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Wednesday
Apr072010

Remembering '91 and all that schoolboys own stuff

1991. April 14th. Wembley.

Not the type of game you'll ever forget, more so if you lived and breathed the entirety of that day. Even if it was 19 years ago, I still remember my journey to the Twin Towers via Walthamstow (my not so posh residence at the time). I remember how ominous the build up to the game was. Before that day nobody really gave us a chance. Not underplaying that in any way. Gascoigne's fitness was questionable and leading up to the semi-final most believed he wouldn't make it having played an hour or so of football in around 4-5 weeks prior to the semi-final. Gazza was imperative to us and had arguably inspired our cup run with some majestic performances. But just how fit was he to play a key part?

Arsenal were favourites, a side that hardly conceded and hardly lost (one game in fact), running away with the title - the double in their sights. Their cup final song already recorded, was the whisper which was not true sadly but it was a wonderful urban legend at the time in an age where In The Know's converged in pubs and not internet message boards. Such was the expectancy that they would brush us aside.

At the NLD earlier that season, I stood in the East Stand lower in the corner near the away end and remember the scum waving sterling at us, lapping up the misery of our financial leprosy. Game finished 0-0, and if I recall correctly, Gascoigne came close to scoring. An own goal.

Our money problems at the time deemed the semi-final one where a miracle was required. Winning the FA Cup was perceived by many as the only way to save the club. If ever there was a do or die game, this was it.

My journey in however was not one of nerves and fear. There seemed to be an air of understated confidence. Belief. Okay, so everyone who went to the game will probably have a different story to tell. Mine is simply that the singing and the bravado was all Lilywhite. It was a proper 'fuck it, what will be will be' attitude that had our lot smiling and singing. The gooners were far more subdued, tentative. More to lose perhaps? In their eyes, no doubt. In our eyes it was far far more vital to win the derby and the day.

"If we lose, I'll hang myself from a tree on the Seven Sisters Road"
- joked one Arsenal fan on the tube to his mates, not a residue of humour to be found in his stern words.

"There once was a donkey named Adams, who played for Arsenal FC, they feed him on nothing but carrots, hee-haw hee-haw hee-haw-ee…" - sang one very drunk Spurs supporter, holding a massive massive can of beer (monstrous sized can) wrapped in a brown paper bag whilst other fans looked on. Some laughing, others giving daggers.

At the stadium, I was standing there hurling verbals towards the Arsenal coach that slowly drove through the crowd as the Arsenal players looked out of the windows smiling and waving. Me and several hundred other fans. All in good jest. Rude not to say hello.

Sitting high in the upper regions of the stand opposite the end we attacked in the first half, for the first time that day I began to brick it. This was it. Boring boring Arsenal against a team that lined-up up with Vinny Samways in midfield. Oh, and that Geordie who wasn't too shabby with his feet. This surely would be the most nerve-wrecking inducing game of football ever played, one that would shatter heartbeats leaving me gagging for air. The pressure tenfold. There is no possible way such a game can be enjoyed. No more understated confidence.

What followed was schoolboys own stuff. Fantasy football. The type of high impact tempo that must have played out in all our dreams the night before. What did I say about no way this game could be enjoyed?

The free-kick. That free-kick. The delirium was ridiculous. Before we had time to recover and pull ourselves down from the heavens, it was 2-0. This was now borderline orgasmic. Lineker with the second. Five minutes separating his poke from Gazza's 30-yarder. Arsenal pulling a goal back just before the break. We had them rattled but in no way was this done and dusted. Not yet. And conceding a goal just before half-time left us in a far less comfortable position than a 2-0.

Samways (yes Samways) alongside Gascoigne were both in wonderful form, and Howells (also just returned from injury) was having a good one along with one of the true heroes of '91, Steve Sedgley. There was some proper fully-charged effort, spirit and passion out there.

But the goons were not about to give up and got themselves back into the possession stakes in the second half. Gazza went off, replaced by Nayim, after and hour or so - shattered, but his work done.

Next goal, Spurs or Arsenal, match defining.

78 minutes. Samways combo with Mabbs, releasing Lineker who's shot squeezed itself through David Seaman's hands. 3-1. More delirium. To be relived countless times later in the evening on VHS with additional praise for Barry Davies and his timeless commentary.

Journey home was akin to a musical with a cast of thousands, singing and dancing in the streets and the trains back towards the north of London. No double for Arsenal. A life-line for Spurs. And an 8th FA Cup in memorable final.

I remember a chant of 'You've lost that double feeling…' to which one Arsenal fan screamed back abuse about us going broke. Not quite. Thanks to the victory over Forest. And Venables. Although what was to follow in the years to come dragged us backwards rather than forwards, stagnating whilst our enemy pushed forwards with an astute appointment and Sky Sports birthing the rise and rise of the monopoly.

But regardless, these types of days out are  forever written into history. A game of biblical significance and importance. One that won't be forgotten.

This Sunday, another cup semi at Wembley. Pompey the team in financial trouble, the ones seeking a miracle. Us, the overwhelming favourites. Not that I'm comparing this semi with that one back in '91. But let's not take anything for granted.

And following the Cup match, we've got Arsenal in the NLD at the Lane. On the 14th. Of April.

Uncanny.

COYS.

Reader Comments (52)

Great read Spooky. Brilliant day out. More of the same next week please. And Saturday of course.

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:26 AM | Unregistered CommenterOops

We're playing on Sunday aren't we?

SPURS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO WEMBLEY!

COME ON YOU SPURS!

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:28 AM | Unregistered CommenterJamiespurs

Saturday, Sunday...what's days between friends?

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:32 AM | Registered Commenterspooky

Knees trembling

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:33 AM | Unregistered CommenterKilljoy

nice article, youve increased the prematch feelings tenfold....cant bloody wait

OH WHEN THE SPURRRRRS

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:35 AM | Unregistered Commentermcspeed

Sorry Spooks, I just started thinking I'd got the wrong day and would have to rearange my entire weekend. I'd actually prefer to play on a Saturday though. The waiting is torture.

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:38 AM | Unregistered CommenterJamiespurs

Remember the day well. Thanks for shining a light on a great moment in our recent history.

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:42 AM | Unregistered Commentersinger

Was downhill after 1991 wasn't it? Still a cracking day cracking result. Name on the cup that season especially when you look back at the final and how that first half worked out against us.

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:48 AM | Unregistered CommenterAuthor of Comment

great memories.....venables pulled off a masterstoke that day when he played paul stewart in a midfield 5.
gazza stole the show...but i remember stewart roughing up the scum bigtime...

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:56 AM | Unregistered Commentere17 yid

Remember the day very well because that was my very first day as a spurs fan.

Apr 7, 2010 at 11:58 AM | Unregistered Commenterbelgian spur

Anyone know where I can download such a match? (Was at the ripe old age of less than a year old at the time.)

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:14 PM | Unregistered CommenterAhmed

THAT free kick.

Best. Goal. Ever.

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:16 PM | Unregistered Commenter555

1) First goal was fun but really just felt like an early consolation., but the second goal we went delirious because it gave us belief.

2) After the Filth scored just before half time, I didnt watch the second half until we scored on 75minutes.

3) Anyone remember the Lush song released on NME soon after, called "And David Seaman will be very disappointed about that..."

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterStratty

I remember going down to the park at the bottom of my road for an early morning kickabout and a HUGE THFC had been lawnmowered into the grass!! Fantastic stuff.........................the FA cup is brilliant.

I cant wait for the big day.

COYS.

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterCEJ

WHOA Spooky - Don't diss Walthamstow!!!!!

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:36 PM | Unregistered CommenterGC

sadly this was before my time, being a relatively late started and all. My FA Cup semi memories involve sacking george graham on the eve of a game against arsenal which we duly bent over and took one in the bum, big sol giving away a crucial free kick and going off injured. Belive this was his last game for us.

And another one against Newcastle where we were denied a clear penalty and then I think ledley gave one away.

3rd time's a charm?

Apr 7, 2010 at 12:47 PM | Unregistered CommenterFox Mulder

Inspiring post Spooky.

Let's hope Pompey players (including you O'Hara) haven't read this article finding some inspiration through our precedent case. COYS!

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:02 PM | Unregistered Commenterelwehbi@ibleedhotspur

is the game on the telly??

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:13 PM | Unregistered Commenterstrathaven spur

Great history lesson Spooky one, but all you have done is make me more nervous because of the favorite tag this week and next we will either make History or break our Hearts .I say this with my Heart bursting with pride forget Sunderland i new after Sunderland had bean down where i live the North West they would be faster and the fact they had Bobby Gould drooling at there speed chasing the ball He said I have never seen a Team chase the ball like Sunderland and whatever they had i want some .The tell tale sine is when these teams play with this high Tempo any player can score and sure enough Bolo obliged he has not lifted is leg that high since he played for Liverpool is former team thats why they went faster he must have been told by Gerrard ? sorry i cant tell you the rest its liable .Any way lets Hope David Thin face James has not bean to is former club or we could be getting chased all over Wembley and have Bobby drooling again. We need to get one player fit and its not our fast man Lennon but the one slow person with quick Feet that can beat this High tempo with one great long and accurate pass and save us Energy we need to compete with Teams fired up Like Sunderland especially at there own grounds .If he plays we wont need to worry with Lennon on the field we can and will win a lot easier. coys

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:24 PM | Unregistered Commenterdavspurs

Stratty - The Spur (fanzine) gave that away on their front cover in the 'Player of the Year' edition after the cup final, bigging up Steve Sedgley. What a brilliant fanzine that was too. Would have made a sparkling blog/website if those lads all got together again to write.

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:27 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Spooky, I love your posts, but it really is the icing on the cake if they manage to elicit a response from the marvellous davspurs...

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:36 PM | Unregistered Commenteralways lillywhite

davspurs - so is palacios on ephedrine then? or bale?

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:40 PM | Unregistered CommenterFox Mulder

Dav is a legend.

Dav get yourself on twitter. Actually dont. You'll be limited to 140 characters per post and that wont work.

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:50 PM | Unregistered CommenterThe Machine

I'm considering setting up a Facebook group for Dav.

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:51 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Spooky - I remember having a SPUR t-shirt, and travelling down from Manchester, a cart load of Cockney Reds giving singing High-ho Silver to me :-)

Miki and Emma's effort wasnt in the spirit of Chas and Dave as I recall, just that it ended with the famous commentary at the end of the instrumental...

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:53 PM | Unregistered CommenterStratty

DavSpurs went to school - oh yes he did! :P

Apr 7, 2010 at 1:54 PM | Unregistered CommenterStratty

im going to read this again before leaving the house on sunday! it sums up exactly how important it all is!! COME ON YOU SPURS!!

Apr 7, 2010 at 2:13 PM | Unregistered Commenterlilywhitemike

1991. My first trip to Wembley. Awesome atmosphere. Mental day out. Never forget the journey home on the trains. Cup final was special too. Special thanks to Cloughie for remaining on his seat. Good lad.

Apr 7, 2010 at 2:23 PM | Unregistered CommenterJep

Interesting video of Sir Les Ferdinand and Andy Cole on 4th chances and Bent -
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,15122_6076747,00.html

Apr 7, 2010 at 2:53 PM | Unregistered CommenterTed

Fantastic read... I'm feeling rather emotional now.

I will always love that interview with Gazza after the game when he says "and now I'm off to get me suit measured..." he was referring to the fact the Gooners had already ordered their suits for the final... classic

Slightly off topic but I was playing Ossie's dream at home the other day... full blast getting my six year old son to join in on the sing song. Later I heard him singing it to himself in his bedroom except he had changed Ossie to Ledley... the irony!!! I figure he is beyond his years and knew exactly what he was saying when he said "Ledley's going Wembley his knees have gone all trembley"

Sorry but I had to share that with people who understand... my misses just gave me a blank stare when I tried to explain the significance of my son’s genius!!!

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:12 PM | Unregistered CommenterBazmundo

"and now I'm off to get me suit measured..."

I forgot the significance of this. Good one.

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:17 PM | Unregistered CommenterThe Machine

Gazza interview on youtube after the Arsenal semi...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyN7l7skzss

Or type in "1991 Gazza interview" on the you tube search... please watch it, it cracks me up everytime!!!!!!!

COYS.

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:19 PM | Unregistered CommenterBazmundo

horns crowd cheering Mabbutt has gone forward to the right..Lineker and Howells to the left is Gascoingne going to have a crack He is you know! OH I SAY!!! BRILLIANT!! THAT... IS ...SCHOOLBOYS OWN STUFF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVMaIUSeRxA

Lord how did I love that, the memory will abide, I still remeber muttering with gritted exicement 'C'mon Gazza Score'

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:26 PM | Unregistered CommenterDay of the Triffics pt.2

Shaking like a shitting dog personally.

We can't fuck this one up can we? CAN WE?????!

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:27 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

Epic commentary.

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:33 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

Great read spooks. Fox, lets not forget the Everton 4-1 drubbing. Daniel Amokachi and the sobbing Ian Walker. I was about 10 when that game was played and was at the 2 following semi's at Old Trafford. This time will be different. Can't wait. Would be nice to get a few players back to full fitness for the run in.

Good luck lads!

Apr 7, 2010 at 3:52 PM | Unregistered CommenterLouis

One thing about that sorry decade, we managed to get to plenty of semi-finals. That Everton game was the worst of the lot. The Newcastle one also ranks high high up there.

Hopefully Azza gets a run out, in preparation for the NLD.

Apr 7, 2010 at 4:05 PM | Registered Commenterspooky

'But without anchoring myself to what I would normally expect in that oh so classic defeatist manner, I was free to see the facts.' The Zokora Cup Final ..Sppoky

Inspirational stuff.
Have a good day at Wembley

Apr 7, 2010 at 4:17 PM | Unregistered CommenterDay of the Triffics pt.2

I'm moist :-)

Apr 7, 2010 at 4:17 PM | Unregistered CommenterIan H

I've got a semi.

Apr 7, 2010 at 4:57 PM | Unregistered CommenterOllie

You two should hook up.

Apr 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM | Unregistered CommenterDay of the Triffics pt.2

I don't think they're into that fetish lark triffics

Apr 7, 2010 at 5:51 PM | Unregistered CommenterWinterWeekend61

Hmmm, it's that ime of the season inhibition goes out the window, if we get 4th and the FA Cup well.. i'll leave my number on the site

Apr 7, 2010 at 6:04 PM | Unregistered CommenterDay of the Triffics pt.2

'time' spelling gone to pots. No take that back, the T on my keyboard is not co-operating

Apr 7, 2010 at 6:14 PM | Unregistered CommenterDay of the Triffics pt.2

Best post ever Davspurs! Ill join that fb group spooky

Apr 7, 2010 at 7:56 PM | Unregistered CommenterGC

fog horn at the ready.........anyone know if they are allowed at Wembley?

Apr 7, 2010 at 8:29 PM | Unregistered CommenterCEJ

I saw that game live on TV and your post brought back many wonderful memories, not least L'Arse were riding high and victory over them is always sweet.

Back to present reality. We need to focus and finish the job. Pompey have everything to play for and nothing to lose. This makes them motivated and dangerous. We cannot be overconfident or complacent. We must not think about 4th or L'Arse this weekend. We may have made that mistake with Sunderland but no more.

Good to hear Lennon and others may return for this game. Here's hoping we can afford to give them a run out as warm up.

I will post my thoughts on the weaknesses of L'Arse after this weekend.

Apr 8, 2010 at 1:44 AM | Unregistered CommenterFocussed from Singapore

Invigorating stuff spooks, just had a quick youtube trip down memory lane.

I'm liking the fact that the goon game next week doesn't bother me, I just want a win on saturday so whilst we're getting glad rags ready for a Cup final they'll be getting rady for their end of season party.

The thing about Pompey is the fact that they are so much the underdogs, there is a danger on our part of complacency from the off. And we've all seen and travelled that road before (some more than others).

Apr 8, 2010 at 2:42 AM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

Oh and if you're gonna do a FB group, could I suggest 'Dave the Brick' gets one first? ;-p

Apr 8, 2010 at 2:43 AM | Unregistered CommenterTricky

That semi final in 1991 brings back some bad (as well as good memories obviously).
My dad used to be a vicar and we kids were dragged to church that Sunday morning, despite pleading for a week off.
What's more, my dad also knew it was a lunchtime kick-off (12 or 12.30 if I remember rightly).
Normally church was done by 11.45 and we were home within the next 45 mins.
Lo and behold, dad decided to drag the service on (he's no footie fan) and me and my brother (who turned 11 that very day) were cacking ourselves at the possibility of missing the start.

Shock and horror, when we arrived home 10 mins after kick-off - having missed the opening goals from Gazza & Lineker.

Payback followed 8 years later when, rather than go to my gran's funeral, my bro and I decided to head to Selhurst Park for the 2nd leg of the League Cup semi against Wimbledon.
And because we attended that, we got tickets for that Wembley Final against Leicester!
Boy did we get the silent treatment for a while from my dad........

My 6 & 4 year old kids will be placed in front of the TV on Sunday afternoon!!!!
I'm delighted to say that my 6 year old daughter is already talking about Spurs as "us or we" and my 4 year old son cried the other night when he wasn't allowed to stay up and watch the replay against Fulham!

Apr 8, 2010 at 3:15 PM | Unregistered CommenterWalkerboy

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