1987 FA Cup Final

The 1987 FA Cup Final took place on 16 May 1987 at Wembley Stadium and is universally considered to be one of the best cup finals to played at Wembley stadium. It was contested between Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs were appearing in their third final in seven seasons, having won the trophy in 1981 and 1982 and were heavy favourites, while unfancied Coventry were appearing in their first ever final after 104 years of trying. Spurs were going for a record eighth victory and had never lost a final. In an exciting match, Coventry eventually triumphed 3–2 after extra time.

Match summary

After only two minutes, Clive Allen scored his 49th goal of the season, heading past keeper Steve Ogrizovic at the near-post from a perfect Chris Waddle cross. Within seven minutes though, the Sky Blues were level through Dave Bennett, a Cup Final loser in 1981 for Manchester City, ironically at the hands of Spurs.

The London club were back in front five minutes before the break though through defender Gary Mabbutt. Midway through the second half Coventry were level again - Bennett's pinpoint cross from the right was met by striker Keith Houchen with a diving header for a memorable goal which was voted in the top 10 goals ever scored at Wembley.

The scores stayed level until full-time and the game went into extra time. Six minutes in, Mabbutt scored an own goal after Lloyd McGrath centred the ball and it took a deflection off of the Spurs defender's knee and over keeper Ray Clemence.

Match details

footballbox
date=May 16, 1987
team1=Coventry City
score=3 – 2 (aet)
report= [http://www.fa-cupfinals.co.uk/1987.htm (Report)]
team2=Tottenham Hotspur
goals1=Bennett goal|9
Houchen goal|64
Mabbutt (o.g.) goal|96
goals2=C. Allen goal|2
Mabbutt goal|40
stadium=Wembley, London
attendance=98,000
referee=Neil Midgley (Manchester)

Road to Wembley

"Home teams listed first. "

ee also

References

* [http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=258966 Game facts] at soccerbase.com