32 years ago today...
On 7th February 1984, Walsall faced European heavyweights Liverpool at Anfield in the first leg of our Milk Cup semi-final.It is one of the most famous results in the Saddlers’ 128-year history…
LIVERPOOL 2-2 WALSALL – MILK CUP SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG
Walsall’s magical run to the Milk Cup semi-finals in 1983/84 remains the club’s best-ever performance in a major cup competition.
The Saddlers beat Blackpool, Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Rotherham and Arsenal en route to the last four, where we faced Bob Paisley’s Liverpool, the reigning English league champions.
Alan Buckley’s Walsall were flying high in the Third Division but surely didn’t have a prayer against one of the greatest Liverpool teams in history.
The Merseyside giants were regarded as the best in Europe – and actually went on to win an historic treble that season (League, League Cup and European Cup).
But the giant-killing Saddlers gave the European power-houses an almighty scare in the first leg at Anfield.
Ronnie Whelan slotted Liverpool ahead but a Phil Neal own goal – in front of the Kop – drew Walsall level before half-time.
Whelan restored the Reds’ lead after the break but the Saddlers fought back again, with super-sub Kevin Summerfield equalising with his first touch.
The match ended 2-2 – to the delight of over 10,000 travelling Walsall supporters.
And although Liverpool ultimately prevailed on aggregate after winning 2-0 at Fellows Park in the second leg, our 1983/84 Milk Cup adventure will never be forgotten.