FA CUP CLASSIC WORTH A PINT OR TWO.

Byline: Scott French Soccer

GARDEN GROVE - One look at Ian Clarke's hat, and you might think he has seen every FA Cup, all the way back to 1872. It's covered with Liverpool pins, celebrating this championship and that, and perfectly complements his ensemble: Liverpool jersey, natch, plus a half-dozen or so Liverpool scarves, some hanging from his waist like a skirt.

``This one's from '74,'' he says, showing off a ratty piece of red cloth tied around his wrist, most of the print faded away, a few names -- Clemence, Keegan, Toshack, Thompson -- still visible.

He means 1974, of course, gleefully recounting the Reds' 3-0 win over Newcastle, then explains why he's here, thousands of miles from the Mersey, sitting in a pub at 6:30 in the morning waiting to watch his favorite team -- his only team -- in the biggest game of the year.

There are hundreds gathered at the British & Dominion Social Club this Saturday morning -- ex-pats and Yanks, men and women, old-timers and small children, most decked out in Liverpool and West Ham United shirts or England jerseys, one in a U.S. Soccer sweatshirt, and there's a Bill Cowher lookalike, in Steelers gear (with a Manchester United shirt underneath), in front of the big screen.

The Guinness and Boddington's is flowing, there's English breakfast in the back -- sausage, bacon and eggs, baked beans, stewed tomatoes and toast, plenty of HPSauce -- and it's standing-room only around seven screens. Clarke is holding court at the bar.

Like many from Liverpool, he'd gone to sea, working on a private yacht for a spell. It docked in Long Beach 20 years ago. ``I married an American girl,'' Clarke says, ``and here I am.''

It's a scene played out all over Southern California, all over America. Every year, thousands flock to English pubs and clubs, drop $20 for a seat or space to stand near a TV set, fill up on sausage and eggs, lager and ale, and watch the oldest team competition in sport reach its annual climax.

Sometimes the games aren't so entertaining. Today we get a sizzler, filled with pulsating action, at least four sensational goals, and a frenetic finish that leads to overtime and, finally, penalty kicks.

Liverpool, one of England's biggest clubs, has most of the support here, but the West Ham fans are cheering loudest early on. A Jamie Carragher own goal is followed by Dean Ashton's rebound, and the underdog Londoners have a 2-0 lead in the first half-hour.

That doesn't last. First Frenchman Djibril Cisse latches onto a long ball from Steven Gerrard and volleys it home -- ``I love Cisse!'' Clarke declares -- and then Gerrard hammers in a shot to tie the score. The West Ham faithful, dancing just minutes later, sit silently as the club erupts.

Bill Finnerty is from north London -- Camden Town -- so he's rooting for West Ham. Newcastle is his team.

``When I was 10 years old, I was evacuated to Newcastle during the war,'' he says. ``Back then, when you lived with someone and you weren't related, they were `Uncle.' My `uncle' supported Newcastle, so I decided to follow Newcastle. ... And I've regretted it all my life.''

Finnerty knows the sport well -- he retired a few years back after 17years as men's coach at Long Beach City College -- and he's certain West Ham isn't through.

Five minutes later, Paul Konchesky sends an arcing cross from the left, and it carries, finally clearing Liverpool goalkeeper Jose ``Pepe'' Reina and ducking inside the crossbar and right post.

``See, I told you!'' Irwin says, his smile broadening. ``I knew it.''

The celebration rages for Hammers fans as the clock runs down, into the 90th minute, and then Gerrard fires from 35 yards, a rocket to the lower- left corner. It brings on 30 minutes of extra time -- another pint of Guinness, please -- and then the inevitable penalty shootout.

The champagne is poured before the kicks so both sides can celebrate, and what a game to celebrate. One of the best any of us have seen, no matter how it ends.

Reina's the hero in the shootout, Liverpool has its seventh FA Cup title, and as I head into the morning light, Clarke has his arms around twomore Reds fans, singing. Soon there will be another pin in his hat.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1) Liverpool captian Steven Gerrard raises the FA Cup after scoring two goals to lead the Reds past West Ham United in Saturday's final.

Toby Melville/AFP/Getty Images

(2) Jan Koller

Photo by Getty Images

Box:

(1) Koller's return aids ailing Czechs

(2) Etc.