We’ve all seen it. That little results list with a crazy boxing day from 1963. Ten matches in the First Division produced an astonishing 66 goals, a record that still stands to this day. But, do you know the ins and outs? The Burnley victory and the Black Country derby draw? Let’s take a look at the most famous day of football ever.
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Blackpool 1-5 Chelsea
In the lead-up to their clash with Blackpool, Chelsea’s manager, Tommy Docherty, and his squad opted for an unconventional Christmas celebration, spending the day in a seaside hotel. The decision seemed to have suited the team, as evidenced by their dominant performance at Bloomfield Road in front of approximately 17,000 spectators.
By halftime, the Blues had already amassed a formidable 4-0 lead, leaving Blackpool’s goalkeeper, Tony Walters, with little respite on a chilly day. The comprehensive nature of the rout left even Walters struggling to identify any silver lining in the bleak conditions.
Notably, the icing on the cake came from Terry Venables, who would later go on to become the manager of the England national team. Remarkably, though, in the context of the day’s matches, this encounter stood out as one of the lower-scoring affairs, underscoring the breadth of football action during the festive period.
Burnley 6-1 Man Utd
In a compelling chapter of Sir Matt Busby’s Red Devils saga, the short journey to Turf Moor held significant implications. Merely four points off the top of the table at the day’s outset, Manchester United were poised for a crucial response after a disheartening 4-0 loss to Everton just five days prior.
The historical context adds depth to the narrative, with Burnley clinching the First Division title in 1960. Despite this, facing a United side boasting the likes of Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Nobby Stiles, a victory for the FA Cup holders seemed plausible. However, Burnley’s striker, the Scotsman Andy Lochhead, had a different vision. In a standout performance, he not only netted a hat-trick but exceeded expectations by securing a ‘poker,’ registering four goals in total.
In a swift turn of events, Manchester United sought redemption just days later, overcoming Burnley 5-1 at Old Trafford. This time, a rising star named George Best graced the lineup, marking the beginning of his impactful journey with the team. The retaliation not only showcased the resilience of Sir Matt Busby’s squad but also hinted at the extraordinary talent that would define Manchester United’s future.
Fulham 10-1 Ipswich
In the annals of football history, this fixture remains etched as both Fulham’s crowning league triumph and Ipswich’s most crushing defeat. Graham Leggat of Fulham not only etched his name into the records but orchestrated a performance that would stand as the fastest hat-trick in English Football League history at the time. This distinction held until 2015 when Sadio Mane, then playing for Southampton against Aston Villa, eclipsed it in just two minutes and 56 seconds, leaving Leggat’s feat to linger in the shadows of football.
Leggat’s brilliance didn’t stop there; he went on to add another goal, joining an elite trio of players who scored four on that memorable Boxing Day. Among them were Liverpool’s Roger Hunt and the formidable Andy Lochhead.
For Ipswich, the contrast was stark and painful. Ipswich chairman John Cobbold, after witnessing the decimation, candidly offered his perspective on the calamity: “Our goalkeeper was the only sober player in our team.” It was a very different time to say the least.
Leicester 2-0 Everton
In a day marked by fervent football action, the encounter at Filbert Street between Leicester and defending champions Everton unfolded as the lowest-scoring affair, concluding with the Foxes emerging triumphant with a 2-0 victory. The echoes of this clash would resonate through the season, as Everton eventually relinquished their crown to Merseyside rivals Liverpool, finishing just five points adrift. Not so much to report here, just the two goals…
Liverpool 6-1 Stoke
In a showdown at Anfield, the Reds orchestrated a second-half spectacle that saw five of their six goals hit the back of the net. The first-half breakthrough came courtesy of Ian St John, ensuring a modest 1-0 scoreline as both teams retreated to the dressing room. However, the real onslaught began after the restart, with Roger Hunt seizing control and notching an impressive four goals. Alf Arrowsmith contributed the other, leaving the Potters from Stoke City to make the journey back to Staffordshire with their tails well and truly between their legs.
In stark contrast to the suspected sobriety issues at Craven Cottage, Liverpool’s title-winning squad demonstrated discipline both on and off the pitch. Post-match, St John revealed that under the watchful eye of the legendary coach Bill Shankly, alcohol was strictly prohibited during the festive calendar. Shankly, with his characteristic wit, promised the players a unique visit from Santa after the season—sporting a beach towel over his shoulder instead of the traditional sack. This festive abstinence seemed to fuel Liverpool’s performance, laying the groundwork for their eventual title triumph.
Nottingham Forest 3-3 Sheffield United
This game, in isolation, might have been overshadowed by the giantkillings and shellackings on this record-breaking day, but it remains a contender for the most riveting contest. Forest took an early 3-0 lead, hinting at a potential rout, but the Blades mounted a comeback, equalizing with a Mick Jones brace and a goal from Len Allchurch. The ebb and flow of the match distinguished it as a captivating spectacle amidst a day of extraordinary feats.
West Brom 4-4 Tottenham
Back in the era when snoods, under-armour, and dugout blankets were foreign to the football landscape, then-Baggies manager Jimmy Hagan would likely wince at their modern ubiquity. In a bold move, Hagan went against the chill, insisting his players train in shorts during bitter cold weather.
This unconventional approach triggered a notable training ground walkout by the West Brom players in January, occurring just days after their memorable eight-goal Boxing Day thriller. The subsequent challenge awaited them against the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup holders, Spurs. In front of a lively audience of 34,000 in the Black Country, the Midlands-based side showcased their mettle by securing a commendable 4-4 draw.
West Ham 2-8 Blackburn
Shock of the day. In the illustrious era of the 60s, West Ham found themselves basking in the glow of a golden age. Guided by the astute hand of future England head coach and East End legend Ron Greenwood, the Hammers achieved FA Cup glory that year. Their esteemed squad boasted luminaries such as World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, alongside other 1966 heroes Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
However, even amidst this golden era, West Ham couldn’t escape the ruthless onslaught of league-leaders Blackburn. In a demolition job executed at Upton Park, Fred Pickering and Andy McEvoy both indulged in hat-trick heroics. Albert Barham, a scribe for The Guardian, captured the essence of the encounter at that time, noting that “everything West Ham did was tinged with misfortune, while everything Blackburn did was coldly calculated and correct.”
Wolves 3-3 Aston Villa
In the midst of a day brimming with script-defying fixtures, another six-goal thriller unfolded, though perhaps paling in comparison to some of the more extraordinary clashes across the country. Such was the remarkable nature of the day that a 3-3 draw was deemed a mere bore-draw, indicative of the special footballing spectacle that transpired.
On the scoresheet for the visitors were Tony Hateley, Vic Crowe, and Dave Pountney, contributing to the goal-laden affair. Meanwhile, Wolves, determined not to be overshadowed, secured a hard-fought point with a goal from Terry Wharton and a brace from Ray Crawford. In a day where even a 3-3 result failed to capture the full extent of the excitement, this particular encounter added another layer to the tapestry of thrilling football narratives.
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