League and FA Cup Double 1986

Lore & Background

Liverpool had secured the league title seven days before the final, with Everton finishing as runners-up. Everton led at half-time through Gary Lineker, but second-half goals from Ian Rush (two) and Craig Johnston gave Liverpool the win. This was Liverpool's third FA Cup Final victory, and their first since 1974. Everton were playing in their third consecutive FA Cup Final and suffered their second consecutive defeat.

In Their Own Story

The rain at Wembley that May afternoon washed over the red and white stripes of the Everton kit and the solid black of the Liverpool defense. As the final whistle blew, the roar from the Kop end was a physical force, vibrating through the stadium concrete. Ian Rush stood amidst the chaos of celebration, his face smeared with mud and pride, holding the FA Cup aloft while the league title was already secured in their pocket. Graeme Souness, the iron captain, looked up at the sky, knowing they had done what hadn't been achieved for half a century: conquered both peaks within a single campaign.

Reader's Guide

The match is notable as a Merseyside derby between the two leading English clubs at the time. Everton's team included Bobby Mimms in goal (replacing the injured Neville Southall) and new signing Gary Lineker. Liverpool became the first team to compete in an FA Cup Final without fielding an English player (substitute Steve McMahon was unused). Craig Johnston became the first Australian to score in an FA Cup Final.

Did You Know?

• Ian Rush scored two goals, not a hat-trick.
• Liverpool scored 19 goals in the FA Cup that season, not 20.
• The last hat-trick in an FA Cup final before 1986 was by Stan Mortensen in 1953, not by Ian Rush.