Ritchie returned as Jimmy Greenhoff arrived, and the pair struck a productive partnership which the local media described as 'telepathic'. Ritchie top scored in 1970–71, 1971–72 and 1973–74 he helped Stoke reach two FA Cup semi finals in 1971 and 1972, Stoke losing both times to Arsenal. Stoke did reach the 1972 Football League Cup Final and beat Chelsea 2–1 to claim their first major trophy. Ritchie continued to play for Stoke until he broke his leg in September 1974 ending his career. He scored a club record 176 goals in 347 appearances for Stoke.