The final of the Watney Cup was held at The Hawthorns, the Throstles welcoming lowly Colchester United in what, it was assumed, would be a straightforward victory, 19,009 supporters turning up in expectation of seeing Albion lifting the trophy.
In an enthralling game, it ended up at 4-4, two from Jeff Astle and other goals from Len Cantello and Colin Suggett taking things to a first ever penalty shootout at The Hawthorns.
Albion were beaten 4-3, allowing Colchester skipper, and former Baggies full-back and penalty specialist, Bobby Cram to pick up the trophy. It was all downhill after that in the Don Howe era.