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That 1981 final was a controversial one. West Ham had won the FA Cup the previous season, and were leading the Second Division at the time. Liverpool were the reigning champions, but eight points behind joint leaders Ipswich Town and Aston Villa. Alan Kennedy opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 118th minute, driving over a prone and offside Sammy Lee. The linesman flagged for offside, but referee Clive Thomas overruled him. West Ham, fuming, went up the other end. Alvin Martin sent a header towards the top-right corner. With Ray Clemence beaten, Terry McDermott reached up and tipped the ball onto the bar. Penalty, which Ray Stewart dispatched at 101 mph.
Liverpool won the replay at Villa Park three weeks later. It wasn’t as interesting. But it was Liverpool’s first League Cup. They’ve won another eight since. West Ham are still looking for their first.
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