FA Cup Victory (1956)

Lore & Background

Manchester City claimed the FA Cup in the 1955–56 season, defeating Birmingham City 3–1 in the final at Wembley, with goals from Joe Hayes, Jack Dyson, and Bobby Johnstone.

In Their Own Story

The rain had turned the Wembley turf into a canvas of mud, but Joe Hayes felt only fire in his boots. The scoreline read 1-1, a stalemate against a Birmingham side that had dug in deep. Then, the pass came—a delicate chink of leather from Johnny Berry that split the defense wide open. Hayes didn't hesitate; he drove forward, the roar of the crowd swelling into a physical force around him. He struck the ball first-time, watching it ripple the net. The stadium erupted, a sea of blue scarves and roaring voices.

Reader's Guide

Matches were played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week. If the replayed match was drawn further replays would be held at neutral venues until a winner was determined. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played in a replay, a 30-minute period of extra time would be played.

Did You Know?

• New Brighton became the first club since Chelmsford City in 1938-39 to feature in nine rounds of an FA Cup tournament.
• Evenwood Town, Dunstable Town, Ely City and Yiewsley appeared in the competition proper for the first time.
• Dean Court's record attendance of 28,799 was set at a match in this tournament.