On this day in 1966, the football world was shaken by the theft of the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy. The trophy, which was due to be presented to the World Cup winners at Wembley just four months later, was stolen while on display at the Westminster Central Hall. The Football Association, fearing that the trophy might never be recovered, secretly arranged for a replica to be made. However, after an extensive police search, the trophy was found a week later under a hedge in South London by a dog named Pickles. This unexpected recovery brought relief to the organisers and fans alike, ensuring that the original trophy could be presented as planned.
20th March 1976
---------------
In a remarkable First Division match on this day in 1976, Aston Villa’s Chris Nichol achieved a rare feat by scoring all four goals in a 2-2 draw against Leicester City at Filbert Street. Nichol became only the second player in League history to score two goals for each side in a single match. The only other player to have accomplished this was Sam Wynne of Oldham Athletic, who did so against Manchester United in October 1923. Nichol’s unique performance remains a memorable moment in the annals of English football.
20th March 1988
---------------
Liverpool’s aspirations for an unbeaten League season came to an end on this day in 1988. Having remained unbeaten in their first 29 League matches of the season, Liverpool’s streak was halted by their local rivals, Everton. Despite this setback, Liverpool went on to finish the season as League champions. The defeat to Everton was a significant moment in the 1987/88 season, marking the end of Liverpool’s impressive run and adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two Merseyside clubs.