We take a look back on our biggest ever cup victory in 1998...
This weekend we welcome Macclesfield Town to the Bank’s Stadium for an Emirates FA Cup First Round tie.The game brings back fond memories for the Saddlers having recorded our record cup winning margin against the Silkmen back in 1998 - a 7-0 thrashing away from home in Jan Sørenson’s one and only season at the club.
Having dispatched Lincoln United in the opening round, we were drawn away at Macclesfield Town and went into the game as strong favourites. After a bright start to the game it was no surprise that former Le Harve striker Roger Boli would be the man to open the scoring.
Boli went on to score 12 goals for the Saddlers that year and is widely remembered for his acrobatic effort against Southend United.
Ex-Manchester United trialist John Hodge soon made it two before half-time with a penalty to put the Saddlers in a commanding position at the break.
Fans favourite Jeff Peron began to turn on the style and created numerous chances for the Saddler’s potent frontline. Though it was defender, Adrian Viveash, who put the game beyond Macclesfield with a third straight after the break – an unlikely source having only netted three times during his time at the club.
Roger Boli doubled his tally for the day, converting a spot kick after Efe Sodje was given his marching orders for the incident which led to the penalty. Having proven to be a real handful all afternoon, Boli was substituted but the scoring hadn’t finished just yet.
Gary Porter was next in on the act, slotting home a quick fire double and Hodge added his second of the game to ensure the Saddlers’ recorded our biggest victory in a cup encounter.
One to remember – personally for Jeff Peron having set up six on the day – but also for the club as it provided a bright spark in what was a challenging season which ended in a 19th placed finish in the league.
The cup adventure continued the following month and after beating Peterborough United 2-0 at London Road, the Saddlers were handed a dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The run eventually came to an abrupt end with a 5-1 defeat at the Hands of the Red Devils but the tie gave many supporters a chance to see their Saddlers go head-to-head with one of the world’s most successful sides.