CLASSIC MATCH – Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea – FA Cup Quarter-Final Replay

Sunderland made it through to their first FA Cup semi-final since they won the competition in 1973 after a late strike from Gordon Armstrong meant that Sunderland would go through to play Norwich City at Hillsborough in the semi-final.

The first game at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw after John Byrne scored a headed equaliser with less than 10 minutes remaining, sending over 5,000 mackems in delirium.

The replay took place at Roker Park on 18th March, and Sunderland thought they took an early lead after Paul Bracewell put in a brilliant ball into the area and Gordon Armstrong was their to finish, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

But, a few minutes later, John Byrne drove into the box brilliantly, and his effort was saved by the ‘keeper, but it fell straight to Peter Davenport, who couldn’t miss from close range.

Sunderland managed to soak up a lot of pressure, with Tony Norman making some outstanding saves to keep out Chelsea.

The Black Cats thought they had doubled their lead through John Byrne, but it was ruled out for offside again!

A desperate Chelsea equalised with 4 minutes to go after Dave Beasant lofted a ball into the area, and Dennis Wise found a way through, and he was able to prod the ball home.

Sunderland pushed on for the winner instantly after the equaliser from Chelsea.

The Black Cats won themselves a corner, and Gordon Armstrong got his head on the end of it, and his beauty of a header found the left corner.

The players and the fans inside Roker Park went absolutely mad!

Sunderland made it all the way to the final after beating Norwich City in the semis, thanks to a John Byrne goal, and went on to face Liverpool in the final at Wembley.

The Lads were classed as the underdogs once again, as they were playing in the second-division at the time, just like they were in ’73.

Sunderland came out short in the final as they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool, but it was a cup run to be proud of, for definite.