Boston United 3-1 Crewe Alexandra

FA Cup 1st Round

20th November 1982


The most recent of Boston United's "giant-killing" FA Cup exploits was in the 1982/3 season when they knocked Fourth Division side Crewe Alexandra out in the First Round proper.

Boston's 20 year old striker and groundsman Chris Cook won his battle with Crewe centre half and skipper Bob Scott to score two vital goals. United refused to panic when they went behind in the 25th minute. Mark PALIOS, completely unmarked, volleyed home Mel Sutton's centre after it had been headed back across the goal by Scott. The experience of Arthur Mann and non-stop grafting by Gary Mallender soon steadied the boat. Cook, Mallender and Mark Cox all testing Steve Smith in the Crewe goal before half-time. The second half was just five minutes old when Boston manager John Froggatt brought on Paul Casey for Cox. His first touch was a throw to Cook who turned, passed to Mallender who centred to LUMBY to score from close range. Boston took the lead in the 61st minute. Mallender ran down the right wing and passed inside to COOK who took the ball to one side of a defender and fired in under the body of the keeper. Five minutes later Boston scored again. Dave Gilbert sent in a deep centre which evaded Jim Lumby, but found COOK at the far post to supply the finishing touch. Crewe then began to apply some pressure. Steve Craven steered the ball just wide, then Dave Waller saw a shot hit the foot of the post, but Boston held on to secure their fourth League scalp in the FA Cup.

Boston were drawn against Sheffield United in the second round and held them to a draw at York Street before being beaten in the replay. Crewe Alexandra's season went from bad to worse and they eventually finished the season one off the bottom of the Fourth Division.

Boston United team: 1. Kevin Blackwell, 2. Mick Lyon, 3. Arthur Mann, 4. Kenny Tiler, 5. Phil Jones, 6. Russ Allen, 7. Mark Cox, 8. Chris Cook, 9. Jim Lumby, 10. Gary Mallender, 11. Dave Gilbert, Sub. Paul Casey.

Crewe Alexandra team: 1. Steve Smith, 2. Bernard Purdie, 3. Danny Bowers, 4. Neil Salathiel, 5. Bob Scott, 6. Mark Palios, 7. Sean Haslegrove, 8. Mel Sutton, 9. Dave Waller, 10. Clive Evans, 11. Steve Craven, Sub. Steven Hanlon.

Attendance: 3,311


Memories

Chris Cook "I had butterflies, but it was not too bad when we started. I thought we played well, particularly in the second half, and I was delighted to have scored twice. That is the first time I have scored two goals in a match for the first team. I thought I had notched a hat-trick when I got the ball in the net again, but the linesman said Jim Lumby was offside. Jim Lumby is tremendous to play with, always shooting and helping but never moaning."


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