30 Years Ago: Everton’s FA Cup Triumph Over Tottenham
On April 9, 1995, Everton delivered an impressive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-final at Elland Road. Manager Joe Royle praised this match as one of the best performances by an Everton team that he has ever witnessed. This game marked a significant step towards their victorious journey to Wembley, where they secured their last major trophy by defeating Manchester United 1-0, and it was especially memorable for supporters who had long faced challenges at Elland Road against Leeds United.
That day, the newly constructed East Stand, with a capacity of 17,000, accommodated Tottenham fans, while the remaining three sides were filled with Everton supporters, creating a strong home advantage. Royle, who celebrated his 76th birthday recently, recalled the match on his episode of Goodison Park: My Home, stating, “The game against Spurs at Leeds is still one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Everton side. I say this without any bias.”
Everton took the lead in the 35th minute with a header from right-back Matt Jackson from a corner, and Graham Stuart extended their lead shortly after halftime, following a rebound from Ian Walker’s save of Paul Rideout’s shot. Stuart later expressed, “It remains my favorite game I’ve ever played. The atmosphere was electric, and it felt like a home match for us.”
The match had an exceptional flow, with Everton dominating from the beginning. Rideout capitalized on a mistake by Walker to score the second goal, solidifying their advantage. Despite conceding a penalty to Tottenham, which Jurgen Klinsmann converted, Everton quickly responded with another goal to regain control of the match.
Daniel Amokachi, who made an energetic entrance to the game while Rideout received treatment, scored both of Everton’s final goals. Reflecting on that moment, Amokachi remarked, “I was eager to perform, and when I got the chance, I took it.” His unexpected entry turned into a significant highlight of the game, adding to Everton’s emphatic victory.
This remarkable win showcased Everton’s strength and determination, leading them closer to FA Cup glory. The match has since been fondly remembered by fans and players alike as a defining moment in the club’s history, reinforcing the legacy of that incredible 1995 FA Cup run.
