1973 FA Cup Final – Sunderland’s Famous Victory Over Leeds United

 

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Overview – Sunderland vs Leeds United, FA Cup Final 1973

The 1973 FA Cup Final, played on 5 May 1973 at the iconic Wembley Stadium, is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in English football history. Second Division Sunderland AFC defeated First Division champions Leeds United 1–0, delivering a performance full of grit, passion, and unforgettable moments.

Match Facts:

  • Date: Saturday, 5 May 1973

  • Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

  • Attendance: 100,000 spectators

  • Final Score: Sunderland 1 – 0 Leeds United

  • Goal Scorer: Ian Porterfield (32’)

  • Man of the Match: Jimmy Montgomery

How Sunderland Won the 1973 FA Cup

Ian Porterfield’s Historic Goal

In the 32nd minute, Ian Porterfield struck a left-footed volley past Leeds goalkeeper David Harvey, giving Sunderland a shock lead. This goal would go down as one of the most important in the club’s history.

Jimmy Montgomery’s Double Save

With Leeds pressing for an equalizer, Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery produced what is often called the greatest save in FA Cup history. In a split second, he first denied Trevor Cherry with a reflex stop, then blocked Peter Lorimer’s powerful follow-up with his arm, keeping Sunderland’s lead intact.

Bob Stokoe’s Iconic Celebration

At the final whistle, Sunderland manager Bob Stokoe sprinted across the Wembley turf in his famous trilby hat and overcoat to embrace Montgomery – creating one of the most enduring images in FA Cup folklore.

Why the 1973 FA Cup Final Was Special

  • First Second Division Winners Since 1931 – Sunderland’s victory was the first by a lower-division side in over 40 years.

  • Beating the Best – Leeds United were one of the strongest teams in Europe at the time, making Sunderland’s win even more remarkable.

  • The Magic of the FA Cup – This match is still held up as the perfect example of how underdogs can triumph on football’s biggest domestic stage.

Legacy of the 1973 FA Cup Final

For Sunderland fans, the 1973 FA Cup win remains their most celebrated football achievement. The match is regularly featured in FA Cup retrospectives, documentaries, and highlight reels, ensuring that Ian Porterfield, Jimmy Montgomery, and Bob Stokoe’s names live on in football history.

 

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