19 Jul 2020 09:06:46
FA Cup Semi final day.

It was a special day when I started supporting. I remember my late brother going to the semis against Leeds in 1970 and coming back cursing how dirty they were. However, 1976 was the first real time I got really engaged with it, couldn't get a ticket but remember listening on a radio, as you did in those days, then watching it on MOTD. Gordon Hill, a hero.

My first semi final that I got a ticket for was 1979, Maine Road versus the Scousers. What an incredible experience that was. Many of you will not have noticed I bet, but in the 70's and 80's the honours board in our programme included semi finals in the FA Cup. I got my programme out this morning from the 1984 Barcelona game to see what was in there. Sure enough semi finals in the FA, the European, Football League Milk cup and even the Inter Cities Fairs Cup. I have not bought programmes in many years because they were a rip off but can bet semi finals have not been included since SAF blitzed so many trophies.

The semi final was a great event, I can never forget being there to see Hughes and Robson in the replay at Maine Road in 85. Let's hope they make some memories tonight as semi finals are a great event, more so if you win, yet semi finalists shouldn't be something to cherish in history.


1.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 09:22:16
Redman
Sounds like you cherish a semi final.
I do myself to be honest, united and arsenal on the way to the treble is maybe the best game I've ever seen, it had everything.
I've got a soft spot for thd fa cup, I can remember when it was the best day of the year.


2.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 09:40:04
Red Man - good post mate I agree mate the semi's were always a huge occasion. I always preferred them when they were played at neutral venues where the atmosphere was always incredible.

Jred - That semi final reply against Arsenal in 99 at Villa Park is the best game I've attended. Keane sent off, the last minute penalty save by Schmeichel and then that goal from Giggs. Two brilliant teams at the top of their game fighting it out on all fronts. To beat that Arsenal team with 10 men in the manner we did was exhilarating. What a special night that was.


3.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 09:54:51
1983, Arsenal 1 United 2. Went 1 behind, then Robbo and big Norm scored screamers. One of the best matches I’ve ever been to,


4.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 09:56:04
Me too. we must be getting old.
Best tv day of the year on grandstand v world of of sport.
Interviews from team hotels and travelling on the team bus etc.
My first live match was 77 cup final. Happy memories.


5.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 10:03:00
Ken
It was a full day event, it never rained was always red hot I loved it .
DLIB
It was like a roy of the rovers game like you say had everything.


6.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 10:20:47
I am really excited about today, it won't be easy, we have beaten them 3 times this season but law of averages bothering me ha. Nobody expected arsenal to beat City yday so it puts us as faves, hope we get there and win a trophy under Ole.


7.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 10:23:24
Cheers RedMan. Nice post.


8.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 10:38:13
My first live match was about 71 but after the devastation in 74, the semi in 76 against Derby, who were a top team then, was massive, wish I could have gone. Money was very tight in the 70’s so couldn’t buy off a tout either. The first final I got a ticket for was 85, the damn token scheme was difficult. I wish I could have gone to the 99 semi but despite being a season ticket holder I couldn’t get a ticket! Went to Barcelona though, not through my ticket, again couldn’t get one, had to rely on a work corporate ticket.
My favourite to be at was the 85 one, beating Liverpool in all their pomp. I was at Goodison for the first one, the war zone, never seen anything like that, rockets, flares, golf balls with nails being thrown, bricks, tins of P##s, knives, coach in front being bricked. Frightening. So it made the Maine Road win very special. Neutral grounds is a must, semis at the great white elephant is downgrading the special nature of the final.


9.) 19 Jul 2020
19 Jul 2020 11:24:15
Although not a season ticket holder my dad managed to get a ticket to the 1976 F A Cup Final. I remember the excitement of going by train and then finally walking up Wembley Way. The sheer volume of Utd supporters. Being constantly asked if I had a spare ticket and feeling so lucky to have one. Then the crushing disappointment of losing.

The next year somehow my dad got another ticket. The same journey the same excitement but mixed with a bit of fear because Liverpool were a far better team than Southampton. The elation of winning that match was special

Then fast forward to 1990 and the Crystal Palace replay. This time I got two tickets just below the royal box. I was so happy to be able to repay my dad and take him. We watched in surprise as we heard Leighton was not playing and then thank goodness Lee Martin scored the winning and only goal. Not a great match by any means but to me the memory is beyond price.