It should come as no surprise that on the 25th anniversary of OVF editor Rob Fielding’s favourite Vale game, that this website should produce a number of features recalling the events of 30th January 1988…
Classic match report, video and reaction
Our review of one of the famous cup upsets of all-time. This feature includes a video of match highlights, a programme transcript from a Radio Five documentary on the game, reports from the national newspapers and a personal view from Rob Fielding, who was on the terraces that day.
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FA Cup fever in Match magazine
This is how the February 1988 edition of Match magazine celebrated Port Vale’s famous FA Cup win over Spurs. It includes interviews with Bob Hazel, Ray Walker and Gary Mabbutt.
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The Sproson revelation in Shoot magazine
Rivals Shoot magazine also covered the game and also included a fascinating revelation from Phil Sproson on how close he came to joining neighbours Stoke City.
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Frank Keating on the Sprosons
Away from OVF, here is a Guardian column by the late Frank Keating on the Sproson family and the build-up to the game.
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As a Spurs fan I remember the game well. On a gloriously muddy pitch your lot were up for the challenge, ours patently weren’t. Of course in those days teams didn’t rotate teams for the cup games. Ours was the best that El Tel could put out. Ardiles Waddle Allen et al but we never even looked like winning or even drawing.