1946 FA Cup final

Background

The game was the first FA Cup final to be played in seven years, due to World War II. Among the spectators were The King and The Queen. Demand for tickets was reported as being unprecedented, with ticket sales reaching around £45,000. Each team included both youthful and experienced players.

Match summary

The game was goalless until the 85th minute, when a cross from the right was punched out by goalkeeper Sam Bartram, but it went straight to Dally Duncan who shot goalwards; Bert Turner tried to kick the ball clear, but only managed to deflect the ball into his own net. In the next minute, Turner scored for his own side when he took a free-kick from the edge of the Rams’ penalty area and, although goalkeeper Vic Woodley appeared to have the shot well covered, the ball struck a Derby player and was deflected past Woodley into the opposite corner of the net to which he was diving.

Turner thus became the first player to score for both sides in an FA Cup Final, subsequently repeated by Tommy Hutchison in 1981 and Gary Mabbutt in 1987. At the age of 36 years 312 days, Turner also became the oldest player to score in an FA Cup Final.

The match finished level after 90 minutes, but, in extra time, Derby County scored three goals to win the match 4–1.

When Stamps shot for goal in the closing minutes of normal time, the ball burst en route. Stamps went on to score twice with the new ball as Derby beat Charlton Athletic 4–1.

The players in the 1946 Cup final were awarded two medals each. Due to a shortage of gold following the Second World War, the two teams were initially presented with bronze medals (winners and runners-up) on the day, and subsequently awarded the proper gold versions when gold became more readily available later that year.

The last surviving player from the game, Derby's Reg Harrison, died on 17 September 2020.

Match details

• B. Turner
• Doherty
• Stamps
• B. Turner

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References

References

1. (27 April 1946). "Wembley Clash: First F.A. Cup Final for seven years". Western Morning News.
2. (February 2019). "Derby County 4–1 Charlton (Match report)". www.therams.co.uk.
3. Collett, Mike. (2003). "The Complete Record of the FA Cup". Sports Books.
4. Ley, John. (12 May 2006). "Sheringham can add sting in the tale". [[The Daily Telegraph]].
5. "The Complete Record of the FA Cup".
6. (28 April 1946). "Derby forwards run riot in the extra time". The Sunday People.
7. "Charlton Athletic official site".
8. "Rochester People ''Les played in 1946 FA Cup final''".
9. (September 2020). "Reg Harrison dies aged 97". Derby County Football Club.