Goals Of The Season 2 - Ronnie's Rocket

The second in this series is perhaps the most shown TV goal of all-time, especially when FA Cup games are shown. It is Ronnie Radford’s goal – and if you haven’t seen this, how can you possibly have avoided it?

It is 5 February 1972, the fourth round of the FA Cup.  The Match of the Day producers intend to lead with the games between Liverpool and Leeds (0-0) and Preston v Manchester United (0-2) and conclude with a few minutes of the postponed third round replay between non-league Hereford United and First Division Newcastle United. However, after the events of the day, the match is promoted to top billing and provides the big break for the young commentator John Motson.

The first game, at St James’ Park, had ended 2-2 – a considerable achievement by the non-league side to hold a top team on their own ground. Because of postponements the reply was held on the same day as the next round.

Near the end Malcolm Macdonald heads Newcastle into the lead and, with time running out, Hereford push the ball forward with this result. In extra time Hereford go on to get the winner and the game is listed as one of the great upsets.

In the fourth round, Hereford are drawn against another top division team, West Ham United, but this time go down 3-1 after a 0-0 draw.