The 2008 FA Cup is well underway and players and fans all over the world are dreaming of cup glory. We take a look back and pick out 8 of the best cup finals for 2008.
1. Wimbledon 1 Liverpool 0 – 1988
One of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history was provided by Wimbledon’s victory in 1988. After all, only 11 years ago Wimbledon had been playing non-league football whereas Liverpool, the league champions were chasing the Double.
The Crazy Gang took no notice of reputations though and snatched the lead when Lawrie Sanchez scored with a header in the 37th minute. In the second half Liverpool were awarded a controversial penalty. Step forward another Wimbledon hero, goalkeeper Dave Beasant. He saved John Aldridge’s penalty, thus becoming the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final whilst simultaneously handing Wimbledon the trophy.
2. Blackpool 4 Bolton 3 – 1953
A thrilling game which saw a Stanley Matthews inspired Blackpool come back from 3-1 down to triumph 4-3. Blackpool scored three times in the last 22 minutes to take the title in a game which saw the first ever FA Cup final hat trick courtesy of Stan Mortensen. Quite simply, a classic.
3. Coventry 3 Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1987
A famous victory for Coventry as they overcame a strong Spurs side in a topsy-turvy final.
Spurs, who had never previously lost a Cup final, took the lead twice but Coventry’s teamwork and determination were something to behold and their second equaliser was a stunning flying header from Houchen which took the game into extra time.
The game was finally won by the unfortunate Gary Mabbutt, who having scored earlier had the misfortune of getting in the path of a McGrath cross and thus deflecting the ball into his own net for Coventry’s winner.
4. Arsenal 3 Man Utd 2 – 1979
A match that finally burst into life with just over five minutes remaining. Arsenal were two nil up thanks to goals from Talbot and Stapleton. However United weren’t quite beaten and after McQueen had managed to snatch one back they threatened the impossible when Sammy McIllroy scored a dramatic equaliser with only minutes left.
Yet Arsenal weren’t to be defeated and with only seconds left on the clock Sunderland scored the winner for Arsenal ensuring jubilation for the Gunners and utter despair for United.
5. Manchester City 3 Birmingham City 1 - 1956
Best known for being the final in which Manchester City keeper Bert Trautman broke his neck but famously kept on playing.
The match was 1-1 after an hour before Manchester City went two ahead with goals by Dyson and Johnston. However it was Trautman who took all the plaudits. With twenty minutes to go Trautman dived bravely at Murphy’s feet in a challenge which broke a vertebrae in his neck. However the German played on, making several great saves to help preserve City’s lead and add some magic to the legend of the FA Cup that lives on today.
6. Manchester United 3 Crystal Palace 3 (United won the replay 1 nil) – 1990
Crystal Palace’s first final appearance will be remembered for the fact they came so close to a famous victory. They took the lead half way through the first half thanks to an O’Reilly header before United equalised when Robson’s header took a fortunate deflection off Pemberton and beat Nigel Martyn in the Palace goal.
United then went in front when Mark Hughes lashed the ball in, yet Palace refused to give up and substitute Ian Wright came off the bench to equalise for Palace before putting them 3-2 up.
As the game drifted towards the final whistle it looked as though a famous victory was on the cards. However up stepped Hughes again to make it 3-3 and break Palace hearts.
7. Liverpool 3 West Ham 3 (Liverpool win 3-1 on pens) – 2006
A modern-day thriller made all the sweeter coming as it did after a succession of tepid finals.
West Ham were two up early on with goals from Ashton and an own goal from Carragher before Cisse pulled one back for Liverpool and Captain Gerrard then equalised. However Konchesky’s cross-cum-shot looped over Reina and put West Ham back into the lead.
Yet the drama didn’t end there. With the final whistle looming and an unlikely win on the cards, up stepped Gerrard again to lash home a stunning equaliser and force the game into extra time. Liverpool eventually prevailed on penalties but nonetheless the game was a classic which will live long in the memory.
8. Southampton 1 Manchester United 0 – 1976
Another shock result as the hot favourites for the Cup were beaten by Southampton. Although United dominated much of the game, poor finishing was their problem as they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.
Yet with less than 10 minutes to go Southampton won it as Bobby Stokes was put through and calmly beat United keeper Alex Stepney. The underdogs had triumphed again.
