester City's name appeared written on the trophy, only to come unstuck with a late, dreadfully unlucky Tommy Hutchinson own goal. Suddenly a Spurs team looking beat were handed a lifeline.

None more than forward Ricky Villa who suffered the ignominy of being substituted in the first game and reacted badly with a harrowing long walk along the touchline towards the tunnel. Luckily for Villa, manager Keith Burkinshaw kept faith and was rewarded in the replay when the Argentine international shot Spurs in front.

But as the clock ticked down, the score 2-2 and both teams close to exhaustion the possibility of extra time, even penalties for the first time loomed large. Thirteen minutes remained when Spur's winger Tony Galvin charged into City's half and pushed a pass inside for Ricky Villa.

Off soared Villa into the penalty area. Challenged by centre-half Tommy Caton he beat him not once but twice as Caton was left dumped on his backside. Then defenders Ray Ranson and Nicky Reid descended only to be turned inside out.

A one man tango!

Like Dancing with blue shadows Ricky Villa went on before firing low past goalkeeper Joe Corrigan to win the cup for Tottenham Hotspur. Suddenly Villa's long walk appeared a distant dream as he raced with joy into the arms of adoring teammates.

John Ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com