Taking part in in opposition to two completely different goalkeepers in a single recreation is just not that uncommon, however arising in opposition to three definitely is – as Liverpool skilled in 1982.
Let’s set the scene. The yr is 1982, the Reds are reigning First Division and League Cup champions and beneath the tutelage of Bob Paisley.
Liverpool have gained three of their opening 4 league video games of the 1982/83 season and it’s now time for Luton City to make a go to to Anfield for the primary time since 1974.
The Hatters ended their seven-year exile from the topflight after ending prime of the Second Division the season prior, and their return wouldn’t be with out notable headlines.
And three goalkeepers in 90 minutes definitely was one in all them.
Whereas Bruce Grobbelaar was a everlasting fixture in Liverpool’s objective, Luton weren’t so lucky at Anfield in September 1982 – but the outcome would converse in any other case.
Jake Findlay was the Hatters’ No. 1 and was named in David Pleat’s beginning lineup (goalkeeper primary), however stayed on the sector of play for less than 38 minutes earlier than being compelled off by a chest damage.
Graeme Souness had solely simply scored for the Reds, with a splendid volley, to make it 1-1, however Findlay couldn’t proceed and Luton turned to full-back Kirk Stephens (goalkeeper quantity two).
The Kop shortly greeted him in objective with, ‘There’s just one Shakin’ Stevens’.
If you’re questioning why they didn’t simply flip to a different goalkeeper from the bench, at the moment you possibly can solely make one substitution in a recreation and a ‘keeper was not among the many choices – this may solely change in 1987.
Merely minutes after Stephens assumed the function, Ian Rush fired into an empty internet after the Luton man raced off his line, 2-1 to Liverpool and the sense was the dam wall might break in favour of the Reds.
It was not fairly the case. At half-time, centre-back Mal Donaghy (goalkeeper quantity three) donned the No. 1 as Stephens moved again into his outfield place.
Notably, each makeshift ‘keepers wore a Liverpool shirt as Findlay by no means handed his on after his damage – this match was definitely not quick on moments that will go ‘viral’ in current day.
Extremely, regardless of the Reds having the likes of Rush, Kenny Dalglish and Souness to capitalise on Luton‘s misfortune, it was the guests who scored twice in 10 second-half minutes to make it 2-3.
Donaghy had been rising more and more hopeful of avoiding the identical destiny as Findlay and Stephens, and he could have achieved had Paisley not turned to Craig Johnston, who scored the equaliser with quarter-hour left.
Luton had been admirable of their combat and left Anfield with the respect from the stands and their counterparts after it completed 3-3.
To sum all of it up, Luton fielded three completely different goalkeepers (just one was, actually, a ‘keeper by commerce), two needed to put on a Liverpool package and so they every conceded one objective.
And but on the finish of the 90 minutes, the scoreboard learn 3-3. Soccer, eh?
