The performance that is rated by many Evertonians as the ‘best of the '90s’ came ON THIS DAY in 1995.
Everton were playing Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road, although the Londoners could have been forgiven for thinking that it was a home game for the Blues, such was the dominance of the support.
The national media were licking their lips at the prospect of Manchester United v Tottenham final at Wembley but Joe Royle had other ideas.
Everton dominated the game from the off and the only surprise was that it took 35 minutes for the first goal to arrive. Andy Hinchliffe swung in a trademark corner kick and Matt Jackson headed the ball past Ian Walker for his second goal of the season – his first was at Bristol City in the fourth round.
The second goal came 10 minutes into the second half when a poor clearance from Walker fell to the feet of Paul Rideout. The Blues striker forced a save from the Spurs keeper, but Graham Stuart was on hand to roll in the rebound.
The Evertonians were lapping it up and the only moment of uncertainty on a glorious afternoon came in the 63rdminute when England striker Teddy Sheringham tumbled theatrically under an innocuous challenge by Dave Watson and referee Robbie Hart pointed to the spot.
Jurgen Klinsmann despatched the penalty – the first goal Everton had conceded during that Cup run – but anyone thinking that it was ‘game on’ were to think again.
The best substitution that Royle ‘never made’ saw to that!
A mix-up between the manager and his physio, Les Helm, who was treating Paul Rideout, led to Daniel Amokachi trotting out onto the pitch.
Royle realised too late that Rideout would have been okay to continue but Amokachi allayed any fears with two late goals.
His first was a far-post header from a Stuart cross and his second rounded off a tremendous counter-attack.
Anders Limpar carried the ball over the halfway line before releasing it to Gary Ablett whose sliding cross was converted by Amokachi. 4-1, game over and the dream final was in ruins!
