Bologna 1, Blackpool 2 - Anglo-Italian Cup Final, June 12, 1971

IT is rightly regarded as the finest moment in Blackpool's history since the Matthews Final in 1953. Blackpool came to Italy, saw and conquered, beating Bologna on their pitch in the 1971 Anglo-Italian Inter-League Cup Final. They not only subdued the opposition, one of Italy's finest clubs, but also silenced 40,000 home supporters as fanatical as any in Europe at the time. By contrast, a smattering of Blackpool fans made the journey – the rest stayed at home and watched a thriller unfold on TV. The Seasiders upset the odds to became the toast of English football.

The Anglo-Italian Cup involved half a dozen league clubs from each country and had been introduced the previous season, when Swindon Town defeated Napoli in the final. In 1971, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, Stoke, Swindon, and West Brom did battle with Bologna, Cagliari, Inter Milan, Roma, Sampdoria and Verona.

It looked rather bleak for the Seasiders in the first half in Bologna. The Italians, so dangerous breaking from midfeld, created most of the openings and 19-year-old John Burridge, just starting out on a career remarkable for its longevity, was called on to make agile saves from strikers Perani (twice), Savoldi and Pace. However, Pace did manage to beat Burridge on 32 minutes to put the hosts in front 1-0 at half-time.

But the Seasiders stormed back after the break, turning the contest on its head.The pivotal point was John Craven's 62nd-minute equaliser, hit well into the corner of the net from just inside the box after a quick one-two with Bill Bentley. A penalty shoot-out loomed but extra-time brought glory for the Blackpool side managed by Bob Stokoe. Micky Burns struck in the 99th minute to send the Blackpool fans wild. Dennis Wann, brought on as a substitute for exhausted teenager Alan Ainscow, swept a pinpoint 30-yard pass up the left wing. Burns cut inside and unleashed a tremendous 25-yard shot which swerved away from keeper Vavassori and into the net.

Blackpool qualified for the final again the following summer, losing 3-1 to Roma in Rome. (Blackpool Gazette)