It was 21 years ago today that Peterborough United celebrated winning their Third Division Play-Off match at Huddersfield Town.
Posh fans may still be getting over the disappointment of relegation but go back 21 years and you will come across an unforgettable match.
Travelling up to Yorkshire on the back of a 2-2 1st leg draw, the odds were stacked in the Terriers favour with over 16,000 fans packed in at their Leeds Road ground. However, the bookies don`t always get things right and luckily for Posh, this was one of those times even though they fell behind to a second minute Phil Starbuck goal.
The night was to end with a new Posh legend when Steve Cooper dived to meet a Bobby Barnes cross to head the winner with only four minutes of normal time remaining!
Cooper had been at the club on a two-month loan deal from Tranmere Rovers but had only played in two games during that time. He was sent off in his second appearance in Posh colours against Wigan Athletic and hadn`t featured since so he was surprised that he made the bench and even more surprised to get the nod to come on as a sub.
What an excellent choice by manager Chris Turner though as Cooper was the hero with his winning goal.
On speaking a number of years ago about the match, Cooper said: “I was on the bench that night and came on with about 10 minutes to go.
“Bobby Barnes received the ball on the right and swung a cross in and I just launched myself at it.
“I didn`t actually see the ball go in as I was still on the floor, but the reaction of the Peterborough fans behind the goal gave it away.
“It was obviously a great feeling. It`s always nice to score goals like that, especially in such a big game.
“But it wasn`t a great loan spell until then. I was sent off in my second game at Wigan and I never started another game.
“I wasn`t the most skilful player, but I always gave 120 per cent and I like to think I had a good rapport with the Peterborough fans as a result. I did at most of my clubs.”
Sadly, Cooper died at just 39 years of age in 2004 but he will long be remembered by Posh fans.
The Posh team on that night were:
Fred Barber
Noel Luke
Dave Robinson
Steve Welsh
Ronnie Robinson
Bobby Barnes
Mick Halsall
Marcus Ebdon
Worrell Sterling
Tony Adcock
Ken Charlery
Subs:
Lee Howarth
Steve Cooper
The Huddersfield team had a couple of very familiar names and their losing team comprised of:
Tim Clarke
Simon Trevitt
Simon Charlton
Peter Jackson
John Kelly
Graham Mitchell
Kieran O`Regan
Chris Billy
Iwan Roberts
Iffy Onuora
Subs:
Gary Barnett
Mark Wright
UP THE POSH
Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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