Date Venue Opponents Round Score Scorers Attendance
27 Nov 82 Home - Goodison Park Stoke City 2nd Round 3-1 Wakenshaw R, Farrington M, Rimmer S Unknown
19 Jan 83 Home - Goodison Park Port Vale 3rd Round 0-0 Unknown
24 Jan 83 Away - Vale Park Port Vale 3rd Round Replay 1-0 Wakenshaw R Unknown
10 Feb 83 Home - Goodison Park Tottenham Hotspur 4th Round 5-0 Farrington M, Rimmer S 3, Morrissey J Unknown
5 Mar 83 Home - Goodison Park Barnsley 5th Round 2-0 Marshall I, Farrington M 2 Unknown
17 Mar 83 Away - Hillsborough Sheffield Wednesday Semi-Final 1st Leg 2-0 Rimmer S, Marshall I Unknown
7 Apr 83 Home - Goodison Park Sheffield Wednesday Semi-Final 2nd Leg 7-0 Farrington M 4, Rimmer S 2, Wakenshaw R 2,315
25 Apr 83 Away - Carrow Road Norwich City Final 1st Leg 2-3 Farrington M 2 10,000
5 May 83 Home - Goodison Park Norwich City Final 2nd Leg 3-2 Marshall I, Farrington M 2 15,540
9 May 83 Home - Goodison Park Norwich City Final Replay 0-1 Unknown

Match by Match Reports

27th November 1982

2nd Round – Home to Stoke City

Won 3-1

Scorers – Rob Wakenshaw, Mark Farrington, Stuart Rimmer

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

RIMMER’S CUP OF JOY

28TH NOVEMBER 1982

Everton 3, Stoke City 1:

Everton are through to the third round of the FA Youth Cup, but it took some desperate defensive play late on to hold on.

The Blues got an early fright when Lennox hit the bar, but gradually got into their stride. Wakenshaw scored at 18 minutes and then took control.

Stoke equalised at 61 minutes when Hughes could only partly stop a Maskery drive and Lennox hit home the rebound.

Everton took the lead again three minutes later when ‘keeper Pritchard dropped the slippery ball and Farrington netted. They made the game safe at 74 minutes when Rimmer picked up a through pass and scored.

19th January 1983

3rd Round – home to Port Vale

Drew 0-0

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

BLUES TO REPLAY

20TH JANUARY 1983

Everton, battling for a place in the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup, came up against a stubborn defence and goalkeeper in inspired form as they were held to a goalless draw by Port Vale at Goodison Park last night.

The result of their inability to put the ball past Wakefield is that Everton have to go to Vale Park next Monday for a replay.

Everton enjoyed almost total control with just Wakefield the one stumbling block. He made tremendous saves from close range efforts by Rimmer and Wakenshaw, did well to foil Bateman and Marshall and when he was neaten by a strong cross shot by Morrissey, later booked for dissent, the ball just cleared the bar. Everton's Coyle was also booked for a foul on Banks with Vale’s Lawton the third player booked for a foul on McCourt.

 

24th January 1983

3rd Round Replay – Away at Port Vale

Won 1-0

Scorer – Rob Wakenshaw

 

No Match report in The Liverpool Echo

 

10th February 1983

4th Round – Home to Tottenham Hotspur

Won 5-0

Scorers – Mark Farrington, Stuart Rimmer (3), Johnny Morrissey

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

10TH FEBRUARY 1983

Everton have a youth match at Goodison tonight against Tottenham, the senior team’s opponents in the F.A. Cup and the word from Goodison to-day was that the game is definitely on.

Everton had to replay against Port Vale in the previous round, which explains the game’s delay.

Everton field a useful youth cup team, and this one includes at least one distinguished name, that of Johnny Morrissey, striker son of the former Everton winger.

The full squad is Hughes., Jones, Macowat, Mashsall, Bateman, Bishop, Morrissey, Rimmer, Wakenshaw, Coyle, Farrington and Hughes.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

EVERTON’S YOUTH BOOSTER

11TH FEBRUARY 1983

Everton who entertain Spurs in the fifth round of the F.A. Cup a week on Saturday, got a psychological boost last night at Goodison Park when their youth team hammered Tottenham’s youngsters 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the F.A. Youth Cup. Giving a display of super team work backed by a couple of great individual goals, Everton were in charge throughout.

They led 3-0 at the interval with a Mark Farrington penalty, a Stuart Rimmer header and a great solo effort by Johnny Morrissey who took the ball through from his own half.

After the break, Rimmer completed his hat-trick with goals after 60 and 80 minutes to earn a home quarter-final tie against Barnsley.

 

5th March 1983

5th Round – Home to Barnsley

Won 2-0

Scorers – Ian Marshall, Mark Farrington

 

First Half Report from The Liverpool Echo

 

MARSHALL’S LIGHTNING STRIKE

5TH MARCH 1983

Everton grabbed early lead in the quarter-final of the F.A. Youth Cup – in the first minute.

A free kick on the left was met by Marshall who lifted in clear of Rhodes to give the ‘keeper no chance.

Marshall then fired in another shot that Rhodes saved.

Morrissey at the other end put in a centre which was mis-cleared by Heseltine but went straight into the hands of Rhodes. Everton had a fright when a Semley corner dropped in the goalmouth. Hughes fell backwards into the net but managed to push the ball forward before he fell.

Heseltine was lucky not to be sent off under the new rule when he was only booked for handling while Coyle was nearly involved in a punch-up and also got away with a booking.

Half-time: Everton 1, Barnsley 0

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

EVERTON IN SEMIS

6TH MARCH 1983

Everton are through to the F.A. Youth Cup semi-final after beating Barnsley 2-0.

They got away to a great start, Marshall picking up a free kick to lob the ball home in the first minute and they sewed it up at 83 minutes when Farrington got in a drive which Rhodes stopped but then let the ball roll over the line.

 

17th March 1983

Semi-Final 1st Leg – Away at Sheffield Wednesday

Won 2-0

Scorers – Stuart Rimmer, Ian Marshall

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

17TH MARCH 1983

To-night, the youth team visit Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final (first leg) of the F.A. Youth Cup.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

STEVE IN STAR ROLE

18TH MARCH 1983

Goals by Steve Rimmer and Ian Marshall at Hillsborough paved the way for Everton to reach the final of the F.A. Youth Cup following the 2-0 defeat of Sheffield Wednesday youth.

When the second leg is played at Goodison Park on April 7, Everton should have no difficulty in clinching that final place.

Rimmer was undoubtedly the man of the match and could have had a hat-trick but for ‘keeper Baker’s valiant efforts.

 

7th April 1983

Semi-Final 2nd Leg – Home to Sheffield Wednesday

Won 7-0

Scorers – Mark Farrington (4), Stuart Rimmer (2), Rob Wakenshaw

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG BLUES HOME IN ON GLORY MISSION

7TH APRIL 1983

Everton have a tremendous chance to reach their fourth F.A. Youth Cup final to-night when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park (7 p.m.) , writes Ken Rogers.

The young Blues gained a 2-0 first leg advantage at Hillsborough with goals from Stuart Rimmer and Ian Marshall. Now they have an opportunity to finish off this semi-final in style.

The side has had an impressive run to reach this stage of the competition, beating Stoke, Port Vale, Spurs and Barnsley. A goal difference of 13-1 speaks for itself.

Rimmer has scored five goals in six games and will be determined to build on that to-night. Wednesday are determined to contest the tie all the way and they boast two youth internationals in Tony Simmons and Simon Mills.

Everton’s last appearance in the final came in 1977 when they lost to Crystal Palace. The club won the trophy for the first and only time 1965 when they beat Arsenal with a side that produced a number of players for the senior ranks.

The best known were Jimmy Husband, John Hurst and goalkeeper Geoff Barnett. The Arsenal side included John Radford, a player who was later on form a tremendous striking partnership with Ray Kennedy at Highbury.

Close on 30,000 fans were at Goodison for that 1965 final. That’s remarkable in itself when you think that Saturday’s first team attendance was only half that figure. The match went into extra time before the Blues finally clinched victory.

FUTURE POTENTIAL

The Echo reported: “Husband was a constant menace and he made one great 40-yard run and finished it off with a powerful shot that flew inches wide. Right half Hurst was outstanding in defence.”

Both players were to win many more headlines when they progressed to the senior side. Goodison fans will be keen to check on the future potential of the players in the team to-night.

Present club skipper Mark Higgins figured in the 1977 final along with players like Ray Deakin (now with Bolton), Pat Heard (Sheffield Wednesday), Ross Jack (Norwich) and Joe McBride (Rotherham).

Youth team coach Graham Smith said: “Sheffield Wednesday proved in the first leg they are a good side and we will take nothing for granted. The main thing is that the player learn from the occasion.”

That’s a view echoed by Youth Development Officer Ray Minshull. He said: “If the lads play as we know they can and as they have done throughout this tournament, we must have a reasonable chance of reaching the final.”

Howard Kendall will be there to watch his young side. He said: “Playing at Goodison will be an experience for the boys. A game like this is the nicest part of their apprenticeship. I can remember playing in the competition for Preston, although we never reached this stage.”

Spectators will be accommodated in the main stand, prices £1 (adults) and 50p for youngsters.

EVERTON K Hughes, Jones, Marshall, Bateman, D Hughes, Morrissey, Coyle, Bishop, Wakenshaw, Farrington, Rimmer. Sub: Mowocat.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

MAGNIFICENT BLUES REACH FINAL

8TH APRIL 1983

Everton reached the final of the F.A. Youth Cup for the fourth time last night when they crushed Sheffield Wednesday 7-0 at Goodison Park.

It was a dazzling display by the young Blues and two of their key players have been rewarded with call-ups to the England Youth squad for next Wednesday’s game against Belgium in Birmingham. They are forwards Stuart Rimmer and John Morrissey.

Everton, winners of the trophy in 1965 and beaten finalists in 1961 and 1977, were leading 2-0 from the first leg. They put the tie out of reach of Wednesday Mark Farrington and Robbie Wakenshaw netted in the first five minutes as many of the crowd of 2,315 were still making their way into the ground.

 

9TH APRIL 1983

Everton’s youngsters did the club proud with a superb 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in their F.A. Youth Cup semi-final second leg clash at Goodison.

The victory sent the young Blues through to the final, and a date with Norwich City, by an aggregate score of 9-0.

Everton owed much to the industry and lethal finishing of Mark Farrington and Stuart Rimmer, although it was a team performance that crushed Wednesday. Farrington, on a night of personal triumph, struck 4 goals, Rimmer netted twice, and the other scorer was Robert Wakenshaw.

 

25th April 1983

Final 1st Leg – Away at Norwich City

Lost 2-3

Scorer – Mark Farrington (2)

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG BLUES BID TO CLIP CANARIES’ WINGS

25TH APRIL 1983

By KEN ROGERS

Norwich City, having put the damper on Liverpool’s title celebrations at Anfield on Saturday, turn their attention to Everton to-night, when the sides clash in the first leg of the F.A. Youth Cup final at Carrow Road.

The young Blues are determined to bring home a good result for the return at Goodison Park on Thursday, May 5.

But there is little doubt that Norwich will provide them with their toughest test of the season., having disposed of all the big guns on the way to the final.

The East Anglian youngsters have beaten Arsenal, Aston Villa, Watford, Manchester United and Luton to reach this stage for the first time. They will be encouraged by a crowd of up to 10,000to-night, so Everton know the measure of their task.

The Blues, taking part in their fourth final, disposed of Stoke, Port Vale, Spurs, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday in previous rounds.

Last week, Norwich won the South East Counties League Championship and they haven’t lost a game in this particular competition in 13 months.

Left back Tony Spearing was captain of the England Youth team for internationals in Israel against Russia and China. He also figured in the recent clash against Belgium when Everton players Stuart Rimmer and Johnny Morrissey were also in the squad.

Morrissey was named as substitute and did well when he was brought into action, Rimmer had a frustrating evening on the sidelines, but has since been given a real boost by travelling with the Goodison first team squad for the games at Dundee and Birmingham.

Rimmer played twice for the senior side at the end of last season when the Blues won at Swansea and then beat Leeds at Goodison.

He’s a speedy striker and is joint top scorer in the youth side along with Garston youngster Mark Farrington.

Norwich can boast three players who have been involved with the first team. Mark Metcalfe an England Under-17 midfield man, came on as substitute at West Ham earlier this year. Winger Louis Donowa and skipper Mark Crowe have also been on the bench and tasted First Division action.

Everton Youth team coach Graham Smith said: “I haven’t watched Norwich, I used to watch all our opponents, but you can give them too much respect. We will play our own game.

“I don’t believe in being negative at this level. At the end of the day it’s all about showing good habits and learning from your mistakes.”

Manager Howard Kendall will be there to-night to give the lads support.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

MARK’S DOUBLE TONIC

26TH APRIL 1983

Two vital second half goals from Garston youngster Mark Farrington kept Everton’s F.A. Youth Cup dreams alive and kicking at Norwich last night.

The young Blues lost 3-2 in a highly competitive clash in front of 10,500 enthusiastic fans, but they showed enough determination and character to emphasise that next week’s return at Goodison Park is going to be a real cracker.

The first half was very evenly matched with Everton battling away to contain their more experienced opponents who went into the tie on a crest of a wave. Norwich had warmed up for this final with a 6-1 drubbing of last year’s winners Watford in a South East Counties League match on Saturday.

But they found this talented young Blues side a completely different proposition with centre backs Ian Marshall and Steve Bateman in commanding form for the Merseysiders.

Norwich turned on the early pressure With skilful winger Louie Donowa and Neil Riley showing their ability and testing the visiting defence with a number of quality crosses. The Blues soaked it up confidently until England Youth player Mark Crowe struck a vital blow just a minute before the break.

He saw a header turned against the bar by ‘keeper Ken Hughes, but followed in quickly to slot in the rebound from close range. Everton shook off the disappointment early in the second half with a stunning equaliser.

Farrington, a four-goal hero in the semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday, took a pass from Ian Bishop 30 yard out before hammering in a dipping shot that caught the ‘keeper completely unawares.

The partisan local crowd urged Norwich back into the game and they regained the lead after 66 minutes when Jon Rigby drove home a right wing cross from Paul Clayton.

But the Goodison side, inspired by a battling midfield display from tough tackling Jimmy Coyle, kept plugging away. They were rewarded when Farrington latched on to a tremendous ball out of defence to race into the Norwich box and flick his shot wide of the helpless Pearce from eight yards.

It was then the turn of the Norwich lads to show their character and minutes from time Jeremy Goss popped up on the edge of the box to hammer home a solid shot through a ruck of players.

‘Keeper Hughes dived low to his right to get a hand to the effort, but he could not stop it from squeezing into the corner to give the home side a slender first leg advantage.

EVERTON: K Hughes, Jones, D Hughes, Bateman, Marshall, Bishop, Coyle, Macowat (Hood 70 mins), Farrington, Rimmer, Wakenshaw.

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG BLUES BID TO CLIP CANARIES’ WINGS

25TH APRIL 1983

By KEN ROGERS

Norwich City, having put the damper on Liverpool’s title celebrations at Anfield on Saturday, turn their attention to Everton to-night, when the sides clash in the first leg of the F.A. Youth Cup final at Carrow Road.

The young Blues are determined to bring home a good result for the return at Goodison Park on Thursday, May 5.

But there is little doubt that Norwich will provide them with their toughest test of the season., having disposed of all the big guns on the way to the final.

The East Anglian youngsters have beaten Arsenal, Aston Villa, Watford, Manchester United and Luton to reach this stage for the first time. They will be encouraged by a crowd of up to 10,000to-night, so Everton know the measure of their task.

The Blues, taking part in their fourth final, disposed of Stoke, Port Vale, Spurs, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday in previous rounds.

Last week, Norwich won the South East Counties League Championship and they haven’t lost a game in this particular competition in 13 months.

Left back Tony Spearing was captain of the England Youth team for internationals in Israel against Russia and China. He also figured in the recent clash against Belgium when Everton players Stuart Rimmer and Johnny Morrissey were also in the squad.

Morrissey was named as substitute and did well when he was brought into action, Rimmer had a frustrating evening on the sidelines, but has since been given a real boost by travelling with the Goodison first team squad for the games at Dundee and Birmingham.

Rimmer played twice for the senior side at the end of last season when the Blues won at Swansea and then beat Leeds at Goodison.

He’s a speedy striker and is joint top scorer in the youth side along with Garston youngster Mark Farrington.

Norwich can boast three players who have been involved with the first team. Mark Metcalfe an England Under-17 midfield man, came on as substitute at West Ham earlier this year. Winger Louis Donowa and skipper Mark Crowe have also been on the bench and tasted First Division action.

Everton Youth team coach Graham Smith said: “I haven’t watched Norwich, I used to watch all our opponents, but you can give them too much respect. We will play our own game.

“I don’t believe in being negative at this level. At the end of the day it’s all about showing good habits and learning from your mistakes.”

Manager Howard Kendall will be there to-night to give the lads support.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

MARK’S DOUBLE TONIC

26TH APRIL 1983

Two vital second half goals from Garston youngster Mark Farrington kept Everton’s F.A. Youth Cup dreams alive and kicking at Norwich last night.

The young Blues lost 3-2 in a highly competitive clash in front of 10,500 enthusiastic fans, but they showed enough determination and character to emphasise that next week’s return at Goodison Park is going to be a real cracker.

The first half was very evenly matched with Everton battling away to contain their more experienced opponents who went into the tie on a crest of a wave. Norwich had warmed up for this final with a 6-1 drubbing of last year’s winners Watford in a South East Counties League match on Saturday.

But they found this talented young Blues side a completely different proposition with centre backs Ian Marshall and Steve Bateman in commanding form for the Merseysiders.

Norwich turned on the early pressure With skilful winger Louie Donowa and Neil Riley showing their ability and testing the visiting defence with a number of quality crosses. The Blues soaked it up confidently until England Youth player Mark Crowe struck a vital blow just a minute before the break.

He saw a header turned against the bar by ‘keeper Ken Hughes, but followed in quickly to slot in the rebound from close range. Everton shook off the disappointment early in the second half with a stunning equaliser.

Farrington, a four-goal hero in the semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday, took a pass from Ian Bishop 30 yard out before hammering in a dipping shot that caught the ‘keeper completely unawares.

The partisan local crowd urged Norwich back into the game and they regained the lead after 66 minutes when Jon Rigby drove home a right wing cross from Paul Clayton.

But the Goodison side, inspired by a battling midfield display from tough tackling Jimmy Coyle, kept plugging away. They were rewarded when Farrington latched on to a tremendous ball out of defence to race into the Norwich box and flick his shot wide of the helpless Pearce from eight yards.

It was then the turn of the Norwich lads to show their character and minutes from time Jeremy Goss popped up on the edge of the box to hammer home a solid shot through a ruck of players.

‘Keeper Hughes dived low to his right to get a hand to the effort, but he could not stop it from squeezing into the corner to give the home side a slender first leg advantage.

EVERTON: K Hughes, Jones, D Hughes, Bateman, Marshall, Bishop, Coyle, Macowat (Hood 70 mins), Farrington, Rimmer, Wakenshaw.

 

5th May 1983

Final 2nd Leg – Home to Norwich City

Won 3-2

Scorers – Ian Marshall, Mark Farrington (2)

 

Match preview from The Liverpool Echo

 

YOUNG BLUES IN TUNE FOR GLORY

5TH MAY 1983

BY KEN ROGERS

A tremendous battle is on the cards to-night when Everton try to pull back a one goal deficit against Norwich City to win the F.A. Youth Cup for the second time (7:30).

The Young Blues lost 3-2 at Carrow Road in an exciting first leg that attracted 10,000 fans. Everton manager Howard Kendall is hoping that his young players will get an equally partisan backing to-night.

He said: “Our lads played their hearts out in that first leg. The place was buzzing in terms of quality football and excellent goals. We’ve got it all to play for against a very good team. It couldn’t be more evenly balanced.”

Everton are able to recall 18-years-old John Morrissey to-night and name a full strength side. Morrissey, son of former left-winger, pulled out of the game in Carrow Road after a training injury.

He’s a different type of player from his famous father and plays on the right flank. But he has plenty of skill and will use it to good advantage against the strong Norwich defence.

Everton trailed twice in the first leg, but showed their character to bounce back with two goals from their leading scorer Mark Farrington. He reminded me of an old-fashioned type centre-forward, bustling away and causing problems with his determination.

His first goal was an absolute stunner, beating the Norwich ‘keeper from 30 yards and he showed another side to his game when he cleverly flicked home his second.

The Young Blues looked solid at the heart of their defence. Ian Marshall is equally effective as a striker ans was only converted as a centre-half because the side was short in that position.

Like his partner Steve Bateman, he looks confident in the air. The Blues defence will have to be on their toes to-night because Norwich have a couple of difficult customers up front.

Right-winger Louie Donowa has already made his First Division debut for the East Anglian side. He’s a speedy right-winger who can put in dangerous crosses.

Two other players have been given senior debuts. Skipper Mark Crowe played against Brighton last December, while midfielder Mark Metcalf figured in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham that month.

So the visitors are a useful side, looking for their first success in this competition. Everton won it in 1965 when they beat Arsenal 3-2 at Goodison in front of 30,000 fans!

One of the young Everton players who impressed me in the first leg was midfield man Jimmy Coyle. A local youngster, he is a solid little tackler who never gives up.

The match is perfectly poised. Everton will open the Main and Bullens Road upper stands for the match, admission £1. The Gwladys Street and Enclosure terraces are also open at 50p.

Everton’s route to the final: Blues scores first: Stoke (H) 3-1; Port Vales (H) 0-0, replay (A) 1-0; Spurs (H) 5-0; Barnsley (H) 2-0; Semi final over two legs: Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 (A), 7-0 (H). Gaol tally 20-1. Scorers: Farrington 7, Rimmer 7, Wakenshaw 3, Marshall 2, Morrissey 1.

Previous finals: 1961 – Lost to Chelsea, 1965 – beat Arsenal, 1977 – Lost to Crystal Palace.

Norwich attracted 10,000 fans for first leg of final, score 3-2. Goals; Crowe (44) 1-0, Farrington (58) 1-1, Rigby (66) 2-1, Farrington (77) 2-2, Goss (78) 3-2.

EVERTON TEAM

1. KEN HUGHES, age 17. Welsh Schoolboy international goalkeeper at Under-15 and Under-18. Studying for A-levels in Harlech.

2. STEVE JONES, age 17. Comes from Litherland and played for North Sefton Boys, apprentice.

3. DARREN HUGHES, age 17. Born in Runcorn and played for Cheshire and Runcorn Boys. Normally a midfield man, he has battled hard to gain final place after being sub in earlier rounds. Apprentice.

4. STEVE BATEMAN, age 18, Born Berkhamstead. Arrived at Goodison last Easter and went on to be voted best player in Roma Youth Tournament. Professional.

5. IAN MARSHALL, age 17. Comes from Litherland. Played for Merseyside and North Sefton Boys. Apprentice.

6. IAN BISHOP, age 17. Comes from Cantril Farm. Skilful midfield player. Apprentice.

7. JIMMY COYLE, age 18. From Walton, played for Liverpool Boys. Missed an important year when he just made it into City Boys with Achilles tendon trouble. Battled back and looks fine prospect. Professional.

8. JOHN MORRISSEY, age 18. Comes from Crosby, played for North Sefton Boys. Plays on right flank. Professional.

9. MARK FARRINGTON, age 17. Comes from Garston. Bustling centre-forward and leading goalscorer in competition. Apprentice.

10. STUART RIMMER, age 18. Born in Southport. Played two first team games at end of last season. An England Youth International who played for Merseyside and Southport Boys. Professional.

11. ROBERT WAKENSHAW, age 17. Born in Seaton Delaval. Played for Northumberland Boys. Apprentice.

12. IAN MACOWAT, age 17. Born in Wigan. Played for England and Wigan Boys. Apprentice.

 

Match report from The Liverpool Echo

 

CUP GLORY ON KNIFE EDGE

6TH MAY 1983

BY KEN ROGERS

A goal in 60 seconds from Norwich City, a battling recovery by Everton, extra time … and a sensational late penalty miss by two goal hero Mark Farrington, were the ingredients of a remarkable F.A. Youth Cup final at Goodison Park last night when two talented young sides thrilled a 15,000 crowd from start to finish with skill and determination.

After 210 minutes of non-stop action this game is still balanced on a knife edge at 5-5. The final will now go to a replay at Goodison next Monday after the Blues won the toss for choice of venue.

Norwich arrived with a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Carrow Road, they made a dream start when they increased their aggregate lead with a goal from Clayton within a minute of the kick off.

The striker rammed the ball passed keeper Hughes from close range after Rigby had glanced on a Spearing cross. It was a bitter blow for Everton, but they showed tremendous character to recover their composure and bounce back back after 25 minutes.

The recovery began when Coyle lofted in a free kick from the right that was turned goalwards by skipper Bateman. Opposing captain Crowe kicked clear off the line to concede a corner on the left. Morrissey’s kick was met perfectly by Marshall who headed firmly past the helpless Pearce to put the Blues back on target.

Five minutes before the break the young Blues were well in control and Bateman struck the woodwork from a Morrissey free kick.

It was desperately unlucky but Everton shrugged off the disappointment to level the aggregate score at 55 minutes and lead 2-1 on the night.

Bateman’s shot was soaring into the floor of the net when full back Godbold turned it over the top with his hands. Farrington stepped forward confidently to hammer the resulting spot kick high and wide off the keeper’s right hand.

The Goodison fans went wild with delight and the stage was set for a memorable finish. With just a minute of normal time left if looked as if the Blues had clinched it.

Farrington put in an important header in the box and Rimmer’s touch on looked over the line, but defender McIntyre hooked clear.

Within 25 seconds Everton made the vital breakthrough to take the aggregate lead for the first time. Inevitably it was the non-stop Farrington who created a chance out of nothing – and finished with devastating efficiency.

Everton were 5-4 ahead over the two legs and the crowd were winding up for a noisy celebration hoping to see this famous trophy lifted by an Everton skipper for only the second time, but it was the turn of this powerful Norwich side to pull out the stops.

Clayton headed back across the box, and there was Rigby perfectly placed to volley home from close range. With 10 minutes left, Everton made one final attack to try and clinch this match when Rimmer attacked the box with confidence.

He went down under a combined challenge from Crowe and substitute O’Connor. The referee rather harshly pointed to the spot.

Up stepped the two-goal Farrington once again.

This time Pearce pulled off a magnificent save.

EVERTON: Hughes (K); Jones, Hughes (D), Bateman, Marshall, Bishop; Coyle, Morrissey, (Macowat), Farrington, Rimmer, Wakenshaw.

NORWICH CITY: Pearce; Godbold, Spearing; Crowe, McIntyre, Goss; Donowa, Rigby, Clayton, Metcalf, (O’Connor), Riley.

Attendance: 15,540.

 

9th May 1983

Final Replay – Home to Norwich City

Lost 0-1

 

Match report from the Reading Evening Post

 

NORWICH LIFT CUP

10TH MAY 1983

Norwich won the FA Youth Cup for the first time with a 1-0 replay win over Everton at Goodison Park, Clayton scoring the winner after 52 minutes.

 

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