David Hopkin (pictured) after receiving his winners medal in the 1997 Football League

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David Hopkin (pictured) after receiving his winners medal in the 1997 Football League

David Hopkin (pictured) after receiving his winners medal in the 1997 Football League First Division play-off Final.
Crystal Palace were anxious in the first few minutes, but slowly took superior ground. David Hopkin who was outstanding throughout the season and targeted by a bunch of top clubs, pressed a flourish of attacks. Palaces powerful striker Bruce Dyer hit a shot which forced United keeper Simon Tracey to grab hold of the ball low by the far post after 15 minutes. The Blades defence held positively, mainly David Holdsworth, who is eager to join his brother Dean of Wimbledon in the Premiership. The Yorkshiremen were forced to change their tactics and their system when Don Hutchison was picked up an injury almost on half-time with a suspected broken collarbone. The Blades, after winning just two first half corners, returned with new enthusiasm and inside 20 minutes were into double figures with set-pieces. And it was from there that they were most dangerous, with Jan ?ge Fjortoft winning the flick-ons. Palace captain Hopkin was never far from the action, and was wonderfully helped by Kevin Muscat, Simon Rodger and Andy Roberts. In attack, Dyer was sharp down the wings, his influential pace setting Uniteds alarm bells ringing. But just as it seemed United were winning on points defensively, Palace all of a sudden found new life. As the seconds clicked away, they forced a corner. Rodger pushed it short to Roberts, whose cross was handled well only for Hopkin to snatch on to the loose ball and, from the edge of the penalty area, curled home a shot that totally surprised Tracey in the Sheffield United goal.
26th May 1997

Staff
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
Wembley
Greater London
England
1338

Media ID 21655152

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