It may have been the greatest 31 minutes of their lives.
They were just part-time footballers who kept playing because they loved the game and didn't mind the extra cash. They were supposed to remain anonymous and go back to their day jobs when they couldn't play anymore. But for 31 minutes, the players of Havant & Waterlooville FC were the kings of England. For 31 minutes, they were beating Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup.
It wasn't even 31 consecutive minutes, either. School caretaker Richard Pacquette scored in the 8th minute to give Havant & Waterlooville a stunning 1-0 lead. After Leiva Lucas equalized with a world-class strike -- the type of strike these part-timers probably never see the in the Blue Square South League -- Alfie Potter took advantage of a Liverpool mistake and kicked one off Martin Skrtel's hands to make it 2-1. In that moment, Havant & Waterlooville fans stood up and sang, "Can we play you every week?" Soccer fans everywhere took notice, and it started to look like that maybe, just maybe, this might be the greatest upset in FA Cup history.Of course, it didn't happen. Yossi Benayoun's hat trick made sure of that, and a controversial late goal by Peter Crouch -- he looked offside to me, anyway -- put an end to the cinderella story.
When the final whistle blew, though, the final ovation wasn't for the winners, but for the underdogs. The Liverpool players didn't hesitate to give their jerseys to their opponents, and all of Anfield stood and applauded these regular joes who were, in a way, just like them, except that for one half, they were equal to a Champions League club. The Havant & Waterlooville players will receive a few perks in the coming months -- they were guests of honor at Old Trafford today for Manchester United's 3-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur, and the club has promised them a trip to Las Vegas at season's end -- but eventually, they'll go back to their regular lives, and English football will move on, leaving this game as just one more scoreline in the record books.
Still, they'll always have that one moment on the game's biggest stage, and all this small club's supporters will be able to tell their children and grandchildren how a few ordinary guys from their town took on one of Europe's finest and, for 31 minutes, had them beat. It was 31 minutes they'll never forget.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. brillant momment shame they didnt win but u made the best of what u were given i hope to see u in the premier league in 10-15 years time
Posted at 2:46PM on Jan 27th 2008 by dan
2. I was at Anfield on Saturday and thought Havant & Waterlooville were wonderful - both on and off the pitch. The atmosphere was memorable - especially when the away fans joined in YNWA with their scarves held high. I hope to see them at Anfield again in the future and wish them every success for the future.
Posted at 6:01PM on Jan 27th 2008 by Pam Dyson
3. This is from a Liverpool fanatic. I was at Anfield on Saturday - you lot were just brilliant, supporters and players. It was a tremendous atmosphere. I couldn't believe my eyes or ears at the start when you all held your scarves high and joined in our anthem. We will never forget you or that wonderful Saturday afternoon. All the very best in the future - hopefully we'll see in you in the League very soon.
Posted at 7:28AM on Jan 31st 2008 by Paul Fegan