Classic Man Utd v West Ham: March '86

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 1st January 2001

Join us as we take a look back to March 1986 when the Hammers met today's opponents Manchester United in a 5th Round FA Cup replay at Old Trafford.

When the sides met for the 5th round replay at Old Trafford on March 9th 1986 it was the FIFTH time they had faced each other that season. The league games had gone with home advantage, but Man Utd had edged the 3rd Round Milk Cup tie in October 1-0 - West Ham's only defeat between September and late December - and also sneaked a draw at Upton Park in the first match of this tie.

Frank McAvennie (pictured) had given the Hammers the lead on that day, only for a late equaliser from Frank Stapleton to take the tie back to Old Trafford four days later.

It was a daunting prospect for the Hammers. Despite the fact that they were flying in the league (and to finish above Man Utd in fourth by 8 points) Old Trafford was considered a fortress even back then. The clubs had met there in last years FA Cup which Man Utd had won; in fact West Ham hadn't won there in any competition for ten years.

Only 30,441 turned out to see this 5th round replay - perhaps the home fans had a premonition of what was to come. The fact that the game was televised live (on a Sunday) probably had something to do with the low attendance too.

Despite their poor record the Hammers set about the task in hand from the off. After 18 minutes they got the goal that their hard work and endeavour deserved. Geoff Pike's header gave the Hammers the lead. It was to be his only goal of the season.

Man Utd came back strongly, and the Hammers could consider themselves lucky to take the lead into the break. The second half was no different; the red engine drove forward but couldn't find a way through a stubborn back-line of Stewart, Parris, Gale and Martin.

Then came a mad minute which decided the outcome of the game. On 54 minutes Alvin Martin, on a rare foray into the opposition penalty area was sent tumbling by a challenge from Frank Stapleton. Referee Stevens had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Up stepped Ray Stewart, who duly dispatched the ball beyond goalkeeper Turner to give West Ham a 2-0 lead.

Almost straight from the kick-off Man Utd surged forward. Ray Stewart, who had just scored the second goal shoved Frank Stapleton - who had given away the penalty - squarely in the back, inside the box. The Irish international went tumbling over, but to the fury of the home crowd saw play waved on by the referee. Stewart knew he had escaped with murder, and Man Utd never recovered as the Hammers went on to record a 2-0 win and progress to the next round - a tie at Sheffield Wednesday just four days later which ended in a 2-1 defeat.

It was sweet revenge for West Ham after the defeat in last years competition.

West Ham United: Parkes, Stewart, Gale, Martin, Parris, Devonshire, Ward, Dickens, Pike, McAvennie, Cottee

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