“I could hardly believe that my beloved Hull City were facing George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. It was like seeing Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe together in one side,” Kelly recalled during a sports history programme.
Former Hull City player Frankie Banks said: “It was an enormous occasion because we were playing Manchester United, who had lifted the European Cup two years earlier.
“The atmosphere was incredible.
“We looked up to the Manchester United players as heroes. Judging by the two teams on paper, we had virtually no hope. But we were determined to win and show everyone that, even if they were probably the finest side in the world, we could still compete with them.”
Hull did precisely that. Chris Chilton put them ahead after 11 minutes, but Law equalised for United in the 78th minute and forced the contest into extra time. As the additional 30 minutes approached their conclusion, the players understood that they were about to make history.
“Hull player-manager Terry Neill naturally called for volunteers. A few of the players hesitated to take a penalty, while others had the courage to come forward and offer,” said Banks, who attended the match despite not being named in the squad.
“No player wants to be responsible for a miss.”
That pressure was even greater because nobody wanted to become the first footballer to fail in a shootout.
Best, however, secured his place as the first successful taker by driving a right-footed effort low into the left corner.
Neill then became the first player-manager to convert during a shootout, keeping Hull level at 3-3.
“The result could still have gone either way, and the roar from the crowd was overwhelming,” Banks said.
Then came a scene that many celebrated players would endure in later decades: Law struck his attempt low, only for Ian McKechnie to dive across and save it.
“Law will always be remembered as the first player to miss in a penalty shootout, while McKechnie holds the distinction of being the first goalkeeper to make a shootout save,” Banks said.
Ken Wagstaff subsequently failed to score for Hull, and after Willie Morgan converted for United, Hull had to find the net with their last attempt to remain in contention.
At that point, McKechnie became the first goalkeeper to step forward and take a shootout penalty.
“Please don’t let it be him,” Kelly remembered thinking. “I was stunned, my mother was stunned, and even United goalkeeper Alex Stepney seemed amazed. He actually asked McKechnie what he was doing there. I could only bury my face in my hands!”
McKechnie approached the ball and unleashed a fierce shot, but it crashed against the upper part of the crossbar. In doing so, he became the first goalkeeper to miss during a penalty shootout.
“I remain convinced that Ian McKechnie was the correct choice. He possessed an excellent left foot and showed real bravery by accepting the responsibility. I would have backed him to score,” Banks said.
“That missed penalty remained with Ian throughout the rest of his life.”
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