FOR football fans of a certain age in Herefordshire, the name of Ronnie Radford is guaranteed to bring a large smile to the face.

Now the famous goal that he scored, and the celebrated FA Cup win over Newcastle United that it prompted back in February 1972, is the start-off point for a new play at The Courtyard in Hereford.

Called, appropriately, The Goal, the work which is written by Nick Lane and directed by Ian Archer, tells the story of that season’s six teenage ball boys – or, more exactly, five ball boys and one ball girl.

And it’s far, far more than just a play about football.

The six – Bob, Chris, Twig, Brian, Yorkie and Dan – come from different backgrounds and experiences but find a common link in their Saturday afternoon duties at Edgar Street and we see how their bonds develop.

It’s a play about the complications of teenage life, of relationships with each other and with family, peppered with wit and humour and all bound together by that moment of giantkilling glory which still resonates through the city and the county to this day.

There are fine performances by the six players – who all take on a variety of roles – a highly evocative musical background and even a voice cameo by the football commentator John Motson.

The Goal is a real treat and can be enjoyed equally by those who like football and those who don’t.

It runs at the Courtyard until Saturday and tickets are still available.