Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley pays tribute to FA Cup icon Ronnie Radford ahead of Blues' trip to Hereford

The scorer of one of the most iconic goals in FA Cup history died on Wednesday, He was 79 years of age

Radford become part of Cup folklore following his 35-yard strike in 1972 that took the non-league Bulls’ third-round replay against Division One Newcastle into extra time.

It gave them the momentum to seal a 2-1 home win and handed Hereford the honour of becoming the first non-league side to beat a top-flight side since 1949.

And as Pompey prepare for their own trip to Edgar Street in the FA Cup first round on Friday night - a game that will be broadcast live on the BBC – Cowley passed on his condolences to Radford’s and the people of Hereford.

Speaking to The News, the Blues boss said: 'On behalf of everyone associated with this football club, I just want to send our love and our condolences to Ronnie's family and obviously the people of Hereford who would have held him in high regard.

'I think for the world of football, really, he was an iconic person who created an iconic moment.

'I can remember watching the FA Cup and him always being on the BBC reels as the game was introduced. I remember hearing John Motson's commentary in the background saying how well the Hereford players did, how tough they were and how they were fighting for the cause.

'Then Ronnie gets the ball 35 yards out and just hits a strike that was unbelievable – it just went like an arrow into the top corner and John Motson's commentary saying: “What a goal”, and the Hereford supporters running onto the pitch.

'He was an inspiration really, certainly for the people of Hereford, but, actually, for anyone who has been an underdog.

'And we look at our group and feel like we've got a lot of underdogs who have come through non-league and have lived those experiences and are now where they are today.

'It was so sad to hear of his passing and I think, like all special people, they do something in their life that transcends their life and will be remembered for ever more.

'When I personally think of the FA Cup, which, to me, is the best cup competition in the world, that is a moment that I would go to immediately.’

Pompey’s game against Hereford kicks-off ay 7.55pm and will be aired on BBC Two.