The 1987 FA Cup final between Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur will forever be remembered as a great cup final. There can be no argument that this was one of the most thrilling encounters in the history of the competition. In a match filled with drama and excitement, Coventry City emerged victorious, clinching a 3-2 win over Tottenham to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time in their history.
Spurs went 1-0 in only the second minute when Clive Allen stooped to steer Chris Waddle’s right-wing cross past Steve Ogrizovic in the Coventry goal. Perhaps the big man should have saved it, but it was a peach of a header, and it was Allen’s forty-ninth goal of the season.
There still wasn’t ten minutes on the clock when Dave Bennett, in his second cup final appearance versus Spurs made it 1-1. Keith Houchen flicked on Greg Downs’ left-wing cross for Bennett to nip in front of both Steve Hodge and Ray Clemence to prod the ball home with his left foot.
Then, the game settled. It ebbed and flowed from one end to the other. Cyrille Regis had the ball in the Tottenham goal just after halfway through the half, but it was disallowed for a foul on Mitchell Thomas. Clive Allen hit the side netting and Steve Ogrizovic had a mad moment with the ball at his feet.
As the game approached halftime, Spurs won a free kick on the right. Glenn Hoddle’s floated cross eluded almost everybody in the Coventry penalty area before Gary Mabbutt (or it may have been Brian Kilcline) diverted it into Ogrizovic’s goal. 2-1 and half time beckoned, but there was time for one further scare at the other end. Good defending from Richard Gough enabled Clemence to save from Nick Pickering.
Second Half
The first 15 minutes or so of the second half saw more to-ing and fro-ing with chances for 3-1 and 2-2. Then, on 63 minutes, Ogrizovic launched a huge kick up field which was headed on by Cyrille Regis deep inside Spurs’ half towards the Coventry right. Houchen collected the ball and laid it off to Bennett on the touchline before making a run into the penalty area.
Richard Gough should have tracked his run but did not. Consequently, by the time Bennett had whipped the ball past Thomas he was in no position to challenge the Coventry number ten as he dived into the 6-yard box to steer his header past Clemence. 2-2.
There are goals, and there are goals. This is one of the defining moments of the final, nay, of the FA Cup. It was one of the greatest goals ever scored in an FA Cup final. His gravity-defying leap and perfectly executed header left Spurs stunned and brought Coventry level.
The rest of the half was pretty even, with chances at both ends and when the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game it was still 2-2. So, there was another 30 minutes to play. Who would marshal their resources better and come out on top?
Extra Time
Six minutes into extra-time, Graham Rodger picked up a loose ball and advanced into Spurs’ half. He knocked the ball out to Lloyd McGrath who had made a lung-bursting run into space on the Coventry right. Approaching the penalty area with only Nick Pickering to aim for, he launched the ball into the penalty area. Unfortunately, Pickering had no chance, but neither too did Ray Clemence as Mabbutt’s knee deflected the ball up and over the Spurs ‘keeper and into the goal. 3–2 to Coventry.
This time, there was no equaliser and Coventry held on to clinch their first major trophy in the 104 years of their existence. On the flip side, Spurs had been bidding to make it 8 FA Cup Final wins out of 8, but it wasn’t to be.
In an unusual piece of FA Cup Final trivia, Spurs suffered quite the wardrobe malfunction. And this was before the phrase had even been first coined. They offered rivals of their shirt sponsor, Holsten Pils, some priceless advertising. Five of Spurs’ starting eleven – Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Paul Allen, Richard Gough, and Gary Mabbutt plus substitute Gary Stevens played the game without the brewer’s name adorning their shirts.
The Two Teams Tortuous Journey to Wembley
Both Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur embarked on challenging journeys to reach the FA Cup final in 1987. Coventry’s path to Wembley was filled with memorable victories, including a hard-fought extra-time win against Leeds United at Hillsborough and their own spot of giant-killing with a 1-0 fourth-round win at Old Trafford.
Between Old Trafford and the semifinal, they had another 1-0 away win at the Victoria Ground which was followed by a 3-1 away win against Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s journey saw them overcome a range of opponents on their route to the final. They started with a home tie with Scunthorpe which they navigated with some disquiet finally running out 3-2 winners. Next, a 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace and they had yet to venture away from White Hart Lane. In the fifth round, yet another home tie saw Newcastle the visitors and a 1-0 win to secure passage to the sixth round.
Finally, an away game! Not a long trip though, as Plough Lane Wimbledon was their stepping stone to a semifinal date with Watford at Villa Park. The Hornets were no match for Spurs who ran out 4-1 winners. Two goals from Steve Hodge and a goal each from Paul Allen and Clive Allen (cousins) were replied to with a solitary goal from Malcolm Allen (no relation).
You Love It: Acts of FA Cup Giant-Killing
The 1987 FA Cup season was also characterized by several acts of giant killing which captivated fans across the country. Luton’s stunning third-round third-replay victory over Liverpool after two nil-nil draws and a no-show by Luton for the original playing of the first replay sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
Walsall’s derby triumph over Birmingham City in the fourth round provided another memorable upset. However, perhaps the most remarkable giant-killing act of the tournament came courtesy of Wimbledon, who secured a fifth-round victory over the eventual League Champions, Everton. Additionally, special mention must be given to Telford, a non-league team that defied the odds to reach the third round, showing us the magic of the FA Cup and the spirit of underdog teams.
The Fall of Coventry City
Coventry’s 1987 FA Cup triumph was a highwater mark in the club’s history. In the years that followed, their fortunes took a downturn. They were founder members of the FA Premier League – by the skin of their teeth though, as they only just avoided relegation from the old division one in season 1991-92.
They maintained their position at the top table of English football until 2000-01 when after a 34-year tenure they were relegated. Throughout the years that have followed, the club has struggled with numerous challenges both on and off the pitch. From financial difficulties to relegation battles, Coventry City experienced a tumultuous period following their FA Cup success.
In conclusion, the 1987 FA Cup season will be remembered as a thrilling and unforgettable chapter in football history. From Coventry City’s triumph at Wembley to the countless moments of drama and excitement throughout the tournament, the FA Cup once again showcased the magic and unpredictability of English football.