The FA Cup Final of 1973 was contested by holders and raging hot favourites Leeds United who boasted 10 internationals in their side and Sunderland the un-fancied club from the Second Division. 

The outsiders managed by Bob Stokoe played with great enthusiasm and determination spoiling the skilful play of their rivals.  This surprisingly unsettled Billy Bremner’s Leeds side who had built a reputation for ruthlessness under Manager Don Revie.  Sunderland led defensively by Dave Watson effectively negated the all-star strike force of Allan Clarke (who scored the winner for Leeds the previous year), Mick Jones and Peter Lorimer.

Maybe there was something mystical about the strange-looking orange ball used that day but the match would be defined by 2 incidents that not only shaped the result of this match but are still talked about by fans to this day.

Sunderland stunned the cup holders 15 minutes before half-time when a Billy Hughes corner-kick was controlled by Vic Halom and the ball found its way into the path of Ian Porterfield who would launch himself in FA Cup folklore by driving the ball home from 12 yards out.

Leeds reacted predictably but raid after raid was resisted by the Sunderland defence and Jim Montgomery between the sticks in particular.  He was at the centre of the second crucial incident that ensured the Cup returned to Sunderland for the first time since 1937.  Just after the hour-mark Montgomery dived to palm away a close range header from Leeds Trevor Cherry. The ball fell to striker Lorimer who from 10 yards out let fly with a fierce shot that was heading for the goal. Miraculously Montgomery somehow got a hand to the shot which diverted to the underside of the crossbar and then was scrambled away by defender Dick Malone.  To this day it is regarded as one of the greatest saves in FA Cup history.

Bobby Kerr lifted the trophy for Sunderland and proved that miracles happen.

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