When Manchester United beat Brighton in the FA Cup final in 1983

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The teams are playing in the semi-finals on Sunday. They met at Wembley (twice) in the final 40 years ago

By Steven Pye for That 1980s Sports Blog

Gordon Smith has probably been contacted quite a few times recently by journalists who want to discuss his infamous last-minute chance in the 1983 FA Cup final. But it would be unfair to remember Smith for that match and moment alone. As with many finals during the glory days of the competition, that day in May was about so much more than the game itself: the characters involved, the fairytale of relegated Brighton reaching Wembley, Steve Foster’s pain, the team songs, banners, the awful pitch and a helicopter. “And Smith must score,” is the point where all roads lead in this tale but digging deeper throws up further delights.

There seemed little hope of Brighton reaching Wembley when they entered the competition at the third round in January. Hovering just above the Division One relegation zone under caretaker manager Jimmy Melia, their main aim was to stay in the top flight. But away from the pressure of the league, Melia’s men soared.

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from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2023/apr/21/manchester-united-brighton-fa-cup-final-40-years-ago-wembley-1983

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