Telford United 1984/85

The 1984/85 season was not a good one for the Imps, but a draw against non-league Telford did seem to indicate the chance for a cup run. We were in the Third Division, experiencing the tail end of Colin Murphy’s first run as manager, and we should have been home and dry in the first half. Neil Redfearn opened the scoring for City, before Ross Jack had one disallowed for offisde, and headed another against a post. Telford rallied, and a Mark McCarrick foul gave them a penalty, which Tony Turner scored. City then had a late penalty, Ross Jack missing for the second time in four matches.

That set up a replay at their place, and it turned out to be a horror show for the Imps.

The home side got an early goal after six minutes, and for the next 68, City huffed and puffed. Finally, Alan Walker scored, although Gordon Hobson also claimed the last touch. It led to jubilant scenes, with Imps fans spilling onto the pitch. That should have been that, but moments later it was the home side’s turn to celebrate, as they grabbed a winner.

To make it more painful, Grimsby beat league leaders and Milk Cup favourites Everton at Goodison on the same night. As for Telford, they hammered Preston 4-1 in the second round and ended their cup run at Goodison against the same side Grimsby beat. They still talk about that run today in Shropshire.