A Bunch Of Bobby Moore Mistakes

Glaring mistakes by the legendary Bobby Moore were few and far between. Therefore on November 20th 1976 when he made not one, but two huge errors the watching media and fans were aghast. The game was Fulham against Notts County. In what turned out to be a day to forget for Bobby Moore. Fulham thrashed at home with a bunch of Bobby Moore mistakes partly to blame.

The 12,191 supporters who arrived at Craven Cottage for the Second Division match between Fulham and Notts County were probably not prepared for the one-sided match about to take place.

Moore, Best and Marsh

Fulham had England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore in their ranks. Around him were players of the calibre of George Best and Rodney Marsh. Best was definitely a shadow of his former self by 1976. Overweight and without the turn of pace that had made him a star with Manchester United he was in the swansong of his career.

It was a dream performance for the travelling Notts County fans who made the trip on the official awayday excursions laid on by the club.

Seconds Out

It took County just 48 seconds to open the scoring. George Best had a shot charged down which immediately led to a County counter-attack. The ball reached Mick Vinter who cut in from the left to strike a swerving shot across the Fulham keeper Peter Mellor.

In fact, if the first goal was good the second on ten minutes was spectacular. Steve Carter picking up the ball just inside his own half travelled 40 yards unopposed. From 25 yards out he struck a shot across Mellor into the far right roof of the net. Fulham and the normally unflappable Moore were shell-shocked. Ten minutes gone and they were already 2-0 down.

Moore Mistake No.1

In the 30th minute, Moore made the first of his two errors. A speculative ball forward looked easy for Moore to clear. Under no pressure, he tried to bring the ball down on his chest and lost control. Scrambling to make amends he was robbed by Les Bradd who unselfishly played in Vinter for his second and County’s third. Moore had nowhere to hide. His mistake was there for all to see. The game was effectively over by half-time.

The second half began like the first. This time it only took Ron Fenton’s team 30 seconds to increase their already commanding lead.

Moore Mistake No.2

Just like the third goal Bobby Moore was at fault. A poor cross by Scanlon looked easy for Moore to deal with. Again he tried to control the ball instead of clearing it. And once again he lost control. The ball ran to Martin Busby who jinxed past a terrible attempt at a tackle by Moore to fire into the roof of the net.

It was turning out to be a day to forget for Bobby Moore. Not even the occasional piece of skill from George Best could rouse the home support who sat and watched as the home team huffed and puffed to try and regain some pride.

A Day To Forget For Bobby Moore

Notts County’s fifth goal was comical, to say the least. Of the goals that Fulham’s keeper had conceded none could be laid at his feet as keeper errors. The same cannot be said for the fifth. Young County defender Pedro Richards made a good run down the right to collect the ball from Carter.

With not a lot on for options Richards crossed high into the box. However, under no pressure, Mellor flapped aimlessly at the ball. And missed it altogether. The ball rebounded off Fulham defender Ernie Howe and dribbled into the net. Fulham were 5-0 down at home with only an hour gone.

Points In The Bag

County took their foot off the gas. Happy with the knowledge that the 2 points were there’s. In the end, Fulham did strike back in the 70th minute. A tidy finish from Alan Slough. But by then the game was done and dusted.

In conclusion, Fulham had been beaten comfortably at home. Moreover, uncharacteristic defensive mistakes from England icon Bobby Moore had more than led to their downfall.

On the whole, it was a day to forget for home fans.

Additionally, it was one of celebration for those fans heading home to Nottingham on the away-day trains.