DOWN THE YEARS
DOWN THE YEARS ...
21 YEARS AGO ...
Tuesday, 16 August 1988
Penzance v Liverpool
IT was 20 years ago that Penzance experienced the red invasion, a feast of soccer dished up by the most successful football club in the word – the mighty Liverpool FC.
The Liverpool squad arrived in West Cornwall by helicopter at their Tregenna Castle base at St Ives. As the door of the aircraft slid back, out20stepped big names such as Jim Beglin and Gary Ablett, both members of the first team squad.
Autograph hunters made their first target Bob Paisley, who had accompanied the players, along with the club’s assistant manager and former Liverpool and England kingpin Phil Thompson.
On the big day fans started to arrive at 4.30pm for the 7pm kick-off, and by 6pm a long queue had formed at the main entrance of Penlee Park.
John Williams, the Penzance manager, was issuing final instructions in the Magpies’ dressing room, as the minutes ticked towards kick-off.
The 5,000 plus crowd created a loud rumble as the teams walked on to the pitch, led by Peter George, from St Levan, who was the referee.
The spectators were then served a feast of football by the visitors, Liverpool eventually winning an entertaining game by six goals to nil. Mike Marsh hit a hat-trick, while Alex Watson hit a 30-yard volley, John Smyth got one and Beglin, the current ITV commentator, netted a penalty.
Penzance had their moments, though, and were unlucky not to get on the score-sheet, particularly when Andy Harvey missed a penalty, which keeper Mike Hooper saved with his legs.
After the game, players, officials and guests attended a reception at the Queens Hotel, Penzance, where Magpies’ president Mr Len Stanbury presented a special gift to Liverpool director Sid Moss, which Mr Moss said would be placed in the Anfield trophy cabinet.
What a way for the Magpies to celebrate their centenary year, with a truly historic night at Penlee Park.
Penzance: Alan Goode; Glyn Jenkin, Neil Dann, Andy Harvey, Clifford Cain, John McCallum, Jamie Sweeney, Mark ‘Polo’ Matthews, Andy Trathen, Kevin Swain, Mark Williams, Andrew Martin, Steve McMechan, Ian Yeowart, Alan Adams and Phil Sedgeman.
Liverpool: Mike Hooper; John Smyth, Alex Watson, Nicky Tanner, Jim Beglin, Gary Ablett, Charlie Boyd, Jim Magilton, John Jeffers, Wayne Harrison, Mike Marsh, Mike Hayde, Phil Thompson and Alec Smyth.
Referee: Peter George (St Levan).
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