West Ham took on Arsenal in a thrilling encounter between two London sides and it was a surprise that Division two side West Ham prevailed as winners. The contest was won in the 13th minute from an easy header from Trevor Brooking who was quickest to react after a shot from Stuart Pearson flashed across the goalmouth. Although Arsenal came into the match as strong favourites they were not able to break down the defence of a West Ham side who were getting closer and closer to a mediocre mid-table finish in Division 2.

England international Trevor Brooking was quickest to react in the Arsenal box to score the winner.

West Ham manager John Lyall took a huge risk by starting Paul Allen, the youngest  player at the time to play in an FA Cup final. The game started slowly with Arsenal keeping to their typically defensive style of football and as expected they dictated the opening minutes of the encounter with the Hammers’ defencestaying strong. It was not long before the defensive tactic of Arsenal was exposed with Alan Devonshire making a run down the left wing and crossing the ball into the box where David Cox’s effort was parried to Stuart Pearson who shot and Trevor Brooking expertly glanced his header into the Arsenal goal. After that devastating blow for the Gunners they began to attack which gave goalkeeper Phil Parkes and his West Ham defence a chance to prove their worth, which they did. Both teams had opportunities but Arsenal, as expected, took the game to West Ham, seemingly in vain. Despite their best efforts, both teams contributed to a relatively lacklustre first half and apart from the goal, the game was almost featureless.

West Ham manager John Lyall and his Cockney Boys' had defied all the odds by going into the break at 1-0 up

The secondhalf was much the same as the first half with Arsenal controlling the game in all departments. However, the 1st division side could not capitalize on their overwhelming percentage of possession. The underdogs from the 2nd division were able to hold out and squash any Arsenal attacks. Towards the end of the game, Arsenal were sensing defeat and the defence let their guard down and let the youngster Paul Allen make a run toward goal. Pat Jennings in the Arsenal goal was the only man to beat but Willie Young managed to bring down the youngster just short of the penalty box. The tackle was a disgrace and following the rules, the referee showed Young a yellow card for the challenge, even though today it would have been an indisputable red card. The Hammers managed to hold out untill the final whistle and win a game which, to date, makes them the last team outside the top division to win the FA Cup. The Duchess of Kent presented the trophy to captain, Billy Bonds who held it towards the West Ham fans, who were fittingly, singing “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.”

They say that fortune favors the brave and that was certainly the case in this encounter between two teams who showed grit and determination to get all the way to the final. Unfortunately for Arsenal they were to be beaten by the claret and blue army of West Ham United at the hands of goalscorer Trevor Brooking. Although the game was lifeless for the most part, the legacy of Paul Allen’s “goal that never was” will be a moment for some to never forget and others, especially Paul Allen, a moment to never remember.