1908 FA Cup final explained

1908 FA Cup Final
Event:1907–08 FA Cup
Team1:Wolverhampton
Wanderers
Team1score:3
Team2:Newcastle United
Team2score:1
Date:25 April 1908
Stadium:Crystal Palace
City:London
Referee:T. P. Campbell
Attendance:74,967
Previous:1907
Next:1909

The 1908 FA Cup final was contested by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Crystal Palace Park. Newcastle had just finished fourth in the First Division during this season, after winning the league in 1906–07. This was their third FA Cup final appearance in four years (although they had yet to win). Their 6–0 thrashing of Fulham in the semi-final is a record win for a semi-final. By contrast, Wolves had finished ninth in the Second Division.

Nevertheless, Wolves upset the odds by winning the match 3–1, with goals by Kenneth Hunt, George Hedley and Billy Harrison. James Howey scored the Magpies' reply. The Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Bell, then handed the trophy to Wolves' Billy Wooldridge.

Match summary

Newcastle began the more composed side and launched several early attacks. They had the majority of the possession, but Wolves managed to stand resolute. On the 40-minute mark, a hurried clearance from a scramble in the Newcastle penalty area fell to Kenneth Hunt, who hit the ball back ferociously from distance, which Lawrence in the Magpies' goal could only help into the net. This was the first goal Hunt had ever scored for the club. Wolves grew in confidence with this strike and George Hedley quickly doubled their advantage with swift shot into the far corner after eluding two tackles.

James Howie gave Newcastle hope as he scored after a corner in the 73rd minute, their first Cup Final goal in three attempts, and they pushed for the equaliser. However, Wolves managed to break away and winger Billy Harrison sealed the victory to clinch the cup for a second time for the Molineux men.

Match details

GK Tommy Lunn
DF
DFTed Collins
MFKenneth Hunt
MFBilly Wooldridge (c)
MFAlf Bishop
FW
FWJack Shelton
FW
FW Wally Radford
FW Jack Pedley
Manager:
Jack Addenbrooke
GK Jimmy Lawrence
DF Billy McCracken
DF Dick Pudan
MF Alex Gardner
MF Colin Veitch (c)
MF Peter McWilliam
FW Jock Rutherford
FW James Howie
FW Bill Appleyard
FW Finlay Speedie
FW George Wilson
Manager:
Frank Watt

Road to the final

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

Round 1: Bradford City 1–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Round 2: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 Bury

Round 3: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 Swindon Town

Quarter-final: Stoke City 0–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Semi-final: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 Southampton

(at Stamford Bridge)

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Newcastle United

Round 1: Newcastle United 2–0 Nottingham Forest

Round 2: Newcastle United 2–0 West Ham United

Round 3: Newcastle United 3–1 Liverpool

Quarter-final: Newcastle United 5–1 Grimsby Town

Semi-final: Newcastle United 6–0 Fulham

(at Anfield)

External links