Matthew following in Astle's footsteps

History has repeated itself for the family of Black Country soccer legend Jeff Astle.

The West Bromwich Albion striker is one of only a handful of players to score in every round of the FA Cup in the same season.

Now his grandson Matthew Furniss has repeated the astonishing feat – in a Midlands under 11s cup.

Jeff's widow Laraine was in the crowd for Sunday's Leicestershire League's cup final and gave Matthew his grandfather's coveted FA Cup winners medal to wish on before the kick off.

Mrs Astle, who lives in Netherseal, Derbyshire, said the goal brought back happy memories of her late husband's Wembley winner against Everton 40 years ago.

"They both scored with their left foot," recalled the 61-year-old mother of three with four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

"I was absolutely thrilled when the ball went in the net. Matthew is the image of his granddad and even laughs like him.

"He had promised to celebrate with both arms held aloft just like Jeff used to if he scored – and was as good as his word. It was a real striker's goal and is a sight I shall never forget.

"I keep the FA Cup winners medal in a safe because it is so valuable but took it out specially for Matthew to hold on the morning of his match.

"I told him to make a wish and promised that his granddad would help it come true. Thank goodness it did. It was a marvellous moment for the whole family. I was jumping up in the air shouting boing, boing, boing after he scored.

"His grandfather would have been very proud of him and my only regret is that he was not alive to see it."

Matthew who lives with his mother Dawn and father Alastair in Measham, Leics is a left winger who has just celebrated his 11th birthday. He scored in every round of the cup competition for T.S. Sports including the 5-3 victory over Carib Sports in Sunday's final at Holmes Park, the Leicestershire County FA HQ.

A good luck message had been read out to him at The Hawthorns during half time in the Premiership clash between West Brom and Arsenal.

The legendary Baggies' striker died in January 2002, aged 59. He made 292 appearances for Albion, scoring 137 goals.