First division Manchester United gave their new manger, Frank O'Farrell, a shock start to the season, when they lost to Halifax Town on saturday (31 July). On their home ground,t eh fourth division Halifax team stunned Manchester 2-1 in the English Watney Soccer Cup match. Halifax took a 2-0 lead after 26 minutes through a header by Bill Atkins and a penalty by Bobby Wallace. Manchester's only goal was netted by George Best on a penalty.

Before the game, gang of young Manchester United fans ran wild in Halifax. The youths roamed the streets scattering shoppers, breaking windows and forcing a store and a pub to close for a time. Police made nearly fifty arrests.

SYNOPSIS: The start of the soccer season, with Halifax Town kicking off to Manchester United in this Watney Soccer Cup match on Saturday, at Halifax.

Forth Division Halifax was not given much chance to win against first division Manchester and their new coach, Frank O'Farrell, but the under-dogs went to the attack early, and bill Atkins, the tall Halifax striker, shook Manchester United by putting his side ahead after only three minutes.

Manchester then went to the attach The cup ties in this series were played under experimental rules, which could lead to the first change in the off-side law for forty-six years. But even new rules could not help Manchester United.

Under the experimental rules, designed to boost goal-scoring, players could only be offside in their opponent's penalty area. But the experiment had little to do with the Halifax scoring. Here Bob Wallace kicks the Halifax penalty goal -- giving Halifax a two to nothing lead after twenty-six minutes of play.

Manchester United kicked off at the start of the second half -- hoping to make up their deficit quickly.

On the attack, Manchester United moves toward the Halifax goal. Awarded a penalty, star Irish international George Best netted from the spot nine minutes from time. But it was not enough, and Halifax maintained their two to one margin. Their victory earns them a semi-final clash with another first division club, West Bromwich Albion.