1983 FA Cup final
football match
The 1983 FA Cup final was contested by Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester United were the favourites, as Brighton had been relegated from the First Division that season, and had never reached a cup final before. United had finished third in the league that season and already had four FA Cup victories to their name.
The final ended in a 2–2 draw, forcing a replay at Wembley five days later, which Manchester United won 4–0. It was the third successive year that the FA Cup Final required a replay.
The first match
The build-up to the first game included Brighton travelling to Wembley stadium by helicopter instead of using the traditional route of a team coach. Steve Foster, Brighton's captain was suspended for the match having received a booking in a league match against Notts County. Despite Manchester United being strong favourites to win the game, Brighton took an early lead through Gordon Smith, who would become notable late into extra-time. Frank Stapleton equalised and Ray Wilkins with a curling shot put Manchester United into the lead. Gary Stevens scored a late equaliser for Brighton which took the game into extra time.
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