Blackthorn Cider, the West drinks brand and long-term sponsor of Bristol City, is helping the club bring back memories of its historic FA Cup third round victory over Liverpool 20 years ago.
Blackthorn, owned by Irish drinks giant C&C Group’s Gaymer subsidiary and produced in Shepton Mallet, has helped stage a re-union of most of the 1994 giant-killing squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup third round home tie against Watford.
The players will celebrate on the pitch at Ashton Gate ahead of the match to celebrate their feat. As underdogs, City were given little chance of beating high-flying Liverpool. But after holding them to a draw at Ashton Gate, City brought off one of the biggest cup shocks of the era in the replay at Anfield, with Brian Tinnion scoring the only goal of the game.
In recognition of the achievement, the current players will wear the original 1994 purple-and-lime kit as they warm up on the pitch ahead of facing Watford – no doubt hoping some of the glory will rub off.
Blackthorn marketing manager Andy Cross said: “As sponsors then and now, we thought it would be great for the fans if we celebrated what was arguably the most memorable occasion in the club’s history.
“We spoke to the club to see if it was possible as many of the players have moved away and not kept in touch. But through various means we have been able to track down the majority and it’s great that they will be taking part in the celebrations at the game as well as attending a dinner later this month. It should be a great occasion with memories flooding back.
“As we have had an association with the club that goes back to the game against Liverpool, we really wanted to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.”
All Blackthorn drink pumps in Ashton Gate bars will be branded in the winning purple and lime colours for tomorrow’s match.
Cup hero Brian Tinnion, who returned to the club to head up youth recruitment earlier this year, said: “Twenty years ago we pulled off the kind of giant-killing the FA Cup is known for.
“I remember scoring the winning goal at Anfield and always get asked about it when the FA Cup third round comes around. The memory will never go away and it will be great to catch up with the lads who were in the team that famous night.”
Blackthorn Cider is the biggest supporter of sport in Bristol through its sponsorship deals with Bristol Rovers and Bristol Rugby Club as well as City.
Pictured: Cup giant-killing players Mark Shail, left, and Andy Lewellyn, right, with Blackthorn marketing manager Andy Cross
