Worcester City v Crawley Town - Thursday 19th April 2001
For the first time since 1960, City battled their way through to the final of the Dr Martens (Southern League) Cup beating Blakenhall, Tamworth (penalty shoot-out), Atherstone United, Bilston Town and Newport County on the way. The latter by way of a 5 goals to 3 performance that saw City score a late equaliser and two stunning Wesley Joyce goals to win the game.
The Crawley game was eagerly awaited as games between the two teams are traditionally often close and competitive affairs. Few then can have expected Crawley to press the self-destruct button in such a decisive manner. Not content with gifting the City the lead with an own goal inside the first four minutes they played three quarters of the game with only ten players after their Captain was sent off for a second bookable offence. City took full advantage of the situation with Mark Shepherd adding a second from another defensive blunder just after half time. Jamie Hyde added another with a superb lob after being put clear by a great pass from Paul Carty. Mark Shepherd grabbed his second with two minutes remaining. The second leg was mere formality and the Cup was City's.
The events are recorded on an official club video that is much sought after but the programme from the first leg (featuring a beaming Andy Ellis on the cover) is easily obtained.