The first round of the FA Cup this weekend has stirred magic memories for former Barnet winger Ricky George, who still lives in Hadley.

George made nearly 300 appearances for Barnet. The highlight was his hat-trick when the Bees, then a Southern League (Premier Division) side, thrashed Fourth Division Newport County 6-1 in the first round at Underhill in November 1970.

But it was with Hereford United, also Southern League, that George made FA Cup headlines little more than two years later.

Hereford had reached the third round, and were paired with mighty Newcastle, sixth in the first division. There was a crowd of 39,000 at St James's Park for the midweek game.

George came on as substitute in the 70th minute. With the score 2-2, his former Barnet teammate Billy Meadows almost grabbed a last-gasp shock winner for Hereford, with a diving header that was saved by Newcastle keeper Liam McFaul.

In a sensational replay at Edgar Street, Malcolm McDonald gave Newcastle a 79th minute lead, and Hereford appeared to be on their way out. George came on as substitute two minutes later, and with three minutes left, he won the ball and sparked a move that culminated in Ronnie Radford firing an equaliser from 30 yards, one of the most spectacular goals in FA Cup history.

Then came George's great moment of glory 13 minutes into extra time, when he fired the winner from the edge of the penalty area.

George described his feelings in his biography, "One goal, one horse," in which he also describes the thrill of being joint owner of Grand National winner Earth Summit.

"I knew I had done something very, very special. I still feel the emotion today, seeing that ball hit the net. It still brings tears to my eyes."

It was a big occasion, too, for George's good friend, renowned Bbc TV soccer commentator John Motson. It was his first live FA Cup commentary for television, featured later in Match of the Day, and earned him a contract as a regular member of the team on the programme.

Hereford lost 3-1 to West Ham in the fourth round. Geoff Hurst hit a hat-trick for the Hammers, and Meadows replied for Hereford.

George and Motson got together at the Orange Tree, Totteridge, on Thursday, when they relived the glory days of 1972, to be included in "Match of the Day" on Bbc 1 TV on Sunday (12.30pm), featuring Hereford v Wrexham.

November 15, 2001 16:47

JOHN POLLARD