Football’s Strangest Matches (Extraordinary but true stories from over a century of football). Written by Andrew Ward
First published in 1989, this book the 2004 reprint. Published by Robson Books from a imprint of Chrysalis Books Group plc.
This book was a filler after reading Peter May’s trilogy about a policeman who returns to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and see’s life changing events unfold as he sets about solving three different murders all of which are tied in to his past and future.
I thoroughly enjoyed the books as I did this one.
It’s 66 short stories were quick easy reading that made you think and smile. It was often some of what seemed daft experiences at the time that shaped the game as we know it today. The content ranges from 1895 to 2000 and I was at one of the events set out in a chapter. In January 1961 Luton were at home to Manchester City in the FA Cup and I saw them go 2 nil ahead only to be pegged back by 6 goals all scored by Dennis Law. But the game was abandoned on 69 minutes due to the rain making an already muddy pitch unplayable. When the game was replayed although Dennis Law scored it was Luton who ran out 3-1 winners and progressed to the next round. It’s strange how your memory pales as I always thought it was abandoned because it was too icy.
There are tales about a hypnotist, a game where they wore gas masks, a penalty kicking elephant and 227 more.
An easy to pick up and put down book that’s worth a look.
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