The 1972 Watney Cup was the third edition of the Watney Mann Invitation Cup, a short-lived invitational association football tournament.
It was won by Bristol Rovers, who beat Sheffield United in the final at Eastville.
Background The Watney Cup was introduced in 1970 to help increase the competitiveness of pre-season fixtures. Its name was a result of a sponsorship from brewing company Watney Combe & Reid. The tournament featured eight invited teams, with two selected from each division of the Football League. Those chosen to participate were the top two highest scoring teams from each division who had not gained promotion nor earned a place in a European competition the previous season.
Format The competition was a straight knockout tournament. In continuation from the second edition of the Watney Cup, games that ended level proceeded straight to penalties. In the inaugural edition, an additional 30 minutes of extra time was played to determine a winner prior to a penalty shoot-out.
Teams
First Division Sheffield United Wolverhampton Wanderers
Second Division Blackpool Burnley
Third Division Bristol Rovers Notts County
Fourth Division Lincoln City Peterborough United
Tournament Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
The 1972 Watney Cup final was held at Eastville Stadium in Bristol on 5 August 1972 and had an attendance of 19,768. It was contested by Bristol Rovers and Sheffield United. Bristol Rovers won the match 7–6 on penalties, following a 0–0 draw.
Match details
GK 1 Dick Sheppard RB 2 Phil Roberts CB 5 Stuart Taylor CB 4 Mike Green LB 3 Lindsay Parsons RM 7 Kenny Stephens CM 8 Wayne Jones CM 6 Frankie Prince LM 11 Brian Godfrey (c) CF 12 Bruce Bannister CF 9 Sandy AllanSubstitutes: CM 14 Bryn Jones Manager: Don Megson
GK 1 Tom McAlister RB 2 Steve Goulding CB 5 Eddie Colquhoun (c) CB 4 Ian MacKenzie LB 3 Ted Hemsley DM 6 Trevor Hockey CM 10 Tony Currie CM 8 Geoff Salmons RW 7 Alan Woodward CF 9 Bill Dearden LW 11 Stewart ScullionSubstitutes: CM 12 Keith Eddy Manager: John Harris
MATCH RULES 90 minutes. Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. Maximum of two substitutions.
Goalscorers RankPlayerClubGoals 1 Bruce Bannister Bristol Rovers 2 Tony Currie Sheffield United Alan Woodward Sheffield United 2 6 players Various 1
References
External links Watney Cup history Bristol Rovers' route to the final Sheff Utd's route to the final