Ludo looks for final-day repeat

Sunday 14 May 1995 is a day no West Ham United nor Manchester United fan will ever forget.

Going into the final day of the season, the Red Devils needed to beat the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground and hope that leaders Blackburn Rovers dropped points at Liverpool to take the title.

West Ham went into the game with little to play for, sitting comfortably in mid-table, and Sir Alex Ferguson and his players must have expected to complete their side of the bargain in east London. It did not pan out that way , however, as home goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko produced a near-unbeatable display and Michael Hughes netted for the home side to secure a 1-1 draw and send the title to Ewood Park.

Nineteen years on, West Ham can again deny a Manchester side the title. A win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday could see favourites Manchester City miss out if Liverpool beat Newcastle United at home.

Nearly two decades after his title-deciding performance, 'Ludo' never tires of talking about the day he denied Fergie the trophy!

"It was one of those games when you think 'you can't be beaten, you can't be beaten'," said Miklosko this week. "I remember saving one header when I had to move in the opposite direction, moving quickly and spreading myself in other saves. We had luck - and they hit me. Sometimes you need luck. We fought and they never took their chances."

At the final whistle, Manchester United's players dropped to the turf in disappointment and sheer frustration at their inability to beat the Czech stopper, aside from Brian McClair's equaliser early in the second half.

"I remember the Man United players on the floor at the end. We just went into the dressing room. It was a bit muted as it was a draw, we didn't beat them, you can't really celebrate."

This weekend, Miklosko will be an interested observer as Sam Allardyce's side attempt to repeat the heroics of 1995 by denying Manchester City the trophy.

On this occasion, the Hammers will be on the road, so how does the 52-year-old think West Ham should approach the game?

"You can only play normally. When you come out in front of 35,000 people like we did then its different and that gives you the motivation. You are a professional and you should go into the game with the attitude to win any game. Even if you are relegated or wining the Champions League. You need that mentality to show you are the best on the pitch.

"It will be a very similar game to when we played United. West Ham have nothing to lose when they go on pitch. They can play with no fear and go and enjoy the game."

Finally, while Miklosko was the man who denied Manchester United the title, what does he make of the man who now stands between the posts for West Ham - Spaniard Adrian?

"He is a big and young lad. He is still learning, but he has a good future in front of him. He is still learning how to play English football, but there is a good chance he could be a very good 'keeper."

As a man who played 373 times for West Ham United, Ludek Miklosko would know.