THE FA CUP 3RD ROUND THE BINGO
ARSENAL
Neil Moxley
LEEDS UNITED’S bid for glory at the centenary of the FA Cup started with a game of bingo and carpet bowls – and ended with one of the most iconic goals of all-time.
Match-winner Allan Clarke remembers the 100th anniversary of the world football’s most famous knockout competition as the reigning Double-winners Arsenal were swept out of their way.
As the two old foes line up against one another at the
Emirates tomorrow night, memories are turned back to the clash in 1972 that was settled by one of the most famous diving headers by one of English football’s premier goalscorers.
Clarke, then aged 26, was at the peak of his powers.
Record
Already the subject of two British record transfer fees, ‘Sniffer’ was one of the game’s most feared strikers.
But the goal which became etched in the memories of Leeds’ supporters during what is still the first and last time they lifted the trophy, almost never came about.
Clarke said: “The night before the final, we had our usual game of bingo and carpet bowls. That was something our gaffer, Don Revie (below), never changed.
“He was determined to keep our routine the same.
“It was a clash between arguably the two best sides in the country. Arsenal had won the Double the year before and their team – like ours – was full of household names.
“And, of course, I’ll never forget that goal.
“It came eight minutes into the second half. Mick
Jones took on Bob Mcnab and crossed. As it was coming towards me I thought, ‘Volley – right-foot volley’.
“Then, all of a sudden, it started to dip and I thought it wasn’t going to reach me. I just thought, ‘Dive’.
“I just took off and headed it. It fitted perfectly into the corner of the net.
“It was one of those games where you just didn’t want to come off at the final whistle – you didn’t want to go into the dressing room – you just wanted to stay on the pitch and celebrate.”
Revie’s uncompromising approach earned him the adoration of his players and the Leeds public. But it was also divisive.
“The club picked up the moniker - ‘Dirty Leeds’ – and Clarke feels that overshadows the achievements of a side that should have been recognised as one of the greats.
Reputation
He added: “We did have a reputation as being a dirty team. That came from Chelsea.
“They kept calling us ‘Dirty Leeds’ – and if you say something