F.A. Cup showdown

Press, 19 May 1984, Page 72

F.A. Cup showdown

NZPA-PA London The fullback, David Bardsley, has recovered from injury to gain a place in the Watford team for the F.A. Cup soccer final at Wembley tomorrow morning (N.Z. time). Pen pictures EVERTON: Neville Southall—Welsh international goal keeper who is highly rated by every forward in the country. Southall. 25, has been beaten only once in Everton’s F.A. Cup run this season. Gary Stevens—This talented 21-year-old right fullback has caught the eye of some astute observers this season and will have a vital role in the final with Watford’s style of playing down the wings. John Bailey—A left full back who gives 101 per cent commitment whether it’s making a last minute tackle or charging down the line and crossing to the far post. Bailey is a true Liverpudlian ... a Scouser . . . who revelled in the “Derby” atmosphere of the Milk Cup against Liverpool when even members of his own family supported the opposition that day.

Kevin Ratcliffe—Everton and Wales captain. Perhaps the only central defender who can honestly claim to have kept Liverpool’s lethal striker lan Rush quiet for a full 90 minutes. Ratcliffe, 23, and Rush are Welsh team-mates and even share accommodation when Wales travel but on the field in the Milk Cup, Ratcliffe showed no signs of being Rush’s mate. A creative player as well as a tough as nails defender.

Derek Mountfield — Ratcliffe’s co-central defender. A bargain buy in 1982 from Tranmere Rovers. Mountfield, 21, is developing into a perfect partner to Ratcliffe.

Peter Reid—This former England under 23 captain is still one of the hardest working midfielders in the business. Reid, aged 27, has made many comebacks from serious injury

but so far this season has managed to stay off the stretcher. A tenacious defender, Reid is also a threat just outside the penalty box. Trevor Steven—Gets his big chance after a season of being in and out of the first team. At 20 years of age, Steven has plenty of time to develop as a midfielder.

Adrian Heath-The most expensive plaver in Everton s team at £700.000 ($NZ1,505.000)— paid to Stoke in January 1982—Heath is also their smallest at 1.67 metres. The tough 23-vear-old striker has great skill' and surprising pace. A potential Cup final winner.

Graeme Sharp—Hit the net consistently in past two seasons but this year has not been as good for the 23-year-old forward. Sharp, a former Scottish Under 21 representative, has the ability however to take half chances ... and generally that's all you get in a Cup final. Andy Gray—Almost back to his top form again. Perhaps the best "poacher" in the game, Gray is generally unbeatable in aerial duels but he can thump them into the top of the net with either foot just as well. Kevin Richardson—A 21-year-old midfielder with a heart as big as Wembley. He scored the winner against Aston Villa in the Milk Cup semifinal after suffering a broken wrist earlier in the match.

Alan Harper—This Liverpool "reject” (he is probably one of millions) is on the subs bench today. But there are plenty of managers who wouldn't mind having Harper as their reserve. In a league match against Liverpool, just before the Milk Cup final, Harper came on and knocked in the winner. Harper can play anywhere from fullback through to striker. Watford:

Steve Sherwood — A lanky goal-keeper who rarely has a bad game. Sherwood even has a goal to his credit, scoring with a wind assisted clearance against Coventry in January.

David Bardsley — At the start of this season, 19-year-old Bardsley was playing with fourth division Blackpool. Spotted by Watford and signed in November. Gets his chance at right back after some good performances this season.

Neil Price — another youngster brought into the side, the 20-year-old left full back plays because club captain Wilf Rostron has been suspended. Manager Graham Taylor has a lot of confidence in Price who will need moral and physical support to stand up to Ever-

ton's more experienced front line.

Les Taylor — Been given the added burden of captaining the side in the absence of Rostron. But Taylor. 27. reckons he can cope. Taylor is a tight defender out can be dangerous from set pieces Steve Terry — A 21-year-old central defender with plenty of potential. Terry joined Watford as an apprentice but he has fast become a professional While not exactly an elegant player, Terry can be creative. Len Sinnott — Terry's flat mate and central defending partner. He will be the youngest player on the field at just 18 years of age. But his age belies his ability. Will put Everton to the test.

Nigel Callaghan — A winger from the old school. The 21-year-old curly haired Callaghan loves to run at defenders and then whip in a cracking shot or pass. Callaghan is starting to break into the England squad and could become a regular member if manager Bobby Robson settles for wing play. Maurice Johnston — A talented striker who came from Partick Thistle in November Since then "Mo” has thrilled Watford fans with his deadly finishing. The 21-year-old Scottish forward could be Watford’s match winner.

George Reilly — Big George scored against Plymouth in the semi-final to bring the club to Wembley for the first time, the 26-year-old forward is a hard worker whose surprising pace has embarrassed many opponents. He also uses his height well at set pieces, especially corners.

Kenny Jackett — a regular international for Wales, Jackett is a talented midfielder who seems to control the speed of the game at will. Jackett, 22, has been troubled by injury this season but he is fully fit now. His battle with Everton’s midfield, particularly Reid, will be one of the highlights of the match. John Barnes — Barnes was discovered by a Watford fan playing for Sunday team Subdury Court just 1500 metres from Wembley. Watford signed him and Barnes hasn't looked back since. At 20, he is one of England’s best prospects on the wing and has already been picked by manager Bobby Robson. The Jamaican born forward has tremendous pace and sometimes unbelievable close ball skills. Paul Atkinson — A broken ankle in his first season has hindered Atkinson’s intergration into Watford. He has made nine first team appearances.