Liverpool twice took the lead against Everton in the FA Cup semi-final at Maine Road on 23 April 1977. Twice Everton equalised. Then Bryan Hamilton put the ball in Liverpool's net, only for referee Clive Thomas to disallow what would have been a late winner. The 2–2 draw sent the clubs back to Manchester for a replay four days later.
For Bob Paisley's side, the pursuit of the League championship, FA Cup and European Cup remained intact. It had survived a match in which Everton repeatedly found ways through their defence.
Heavy rain had left water and mud on the pitch. David Fairclough's early run ended with the ball sticking as he tried to shoot, an immediate demonstration of the conditions both attacks faced.
Terry McDermott found a more delicate solution in the tenth minute. Taking Kevin Keegan's pass, he deceived Mick Buckley and chipped David Lawson. Liverpool had the opening goal, but Duncan McKenzie brought Everton level before half-time, finishing after Jim Pearson and Martin Dobson had combined to deliver the ball across goal.
David Johnson replaced Fairclough in the second half. Soon afterwards Liverpool regained the lead: Lawson punched a high free-kick upwards, and Jimmy Case headed in. The goal came in the 73rd minute; Bruce Rioch's reply followed in the 82nd after McKenzie had beaten Tommy Smith and pulled the ball back.
McKenzie's influence extended to the final controversy. Ronnie Goodlass crossed from the left, McKenzie helped the ball on and substitute Hamilton turned it past Ray Clemence. Thomas's decision cancelled Everton's celebrations.
Contemporary and later accounts differ over whether the ruling was for offside or handball. What is beyond dispute is its consequence: Everton were denied a third goal, Liverpool remained in the competition, and neither club had yet secured its place at Wembley.