MX23RW : Thursday, February 4 20:14:01| >> :60:802:802:

On this day: Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' stun Liverpool in FA Cup final

On this day: Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' stun Liverpool in FA Cup final
© Reuters
Lawrie Sanchez headed the winner when Wimbledon won the FA Cup.

On this day in 1988 Wimbledon completed one of the greatest FA Cup shocks when they beat Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the Crazy Gang's finest moment.

The Cup runs

Portsmouth v Liverpool – Barclays League Division One – Fratton Park
Liverpool's John Aldridge scored twice in the Reds' FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest. (PA)

Wimbledon had just completed their second season in the First Division and had only been in the Football League for 11 years.

They beat West Brom, Mansfield, Newcastle, Watford and Luton to reach the final.

Liverpool saw off Stoke – after a replay – Aston Villa, Everton, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

The build up

Dave Beasant
Wimbledon goalkeeper Dave Beasant made history in spectacular style (PA)

Liverpool had just wrapped up their 17th league title while Wimbledon had finished a very respectable seventh, although 33 points behind the Reds.

They had been playing in the Southern Football League in the 1970s and were 17-1 to win the trophy.

The game

Wimbledon v Liverpool
Sanchez celebrates his goal against Liverpool. (PA)

Lawrie Sanchez gave Wimbledon the lead in the 37th minute when he glanced in Dennis Wise's free kick.

Liverpool had a goal disallowed when Peter Beardsley's effort was ruled out before they were awarded a penalty after an hour when Clive Goodyear fouled John Aldridge.

Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in the FA Cup final when he palmed away Aldridge's effort.

At the final whistle BBC commentator John Motson exclaimed: "The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club."

The legacy

On This Day in 2006: Liverpool leave it late against West Ham in FA Cup final
Liverpool have not won the FA Cup since 2006. (Nick Potts/PA)

Wimbledon moved to Milton Keynes in 2002 – eventually changing names to MK Dons – with AFC Wimbledon founded that summer and rising through the leagues until they reached the Football League in 2011.

They have both been battling relegation from Sky Bet League One this season.

Liverpool have won the FA Cup just three times since, in 1992, 2001 and 2006.

ID:399344:cQx
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watches on during a Premier League clash with Huddersfield Town on May 13, 2018
Read Next:
Arsene Wenger's all-time Arsenal XI
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City21145239132647
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd22135446271944
3Leicester CityLeicester22133639251442
4Liverpool22117443251840
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham2211563428638
6Everton2011363125636
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs2197534211334
8Chelsea2297635231234
9Aston Villa20102835241132
10Arsenal229492722531
11Leeds UnitedLeeds2192103638-229
12Southampton218582734-729
13Crystal Palace228592737-1029
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2275102331-826
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton225982429-524
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2264122236-1422
17Burnley2164111328-1522
18Fulham2128111731-1414
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2226141852-3412
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2232171435-2111

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!