FA Cup memoriesThomas and Rush end a tough campaign on a high at Wembley

A sixth-placed finish in the league raised many eyebrows but more concerning was the manager’s health, with Graeme Souness requiring a triple heart bypass operation shortly after the semi-final encounter with Portsmouth.

That last-four tie was a tough encounter, to say the least.

With the Pompey chimes ringing to what was nearly a major shock, John Barnes produced a little bit of magic at Highbury with just four minutes remaining of extra-time.

His free-kick came back off the post and Ronnie Whelan, the man for the big occasion, scored another priceless goal to save Liverpool’s season.

In the Villa Park replay, Portsmouth, again, proved a tough nut to crack and with Ronnie Moran in charge of team affairs as Souness was recovering in hospital, the Reds prevailed courtesy of a penalty shootout after 120 minutes without a goal.

Injuries had seen Barnes and Whelan miss large chunks of the campaign, while supporters were still seething at the pre-season sale of Peter Beardsley to rivals Everton.

Homegrown talent Steve McManaman proved to be a real shining light, however, alongside the capture of right-back Rob Jones from Crewe Alexandra. Both were to be key in the Wembley final.

With Barnes ruled out through injury, McManaman, who was back after cartilage trouble himself, took the No.10 shirt, while 1986 FA Cup final hero Jan Molby replaced Whelan.

Souness returned to the dugout for the first time since his operation, but was under strict orders to remain calm and sit next to the doctor. And so the honour of leading the team out at Wembley fell to boot room legend Moran.

"It was a very proud moment for me," Moran said. "It will be something for my grandchildren to watch in years to come. It was a great occasion for us and I introduced the side to the Duchess of Kent.

"I'd been to Wembley on a few occasions already, but I'd never played there. I missed out in 1965 when we won it for the first time."

Sunderland, under Malcolm Crosby, were looking to reignite their 1973 cup spirit, when they famously defeated Leeds United.

After a goalless opening half, Moran made a tactical switch that would prove inspirational, switching McManaman from the left to the right flank.

The Mackems couldn't cope with the Scouser and some brilliant play by him on the right resulted in the opening goal.

McManaman, who was later named Man of the Match, clipped the ball into the box with the outside of his right foot, and as it bounced, Michael Thomas was on hand to produce a fabulous effort into the back of the net.

The second goal started with a surging run from Dean Saunders and when the ball fell to Ian Rush in the box, there was, of course, no mistake from the striker.

It was left to Liverpool captain Mark Wright to climb the Wembley steps and proudly lift the FA Cup.

Route to the final

Third round: Crewe Alexandra 0-4 Liverpool

Fourth round: Bristol Rovers 1-1 Liverpool, Liverpool 2-1 Bristol Rovers (replay)

Fifth round: Ipswich Town 0-0 Liverpool, Liverpool 3-2 Ipswich Town (replay)

Quarter-final: Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa

Semi-final: Liverpool 1-1 Portsmouth, Liverpool 0-0 (3-2 pens) Portsmouth (replay)

FA Cup top scorers

John Barnes, Steve McManaman – 3

Dean Saunders, Michael Thomas – 2

Ian Rush, Ray Houghton, Jan Molby, Ronnie Whelan – 1

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