The 1973 FA Cup final was the 92nd final of the FA Cup. It took place on 5 May 1973 at Wembley Stadium and was contested between Leeds United, the cup holders and one of the dominant teams in English football at the time, and Sunderland, then playing in the Second Division.
In one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition, Sunderland won 1–0 to become the first Second Division side to lift the Cup since West Bromwich Albion in 1931. It was Sunderland's last Cup win for almost 50 years until the team won the EFL Trophy in 2021, and also their last major trophy as of 2025. Sunderland's team were the only FA Cup winners of the 20th century not to field any full internationals, although some of their players were capped later.
Road to Wembley Leeds United Home teams listed first. Round 3: Norwich City 1–1 Leeds United Replay: Leeds United 1–1 Norwich City 2nd Replay: Leeds United 5–0 Norwich City (at Villa Park)
Round 4: Leeds United 2–1 Plymouth Argyle
Round 5: Leeds United 2–0 WBA
Quarter-Final: Derby County 0–1 Leeds United
Semi-Final: Leeds United 1–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (at Maine Road, Manchester)Sunderland Home teams listed first. Round 3: Notts County 1–1 Sunderland Replay: Sunderland 2–0 Notts County
Round 4: Sunderland 1–1 Reading Replay: Reading 1–3 Sunderland
Round 5: Manchester City 2–2 Sunderland Replay: Sunderland 3–1 Manchester City
Quarter-Final: Sunderland 2–0 Luton Town
Semi-Final: Sunderland 2–1 Arsenal (at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield)
Match summary
Sunderland established their tactics immediately from the kick-off and refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponents, tackling fiercely and defiantly with an unremitting determination. Leeds looked anxious, lacking their usual composure. The match itself was decided by two crucial moments that would be talked about for years to come.
After 32 minutes Sunderland took the lead when Vic Halom chested down a corner from Billy Hughes. Assisted by Dave Watson between two defenders, the deflected high ball was controlled by Ian Porterfield who shot home from 12 yards. Leeds, shocked, battled back with predictable determination. Sunderland's goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery was outstanding, defying Leeds with a string of fine saves and preserving his team's lead.
The turning point of the match came midway through the second half. Montgomery dived to palm away a close range header from Trevor Cherry. It fell into the path of Lorimer who blasted goalward from 10 yards but Montgomery managed to divert the ball on to the underside of the bar and Malone scrambled the ball clear. The save is considered one of the greatest of all time and has been compared with that made by England's Gordon Banks in the 1970 FIFA World Cup match against Brazil.
The North East team survived more pressure from Leeds to secure a notable upset.
The 1973 showpiece is the last FA Cup final to be played with an orange ball.
Sunderland's FA Cup record, "Sunderland All the Way", was recorded by comedian Bobby Knoxall.
Match details
GK 1 David HarveyDF 2 Paul ReaneyDF 3 Trevor CherryMF 4 Billy Bremner (c)DF 5 Paul MadeleyDF 6 Norman HunterFW 7 Peter LorimerFW 8 Allan ClarkeFW9 Mick JonesMF 10 Johnny GilesMF 11 Eddie Gray Substitute:MF 12 Terry Yorath Manager: Don Revie GK 1 Jimmy MontgomeryRB 2 Dick MaloneLB 3 Ron GuthrieCM 4 Micky HorswillCB 5 David WatsonCB 6 Richie PittRCM 7 Bobby Kerr (c)RW 8 Billy HughesST 9 Vic HalomLCM 10 Ian PorterfieldLW 11 Dennis TueartSubstitute:CB 12 David YoungManager: Bob Stokoe Match rules 90 minutes. 30 minutes of extra-time if necessary. Replay if scores still level. One named substitute.
References
External links
Game facts at soccerbase.com Match report in "Daily Telegraph"