1987 FA Cup Final Coventry v Tottenham Hotspur

Bidding for a record eighth FA Cup triumph and having never lost an FA Cup Final, Spurs headed into this one full of confidence that victory was surely theirs. But facing Coventry, who were appearing in their first final after 104 years of trying, was it ever going to be that straightforward?

After defeating Manchester United in the fourth round, Coventry coach John Sillet had boldly declared that his Clubs name was on the cup, but with only two minutes into the Final itself, his predictions seemed to be falling apart at the seams as footballer of the year Clive Allen headed home from Waddles cross to make it 1-0, and the pre-match favourites were proving the pundits right.

But Coventry had other ideas, as Dave Bennett, who had suffered Cup Final heart-ache in 1981, capitalised on confusion in the Spurs defence to pull the sky blues level after only 9 minutes, and it was game on.

Gary Mabbutt pushed Spurs ahead once again before half time, but that was levelled by one of the most memorable Cup Final goals and celebrations ever seen in FA Cup Final history, as Keith Houchen dived full length to head powerfully past Ray Clemence and run off behind the goal to celebrate with the jubilant Sky Blues fans.

Extra time was needed, but it took only 6 minutes for the deciding goal to be struck, when Lloyd McGraths centre took a wicked deflection and Clemence was beaten once again. The unthinkable had happened and Coventry had won the Cup, now relive this unforgettable moment of history for the Sky Blues, with the full 120 minutes of a match that will never ever be forgotten.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• 1987
• FA
• Cup
• Final
• Coventry
• Tottenham
• Hotspur

[Lia5m]

Hey guys.... GARY MABUTTS MY UNCLE IM SERIOUS NO JOKE!

[ShizuokaDolphin]

Terrances, the old Wembley, that diving header...Quality cup final this was. Thanks for the upload. :)

[connaught2008]

well done gary mabbutt

[Thechalfonts]

That Keith Houchen goal is probably my all-time favourite.

[Kensingtonlondon]

This used to be the big final when english clubs were banned from the major trophies.