IT IS still regarded as one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all time.

And for Ron Atkinson, Oxford United’s inspirational captain, the 3-1 fifth-round victory over Blackburn on Saturday February 15, 1964, remains one of his career highlights.

Nobody gave the U’s a chance.

Arthur Turner’s side sat mid-table in Division 4, some 77 places lower than their high-flying opponents who were second in Division 1 and gunning for the title.

But two goals from Tony Jones and one from Bill Calder gave United a sensational giant-killing in front of a then-record crowd at the Manor Ground.

More than 21,000 packed into the stadium, with the official attendance given at 21,300, before later being revised to 21,700.

Presumably they had not counted the people hanging in trees and leaning out of windows to get a glimpse of the biggest match in the club’s history.

For Atkinson, affectionately known as ‘The Tank’, it is a day that remains clear. “I remember it vividly. It was a wonderful occasion,” he said.

“At the time it was a record gate and for so many people to come out and watch, it just gave us all a big lift.

“Blackburn were right at the top of Division 1 and we were a little Division 4 club.

“Only a month or so earlier they had won 8-2 away to West Ham, and that was a West Ham team with Bobby Moore and all the England World Cup stars in it, so they were a very good side.

“I remember there being a real big press coverage in the lead-up to the game. Media were everywhere just because of the difference in the two teams.”

Atkinson, a wing-half who still holds the record of 559 appearances for United, led by example.

Before the game he had told his teammates ‘it can be our day to make history’.

And within 60 seconds of kick-off, he felt that was certainly the case.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” he said. “I won the toss which was a big thing in the days at the Manor, we knew teams did not like defending up the slope in the second half.

“We kicked off and I went into, shall we say, a ‘physical challenge’ inside the first minute.

“The Blackburn player went down, and I looked at his face and I knew they didn’t fancy it.

“I shouted that to the rest of the players and straight away we knew we had a chance.”

Jones fired United into a 14th minute lead, and the same player made it 2-0 six minutes into the second half.

Mike Ferguson pulled one back for Rovers in the 68th minute, but Billy Calder cemented the shock in the closing minutes.

United went on to lose 2-1 at home to eventual finalists Preston North End in the quarter-finals before a crowd of 22,750.

But for Atkinson, the Blackburn game is so memorable.

“It was one of those days where everything we did seemed to come off,” he said.

“Even though it was all those years ago, you don’t forget occasions like that.”

‘It wouldn’t be a shock if oxford did win’ 

Oxford Mail:

  • Ron Atkinson at this season’s clash against Plymouth

Ron Atkinson will be rooting for Oxford United tomorrow, but does not believe victory over Blackburn Rovers would be a surprise.

The U’s legend is not able to be at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow, but will be keeping close tabs on the game.

Asked whether he believes the U’s can pull off an FA Cup upset, he replied:

“Definitely, but I don’t think it would be a shock if they did.

“Oxford are playing very well and Blackburn are having a few problems so it’s certainly on the cards.

“I am just sorry I can’t be there. I have a meeting in London I have to go to. Great timing that, isn’t it?”

Atkinson has seen United in action this season and was very impressed.

“I have seen lots and lots of matches and I tell everyone that the best game I have seen this season was Oxford v Plymouth – the football was excellent.

“I do lots of work for MUTV and so have seen all the Manchester United home games and it was definitely far better than anything I have seen there.

“Mind you, I appreciate that’s not difficult.”