Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

1968 FA Cup final

The 1968 FA Cup Final was a match contested on 18 May 1968 at in between West Bromwich Albion of the First Division and , also of the First Division, to decide the winners of the for that season. West Bromwich Albion emerged victorious with a 1–0 win after extra time, courtesy of a 93rd-minute goal by forward , securing the club's fifth triumph. West Bromwich Albion, managed by Alan Ashman, entered the final as underdogs despite their storied history in the competition, having reached for the tenth time and previously lifting the trophy in 1888, 1892, 1931, and 1954. Captain Graham Williams, who spent his entire professional career with the club from 1955 to 1972, led the team to victory. Their path to the final was arduous, featuring a replayed third-round victory over Colchester United, a dramatic fourth-round replay against where captain Graham Williams played in goal after an injury to keeper , a fifth-round win over , a quarter-final triumph over rivals across three matches, and a 2–0 semi-final victory over City with goals from Tony Brown and . , guided by manager and fresh off a 1966 win, had finished fifth in the league that season and boasted a strong squad including internationals Alan Ball, Ray Wilson, and . Their run included victories over and Carlisle United in the early rounds, a 1–0 win against in the fifth round, a 2–0 quarter-final success against , and a 1–0 semi-final victory over Leeds United at . The final, refereed by Leo Callaghan and attended by 99,665 spectators—including Beatles member Paul McCartney, who supported Everton—marked several historic firsts: it was the first broadcast live in colour on television, the first to feature a substitute—West Brom's Dennis Clarke replacing John Kaye at halftime—and saw both teams don their away kits due to a colour clash between their home strips. Played on a waterlogged following , the match was a tense, low-scoring affair with Everton dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including efforts from Joe Royle and Alan Ball, but West Brom's resolute defense, anchored by Osborne in goal and led by Williams, held firm through 90 goalless minutes. In extra time, Astle— who had scored in every round en route to the final—capitalized on a cross from Brown to head home the winner, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Baggies supporters. The victory propelled West Brom into the 1968 Charity Shield against Manchester United and cemented the 1968 squad, featuring players like Astle, , and Williams, as club legends, exorcising ghosts from previous near-misses. For , the defeat was a disappointment in a season of promise, though they would rebound to win the league title two years later under Catterick. The final remains remembered for its drama, innovation in broadcasting, and Astle's heroic contribution, embodying the FA Cup's tradition of giant-killing and last-gasp triumphs.

Background

Teams and managers

West Bromwich Albion entered the 1968 FA Cup final as an 8th-placed team in the 1967–68 First Division season, managed by Alan Ashman, who had taken over the club in 1967 following a period of mid-table stability. Key figures in their squad included striker , known for his clinical finishing and aerial prowess, and inside forward Tony Brown, a versatile attacker who provided creativity and goals from midfield. The Baggies were seeking their fifth title, having last won the competition in 1954 against North End, with previous triumphs in 1888, 1892, and 1931 underscoring their historical pedigree in the tournament. Everton, finishing 5th in the same First Division campaign, were guided by manager , who had rebuilt the team into a competitive force after their success. Prominent players included midfielder Alan Ball, a dynamic international whose energy drove the midfield, captain and center-back , a commanding and defensive linchpin, and forward , a powerful target man contributing goals and physical presence. The Toffees aimed for a fourth victory, building on wins in 1906, 1933, and most recently against Sheffield Wednesday. The two clubs had a competitive leading into the final, with holding the edge in recent encounters. In the 1967–68 league season, defeated West Brom 2–1 at and 6–2 at . Prior to 1968, the teams had met four times in the , where won three ties, including the 1906–07 semi-final, while West Brom's lone victory came in the 1930–31 semi-final.

Pre-final form

In the 1967–68 Football League First Division, Manchester City clinched the title with 58 points from 42 matches, edging out Manchester United by two points in second place, while secured third with 55 points, creating a fiercely competitive environment where cup runs offered an alternative path to silverware for mid-table contenders like West Bromwich Albion and . West Bromwich Albion endured an inconsistent league campaign, ultimately finishing eighth with 46 points, bolstered by a robust home record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses but hampered by away struggles yielding only 5 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses. Their resilience was evident in numerous hard-fought draws, particularly on the road, and they secured key victories against relegation-threatened sides, including 2–1 wins over both home and away, a 3–2 triumph at Leicester City, and a 4–1 home rout of Sheffield United. Everton mounted a solid challenge for the title early in the season, reaching fourth place after a 3–1 opening-day victory over Manchester United, but inconsistent results saw them fade to a fifth-place finish with 52 points, highlighted by notable successes against top opposition such as that early win at and a 1–0 derby victory over in February. Under manager , their defensive solidity stood out, conceding just 40 goals—the joint-best record in the division alongside —providing a strong foundation that hinted at their potential in knockout competitions. Early signs of cup promise emerged from both teams' league showings: West Brom's tenacity in drawing contests against stronger sides demonstrated grit under pressure, while Everton's organized backline under Catterick suggested they could thrive in high-stakes ties. Key figures like West Brom's prolific striker and Everton's dynamic Alan Ball played pivotal roles in sustaining momentum through the season.

Route to the final

West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion's campaign in the 1967–68 began in round with a challenging away fixture against Third Division side Colchester United at on 27 January 1968, where the match ended in a 1–1 draw after Tony Brown converted a penalty to equalize following Colchester's opener by Arthur Stratton. The replay at on 31 January saw West Brom secure a comfortable 4–0 victory, with scoring a brace, alongside goals from John Kaye and Clive Clark, advancing them amid a crowd of 38,448. In the fourth round, West Brom hosted First Division rivals at on 17 , resulting in another 1–1 stalemate, with again on target to match Derek 's goal. The replay at The Dell on 21 tested their resolve further, as West Brom triumphed 3–2 away, thanks to two goals from Astle—including the winner—and one from , overcoming strikes from and despite the injury to goalkeeper , which forced defender Graham Williams to play in goal. The fifth round pitted them against Second Division Portsmouth away at Fratton Park on 9 March, where a 2–1 win was secured through goals by Astle and , with Keith Hiron scoring for the hosts in front of 42,642 spectators. This victory highlighted their growing momentum against lower-tier opposition. The quarter-finals brought a formidable challenge against , starting with a 0–0 draw at on 30 March before 43,503 fans. The first replay at on 8 April also ended 1–1 after extra time, with Astle canceling out Tony Hateley's effort. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, West Brom prevailed 2–1 in the second replay at neutral on 18 April, as Astle and scored against another Hateley goal, with Kaye playing through a bloodied in a tie attended by 56,139. In the semi-final at on 27 April, West Brom defeated local rivals City 2–0, with goals from Astle and , capitalizing on Birmingham's missed opportunities in an efficient performance before 60,831 supporters. Astle's consistent scoring across every round, alongside contributions from teammates like and , underscored the team's tenacity in navigating replays and tough draws against strong opposition, particularly the giants.

Everton

Everton's journey in the 1967–68 FA Cup began in the third round with a 1–0 away victory over Third Division side at Haig Avenue on 27 January 1968, where scored the decisive goal in the first half, securing a hard-fought win before a crowd of 18,795. In the fourth round, they maintained their momentum with a 2–0 away triumph against Second Division United on 17 February 1968 at , thanks to goals from and Royle, keeping a clean sheet in front of 25,000 spectators. The fifth round saw Everton host Second Division rivals Tranmere Rovers at on 9 March 1968, delivering a comfortable 2–0 home win attended by 62,634 fans, with the Toffees dominating possession and limiting Tranmere to few chances. Progressing to the sixth round, they faced First Division Leicester City away on 30 March 1968, emerging 3–1 victors at , where netted twice and added one, marking their only concession of the campaign up to that point. This result highlighted Everton's clinical finishing despite the step up in opposition quality. In the semi-final at on 27 April 1968, edged out title-contending United 1–0 in a tense neutral-venue encounter watched by 63,000, with Tommy Morrissey's 83rd-minute strike clinching advancement after a gritty defensive display that frustrated Leeds' attacks. Overall, 's path exemplified efficient advancement with minimal threats, boasting three away wins and four clean sheets across five matches, underpinned by their defensive solidity that allowed few scoring opportunities for opponents.

The match

Build-up and preparations

The 1968 FA Cup final took place on 18 May 1968 at in , attracting an official attendance of 99,665 spectators. The referee appointed for the match was Leo Callaghan from , who oversaw proceedings in this high-stakes encounter between West Bromwich Albion and . To avoid a kit clash, West Bromwich Albion donned their away strip of white shirts and red socks, while wore gold shirts paired with blue shorts. This final represented a significant milestone, being the first FA Cup final transmitted in color on BBC2, alongside black-and-white coverage on BBC1 and . Team preparations were marked by injury concerns, notably for West Brom's John Kaye, who faced fitness issues ahead of kick-off and would later require . Tactical analysis in previews emphasized West Brom's strategy of swift counter-attacks to exploit transitions, contrasted with Everton's emphasis on and build-up play to control . Recent heavy rain had left the pitch heavy, contributing to the challenging conditions and tense atmosphere surrounding the venue.

Match report

The 1968 FA Cup final, contested between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at on 18 May 1968, featured the following line-ups in a 4-2-4 formation for both teams: West Bromwich Albion – (GK), Doug Fraser, Graham Williams (c), John Talbut, John Kaye, Tony Brown, Graham Lovett, Ian Collard, , Bobby Hope, Clive Clark; (GK), Tommy Wright, Ray Wilson, , (c), , Jimmy Husband, Alan Ball, , John Hurst, . Refereed by Leo Callaghan, the match saw both teams in their away kits due to a clash between their home kits. The game began under overcast skies on a heavy pitch, with Everton asserting early pressure through Alan Ball and Joe Royle, who created chances but failed to test Osborne significantly. West Bromwich Albion responded with resilience, their defense led by Williams and Talbut repelling Everton's advances amid physical play that included frequent tackles and trips. The first half proved tense and low-scoring, marked by cautious defending and few clear opportunities, as Graham Lovett missed a rare West Brom breakaway and Jimmy Husband's shot drifted wide for Everton. In the second half, Everton dominated possession and mounted sustained attacks, with Royle heading narrowly over and orchestrating midfield threats, yet West Brom's backline held firm, including John Kaye clearing a Royle effort off the line. squandered a golden chance from six yards, while West Brom relied on counter-attacks that yielded little. The physical intensity contributed to Kaye's growing ankle injury, but the score remained goalless after 90 minutes, forcing extra time before a capacity crowd of 99,665. Extra time saw West Brom make history with the first-ever substitution in an FA Cup final, as Dennis Clarke replaced the injured John Kaye early in the period. Everton continued their pressure, but in the third minute (93rd overall), Jeff Astle scored the decisive goal with a 25-yard half-volley using his left foot after a rebound from a blocked right-footed attempt, beating and securing a 1–0 despite Everton's late efforts from and Royle. The , a stout defensive affair, ended with West Brom lifting the after 120 minutes.

Aftermath

Immediate reactions

Upon the final whistle, Albion's players, visibly exhausted after 120 minutes of play, gathered in a subdued on the pitch, with Graham Williams later describing the moment as muted due to : "The s were muted, because we were all knackered. It wasn’t until we got back to train station that we realised what we had achieved and really started to celebrate." Everton manager Harry Catterick expressed disappointment over his team's failure to capitalize on several scoring opportunities during the match, noting that they were made to rue a host of missed chances in the sodden conditions at . Fans of the victorious West Brom side contributed to an electric atmosphere throughout the 99,665-strong crowd, the second-highest attendance for an at the time, though no significant occurred immediately after the game; jubilation spilled over into a massive in , where thousands lined the streets and shared sentiments of pride, with one supporter remarking, "There is a shared feeling – that of pride." Media coverage highlighted West Brom's gritty upset as underdogs against the favored , with British newsreels describing the Midland club as having "upset the form book" in a tense, low-scoring affair decided by Jeff Astle's extra-time header. The broadcast, the first shown live in color on BBC2, also noted the historic first-ever in a showpiece, when West Brom's Dennis Clarke replaced the injured John Kaye during extra time. Princess Alexandra presented the trophy to West Brom captain Graham Williams on the pitch, marking the club's fifth victory in the competition.

Significance and legacy

The 1968 FA Cup final marked West Bromwich Albion's fifth victory in the competition, a significant achievement for a club that finished eighth in the First Division that season, providing a major morale boost amid a mid-table league campaign. The triumph, secured 1-0 in extra time against the favored , elevated the club's status and fostered lasting pride among supporters, with Jeff Astle's winning goal becoming a defining moment in his career as the forward who scored in every round of the competition. The win also earned West Brom a place in the 1968–69 European Cup Winners' Cup, where they advanced to the semi-finals. For , the defeat added to their strong 1960s record—including a 1966 win—but intensified their determination, contributing to the momentum that led to their 1970 First Division title. The match introduced key innovations, including the first substitution in an when West Brom's Dennis Clarke replaced the injured John Kaye in extra time, establishing a precedent for tactical flexibility in future finals. It was also the first final broadcast live in color on BBC2, enhancing accessibility and viewership for a wider audience. With an attendance of 99,665 at , the final symbolized of the venue and the closing chapter of English , renowned for its dramatic extra-time conclusion that has since served as a for tie tension. Astle's performance further cemented his enduring legacy as a West Brom icon, honored through tributes like the Foundation.

References

  1. [1]
    Everton v West Bromwich Albion, 18 May 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Everton v West Bromwich Albion, 18 May 1968. Score, 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion. Referee, Leo Callaghan. Competition, FA Cup Final. Venue, Wembley Stadium.
  2. [2]
    Albion 1 Everton 0 (aet)
    May 18, 2018 · 1968 saw us reach the FA Cup Final, Albion's tenth in a long and proud history that has largely been shaped by our performances in that ...
  3. [3]
    The glorious West Brom Wembley trail that almost ended at first hurdle
    May 18, 2022 · The glorious West Brom Wembley trail that almost ended at first hurdle. BirminghamLive takes a look back at West Brom's remarkable FA Cup success of 1968.
  4. [4]
    The Definitive History of Leeds United - 27 April 1968 - Everton 1 ...
    27 April 1968 - Everton 1 Leeds United 0. FA Cup semi-final - Old Trafford - 63,000. Scorers: None. Everton: West, Wright, Wilson, Jackson, Labone, Harvey ...
  5. [5]
    Club Honours | West Bromwich Albion
    Winners - 1887/88, 1891/92, 1930/31, 1953/54, 1967/68. Runners-up - 1885/86, 1886/87, 1894/95, 1911/12, 1934/35. THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP. Winners - 1965/66.
  6. [6]
    FA Cup Final Wins - Everton Football Club
    A summary of the five FA Cup titles won by Everton Football Club ... FA Cup Final Wins. FA Cup 1906 · FA Cup 1933 · FA Cup 1966 ...
  7. [7]
    1967-1968 First Division Stats - FBref.com
    Relegated. 22, Club Crest Fulham, 42, 10, 7, 25, 56, 98, -42, 27, 0.64, Relegated. First ... Club Crest Coventry City. 21, Club Crest Sheffield Utd. 22, Club ...
  8. [8]
    West Bromwich Albion results 1967/68 - Footballsite
    footballsite - The results of West Bromwich Albion (WBA) in the 1967/68 season when they finished 8th in the First Division of the Football League and won theMissing: First position
  9. [9]
    Albion Till We Die - An Independent West Bromwich Albion Website
    Sat 14 Oct, Leeds United, H ; Tue 24 Oct, Everton, A ; Sat 28 Oct, Leicester City, H ; Sat 11 Nov, Burnley, H ; Sat 18 Nov, Sheffield Wednesday, A ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    1967-68 - Everton Results
    League position is at the end of the day on which Everton played. The end column indicates when a match was shown live on UK TV and on which channel.Missing: early | Show results with:early
  11. [11]
    West Bromwich Albion match record: FA Cup 1968 - 11v11
    1967-68 season ; 31 Jan 1968, West Bromwich Albion v Colchester United, W · 4-0, FA Cup ; 17 Feb 1968, West Bromwich Albion v Southampton, D · 1-1, FA Cup.
  12. [12]
    West Bromwich Albion 1968 – Jeff Astle's Baggies
    Feb 21, 2020 · Astle was the pivotal figure in a West Bromwich Albion team that won the FA Cup in 1968 and he joined a select band of players who scored in ...
  13. [13]
    Southport v Everton, 27 January 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Southport v Everton, 27 January 1968. Score, 1-0 to Everton. Competition, FA Cup 3rd round. Attendance, 18,795. View Southport v Everton head to head ...
  14. [14]
    Southport FC - Everton FC, 27/01/1968 - FA Cup - Match sheet
    This is the match sheet of the FA Cup game between Southport FC and Everton FC on 27/01/1968.
  15. [15]
    Carlisle United v Everton, 17 February 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Carlisle United v Everton, 17 February 1968. Score, 2-0 to Everton. Competition, FA Cup 4th round. Attendance, 25,000. View Carlisle United v Everton head ...
  16. [16]
    Carlisle United - Everton FC, Feb 17, 1968 - FA Cup - Match sheet
    FA Cup. Carlisle United CUFC. Fourth Round Feb 17, 1968. 0:2. (0:1). Brunton Park | Attendance: 25.000. Referee: tbc. Everton FC EVE · deadline-day banner ...
  17. [17]
    Everton v Tranmere Rovers, 09 March 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Everton v Tranmere Rovers, 09 March 1968 ; Score, 2-0 to Everton ; Competition, FA Cup 5th round ; Venue, Goodison Park ...
  18. [18]
    FA Cup Fifth Round | Everton 2 - 0 Tranmere Rovers | 1967-1968
    FA Cup Fifth Round – Everton 2 - 0 Tranmere Rovers – 1967-1968 · 2Everton · 0Tranmere Rovers · FA Cup Fifth Round Attendance: 62,634. Venue: Goodison Park.
  19. [19]
    Leicester City v Everton, 30 March 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Leicester City v Everton, 30 March 1968. Score, 3-1 to Everton. Competition, FA Cup Quarter-final. View Leicester City v Everton head to head ...
  20. [20]
    Everton v Leeds United, 27 April 1968 - 11v11 match report
    Everton v Leeds United, 27 April 1968. Score, 1-0 to Everton. Competition, FA Cup Semi-final. Venue, Old Trafford. Attendance, 63,000. View Everton v Leeds ...
  21. [21]
    Everton FC - Leeds United, 27/04/1968 - FA Cup - Match sheet
    FA Cup · Everton FC EVE. Semi-Finals 27/04/1968 4:00 PM. 1:0. (1:0). Old Trafford | Attendance: 63.000. Referee: David W. Smith · Leeds United LEE. deadline-day ...
  22. [22]
    RIP, Jimmy Husband - Everton Football Club
    Mar 10, 2024 · In 1968, Jimmy played in every round as Everton reached the FA Cup final, scoring twice in the quarter-final victory away at Leicester City ...
  23. [23]
    Everton FC » Fixtures & Results 1967/1968 - worldfootball.net
    FA Cup 1967/1968. Round, date, place, Opponent, Results. 3. Round · 27/01/1968, A, Southport FC, 1:0. 4. Round · 17/02/1968, A, Carlisle United ...Missing: matches | Show results with:matches
  24. [24]
    1968 FA Cup Final - West Brom Albion vs Everton
    May 25, 2021 · West Brom won the 1968 FA Cup final 1-0 against Everton in extra time, with Jeff Astle scoring the winning goal.
  25. [25]
    FA Cup kit clashes: a tale of changes - Football Bloody Hell
    Jul 11, 2022 · 1968 FA Cup Final. The year's prestigious event was participated in by Everton – who normally play in blue shirts and white shorts, of course ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Jeff Astle gets West Brom winner in 1968 FA Cup final - BBC Sport
    Mar 26, 2015 · Watch Jeff Astle score the winning goal for West Brom in the 1968 FA Cup victory over Everton at Wembley.
  27. [27]
    uk: west bromwich albion bet everton in english football association ...
    West Bromwich Albion, the unfashionable Midland Club, upset the from book today (Saturday) by beating Everton 1-0 after extra-time in the final of the English ...
  28. [28]
    Every FA Cup Final result - Competitions | The Football Association
    1968: West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Everton (AET) This was the first Final to be televised live in colour. Strangely, both teams wore their away kits and it was ...Crystal Palace win historic first... · Manchester United beat...<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    On This Day in Everton History: May 18th | Royal Blue Mersey
    May 18, 2020 · ... 1968 that Harry Catterick led FA Cup finalists Everton to Wembley. ... But at a sodden Wembley, Everton were made to rue a host of missed chances ...
  30. [30]
    Wembley - Cup Final (1968) - YouTube
    Aug 27, 2014 · No title. FA Cup final - Everton versus West Bromwich Albion at Wembley Stadium, London. Colour Item. Various shots of football match in ...
  31. [31]
    On this day in 1968… - West Bromwich Albion
    May 18, 2020 · The Baggies lifted The FA Cup for a fifth time on this day 52 years ago, with 'The King' earning a place in English football folklore by netting nine goals.
  32. [32]
    First Division Table 1967/1968
    First Division Table 1967/1968 ; 5, Everton, 42 ; 6, Chelsea, 42 ; 7, Tottenham Hotspur, 42 ; 8, West Bromwich Albion, 42 ...
  33. [33]
    West Brom and Everton to pay tribute to legend Jeff Astle
    Jan 18, 2015 · He found the net in the each round from the Third to the Semi-Final, before blasting the extra-time goal that won the Final against Everton at ...
  34. [34]
    Honours & Records - Everton Football Club
    FA Cup Winners. 1905/06, 1932/33, 1965/66, 1983/84, 1994/95. FA Cup Runners-Up. 1893, 1897, 1907, 1968, 1985, 1986, 1989, 2009. UEFA European Cup Winners' Cup ...Missing: run | Show results with:run<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    50 Years on- Remembering Everton's 1969/70 Champions
    Mar 31, 2020 · The title was clinched on April 1st 1970 with a 2-0 win over West Brom in front of 58,523 supporters following goals from Alan Whittle and Colin ...
  36. [36]
    The Jeff Astle Foundation
    In 1969-1970 season Jeff was the leading scorer in Division 1 with 25 goals, and in 1970 Jeff was called up to the England squad for the World Cup Finals ...Missing: Hall Fame
  37. [37]
    Paul McCartney joins the 1968 FA Cup final
    Detailed timeline entry confirming Paul McCartney attended the 1968 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium to support Everton, alongside his friend Ivan Vaughn.
  38. [38]
    Graham Williams | 'It's certainly one of the best days of my life'
    Official West Bromwich Albion article confirming Graham Williams as captain of the 1968 FA Cup winning team and his career spanning nearly two decades with the club.