Ronnie Radford embodied the spirit of the lower leagues, where players juggled their professional careers with real-life responsibilities, and where the love of the game was always the driving force.
The magic of the FA Cup has long been about moments that transcend the ordinary, stories of underdogs defying the odds and etching their names into football folklore. One such moment came in the 1971–72 FA Cup, where a seemingly impossible event unfolded at Edgar Street, the home of Hereford United. The game would become forever associated with one name: Ronnie Radford. His unforgettable goal against Newcastle United not only stunned the football world but also became one of the most cherished moments in FA Cup history. However, Radford’s career was far more than just one goal, and his journey through the footballing ranks tells the story of a determined, hard-working professional whose efforts stretched far beyond that iconic strike.
Born on July 12, 1943, in South Elmsall, West Riding of Yorkshire, Ronald Radford started his footballing journey at a time when the sport was less glamorous and far removed from the globalized, high-stakes game it is today. Radford’s formative years were spent at two of English football’s most prestigious clubs, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United. However, his potential was not fully recognized in either side’s first team, and he never made a senior appearance for either club. Despite this, Radford’s early years provided a foundation for the footballing career that was to come.
Undeterred by the lack of first-team opportunities, Radford found his way to Cheltenham Town, where he began to carve out a name for himself. In the 1963–64 season, Radford became a crucial part of the Cheltenham team, serving as a consistent and reliable presence in midfield. His ever-present role in the side was all the more impressive considering he was a part-time footballer at the time. Like many players of his generation, Radford balanced the demands of football with the need to earn a living outside the sport, working as a joiner during the week. This combination of physical work and football honed a resilience in Radford, preparing him for the rigours of lower-league football, where conditions were tough, and resources were often limited.
Radford’s next move saw him join Rugby Town for a season, but the pull of Cheltenham was too strong, and he returned to Whaddon Road in 1966. His commitment to the game, despite its challenges, was evident in every performance, and he became a respected figure within non-league football. However, it wasn’t until 1969, when Newport County came calling, that Radford’s career took another significant step forward. The Welsh side paid £1,500 for his services—a modest fee by today’s standards, but a testament to his growing reputation at the time.
At Newport, Radford’s impact was immediate. In his first season, he was voted Player of the Year by the club’s supporters, a reflection of his ability to not only play consistently but to influence games from midfield. His tenacity and eye for goal saw him score a remarkable volley from the edge of the box against Bradford Park Avenue, a strike he would later consider as impressive as his famous FA Cup goal. This moment at Newport showed Radford’s technical ability and his penchant for delivering in big moments. However, the demands of commuting from Yorkshire to Newport began to take their toll, both physically and financially. It was this strain that eventually led Radford to seek a move closer to home, and the club that would go on to define his career—Hereford United—entered the picture.
Hereford United, then a Southern League side, welcomed Radford into their midfield in 1970. His arrival coincided with one of the club’s most remarkable periods in its history, an incredible FA Cup run that saw them defy all expectations. What started in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the competition soon turned into a journey that captured the hearts of football fans across the country. But it was in the Third Round Proper that the real magic happened. Facing top-flight Newcastle United at St James’ Park, few gave Hereford—a team of part-timers—any chance of causing an upset. Yet, against all odds, Hereford secured a 2-2 draw, taking the Premier League side back to Edgar Street for a replay. The stage was set for a match that would forever be remembered, but no one could have predicted just how momentous it would become.
The replay was played on a muddy pitch in front of a packed crowd. Newcastle took the lead in the final ten minutes, seemingly sealing the victory. But Radford, known for his work ethic and determination, wasn’t ready to accept defeat. With Hereford pressing, Radford won the ball in the Newcastle half, played a quick one-two with teammate Brian Owen, and then unleashed a thunderous 30-yard strike that soared into the top corner. It was a moment of sheer brilliance, a goal that defied the conditions and ignited a wild pitch invasion from the jubilant home fans. Radford, arms raised in triumph, became the embodiment of the FA Cup’s spirit—where anything is possible, and underdogs can rise to the occasion.
Though Hereford would go on to win the game 2-1 after extra time, thanks to Ricky George’s decisive strike, it was Radford’s goal that became the enduring symbol of that historic night. BBC’s John Motson, a relatively unknown commentator at the time, provided the iconic voiceover for the moment. Radford’s goal not only propelled Hereford into FA Cup folklore but also played a role in launching Motson’s legendary commentary career. In the years that followed, Radford’s strike would be replayed countless times, voted Goal of the Season, and forever enshrined in the annals of FA Cup history. It is worth noting that Radford’s goal has often been misremembered as the winning goal. In reality, the match went to extra time before George secured the victory. However, it was Radford’s moment of magic that captured the imagination and remains one of the greatest FA Cup giant killings ever witnessed.
Following the cup run, Hereford were elected to the Football League, marking a new chapter in the club’s history. Radford remained with the club until 1974, when he moved to Worcester City as a player-manager. His time at Hereford was marked by a deep connection with the fans and a place in the hearts of football supporters across the country, not just for his goal but for the determination and passion he showed throughout his time at the club. After leaving Hereford, Radford had spells at Bath City and Forest Green Rovers. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short by an Achilles tendon injury, but his impact on the game, particularly at the lower levels, was undeniable. Despite his fame from the FA Cup, Radford remained a part-time footballer throughout much of his career, continuing his work as a carpenter and joiner—a testament to his grounded nature and love for the game.