The First Wembley FA Cup Final to Need a Replay: A Historical Overview

In the rich tapestry of English football history, the fixture that stood out as the first Wembley FA Cup Final to be replayed took place in 1970. This event not only marked a significant milestone in the storied history of the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup) but also highlighted the unique challenges faced by teams in the competitive landscape of English football. Let's delve into the fascinating story of this pivotal match.

1923: The Pioneer

Before we explore the 1970 replay, it is important to note that the first Wembley FA Cup Final to conduct a replay took place in 1923. This match was played between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Consequently, a replay was necessitated at a later date to determine the eventual winner. Although no additional details are provided in the given information, it serves as a testament to the tradition of fair play and competitiveness in English football.

1970: The Replaying Whirlwind

Fast forward to 1970, and the first replay at Wembley made its mark in a different context. The 1970 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Leeds United provided a modern day example of how football can transcend expectations. The 1970 match, played on Saturday, April 11, 1970, concluded with a scoreless 2-2 draw during normal play, which led to an extended 30 minutes of extra time where no further goals were scored, resulting in the same outcome.

The Original Match

During the original match at Wembley, Chelsea emerged victorious from beyond the goalkeepers with two goals from Ian Hutchinson and Peter Houseman. Leeds United, however, initially moved ahead with a one-goal lead through Jack Charlton’s brilliantly executed first goal and then furthered their advantage through Mick Jones’ well-timed second goal during the first half. The overall scores at the end of 90 minutes were:

0-1 (Leeds United) - 2-1 (Chelsea)

The Replaying

Given the deadlock, it became imperative to find a clearer victor. Thus, a replay was scheduled to take place at Old Trafford, the home ground of Manchester United, just 18 days later on the evening of Wednesday, April 29, 1970. This replay showcased an entirely different narrative as Chelsea roared back into contention.

Mick Jones reasserted his prowess with another goal for Leeds United, setting them ahead. However, the resilient Chelsea side managed to level the score with a diving header from Peter Osgood in the latter stages of the second half. This brought the score to 1-1 and set the scene for extra time, which is always an unpredictable element in football.

The replay progressed into extra time, where the pressure was evident. This time, it was David Webb who answered the call for Chelsea, scoring a crucial goal in the extra time, securing the win. The final score stood at 2-1 in favor of Chelsea. The replay also garnered significant attention, given the attendance of 62,000 and the receipts of ￡88,000, highlighting the immense interest in the game.

Context and Implications

The 1970 season stands out as a particularly eventful one for all clubs involved. The end of the 1969-70 English First Division season saw an unusually early cut-off, necessitated by the rigorous preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. This meant that Leeds United faced significant challenges, including a compressed schedule and the daunting task of competing in multiple competitions: the League Championship, the FA Cup, and the European Cup.

Leeds United's efforts were commendable, as they managed to reach the semi-finals of the European Cup and the FA Cup Final. Nevertheless, their intense schedule and subsequent impacts took a toll, leading to a decline in their league performance and an eventual loss in the FA Cup to Chelsea. Stories like these underscore the unpredictable nature of football, showcasing the immense pressure and high stakes that clubs face during crucial seasons.

Conclusion

The 1970 FA Cup Final will forever be remembered not just for the thrilling second match but for the intense rivalries and absences that defined the season leading up to it. From early in the century to the 1970s, the FA Cup continues to be a hallmark of English football, and the replay of 1970 remains a compelling chapter in its storied history. The key players and teams involved, such as Chelsea, Leeds United, and Manchester United, have all left their indelible marks in the annals of the FA Cup, making this replay a significant milestone.

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