There was a distinct sense of déjà vu when the balls were drawn for the FA Cup third round in January 1972.
Carlisle United, having gone out valiantly to Tottenham Hotspur in the previous campaign's fourth round, were paired with the north London side once again.
This time it would be a trip to White Hart Lane for Ian MacFarlane’s second-tier Blues – their first game at Spurs’ stadium.
It was certainly an exciting prospect for an emerging Carlisle side. Tottenham boasted star players such as Pat Jennings, Steve Perryman, Martin Chivers, Alan Gilzean and World Cup winner Martin Peters, and we're managed by the great Bill Nicholson.
They had finished third in the First Division in 1970/1, and the following campaign were also destined for glory in the UEFA Cup.
Some challenge, then. Yet United were also a growing force at their level, and had enhanced their side in October with the signing of one of their greatest all-time talents.
Stan Bowles had joined from Crewe Alexandra and was swift to make his mark for MacFarlane’s side, scoring six goals ahead of the Tottenham trip, including the day he graced Brunton Park with a brilliant hat-trick against Norwich City.
United’s boss was without another signing, the cup-tied Ray Train, but Frank Barton’s availability despite a thigh strain was a plus. Carlisle set off for London in the knowledge that some 3,000 Blues fans would be following them – as well as some special guests.
Joining them at their north London base was Blencathra huntsman John Richardson, and three generations of the John Peel family. Groundsman Ted Swainson was also ferrying two foxhounds and a terrier in his Land Rover.
United, in front of 33,702 and on a heavily sanded winter pitch, then set about hunting down illustrious Spurs. It went down as one of their most accomplished cup performances on the road, and the Blues started as they meant to go on.
Although Gilzean landed a first-half blow on the Cumbrians with an opening goal, the response from MacFarlane’s men was superb.
They went up against their highly-ranked hosts with confidence and style. Three first-half moments gave Spurs a strong examination.
First, a Chris Balderstone pass to Dennis Martin required goalkeeper Jennings to be at his most alert to avert the danger. Martin then missed after further good work from the classy Balderstone.
Then they equalised in terrific fashion. Martin started the move with a pass for Balderstone, and he progressed before chipping the ball into the box.
From there, it was all about Bowles’ balance and poise, as he spun sharply before curling a shot past Jennings and inside the far post.
It was the grandest stage yet for Bowles’ maverick talent, and his goal allowed United to fantasise about an upset.
In the second half, Spurs’ attacking grew more persistent, but Carlisle’s industry in midfield and defence was excellent, with Barton in particular doing trojan work against the mighty threats of Chivers and Gilzean.
Jimmy Neighbour, who had helped put United out of the cup the previous year, threatened to repeat the action but was defied by an athletic save by Allan Ross.
United left-back John Gorman – four years away from a move to Tottenham – was the subject of home penalty appeals when he charged down a Peters shot, while Gilzean saw a headed finish ruled out for offside.
Yet Carlisle progressed through the game with some impressive organisation, Tot Winstanley marshalling the defence superbly and attacker Bobby Owen, playing in a deeper role than normal, carrying out his work with due diligence too.
Carlisle were well worthy of the 1-1 draw which heralded a replay, and a second visit to Brunton Park for Spurs in as many seasons, with a fourth round home tie against Bury or Rotherham the prize.
The Peel family and fellow huntsmen were there again, but this time Tottenham's horn proved too loud. For the second time at United’s ground, they scored three and that turned out to be too much for MacFarlane’s battlers.
Martin gave the Blues a lead in front of 21,560 fans, and Bowles’ skill and unpredictability remained a threat, but Chivers levelled for Nicholson’s side, before Gilzean and Chivers, again, earned Tottenham the replay spoils 3-1.
They advanced as far as the quarter-finals, while United resumed a league campaign that brought a tenth-placed finish. “It was a great game of football and I am proud of the way the boys played right to the end,” was the replay verdict of their manager – who was also concerned about transfer interest in Bowles.
“We are certainly not desperate to sell," MacFarlane stressed, and Carlisle held onto Bowles until the following September, by which time Queens Park Rangers’ interest was irresistible: a star gone from United’s orbit, but with some glittering memories trailing behind him.
Tottenham: Jennings, Evans, Want, Coates, England, Beal, Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Neighbour. Sub: Morgan.
United: Ross, Hemstead, Gorman, Ternent, Winstanley, Bowles, Barton, Martin, Owen, Webb, Balderstone. Sub: Davis.
Crowd: 33,702.
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