goal line. However at the time the referee allowed play to continue and the goal stood.

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1936 – The “Viewed From The Skies” Final

25th April 1936

Arsenal 1 Sheffield United 0

Wembley Stadium

Attendance: 93,384

Alex Wilson, George Male, Eddie Hapgood, Jack Crayston, Herbie Roberts, Wilf Copping, Joe Hulme, Ray Bowden, Ted Drake, Alex James (captain), Cliff Bastin.

Goalscorer: Drake (74).

Arsenal’s team consisted of 10 internationals, with the only non-capped player being the goalkeeper, Alex Wilson. Consequently they were hot favourites, however Sheffield United rose to the occasion and on the day were marginally the better team. Nevertheless the Gunners quality eventually shone through and they scored the winner through the left foot of Ted Drake, who had recently returned to the team after a cartilage operation.

A dispute between Wembley and the newsreel companiesresulted in the latter not being allowed inside the stadium to film the game. They got around this by filming from autogyros that were flown over the stadium.

1950 – The “Old Gold” Final

29th April 1950

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 0

Wembley Stadium

Attendance: 100,000

George Swindin, Laurie Scott, Walley Barnes, Alex Forbes, Leslie Compton, Joe Mercer (captain), Freddie Cox, Jimmy Logie, Peter Goring, Reg Lewis, Denis Compton.

Goalscorer: Lewis (18 and 63).

Resplendent in their old gold kit, specially made for the final, Arsenal dominated this final completely. Conditions were slippery following incessant rain beforehand, and Arsenal adapted the best. Reg Lewis’ first goal was a simple tap-in following a combination of passes masterminded by Logie. Lewis’ second goal was almost identical to his first and capped a great team effort.

This was the first FA