Bill Shankly had his Liverpool outfit firing ahead of the FA Cup Final against Newcastle United. They had narrowly missed retaining their League title and were determined to finish the season with silverware. The team that walked out on to the Wembley pitch on May 4th 1974 included 8 players who had suffered the agonising late defeat by Arsenal in 1971.

A new addition to the squad since then was Kevin Keegan who proved to be a sensation at Anfield as he was on Cup Final day in 1974.

Newcastle had their own superstar in Malcolm Macdonald. “Supermac” as be became known was prepared for a great day at Wembley in the famous black and white stripe jersey of Newcastle United. Unfortunately for him and the hordes of Toon fans it would be a day for those decked out in red.

Liverpool had the best of the game in the first half, however few real chances were created by either side. The second 45 minutes was different story as the Reds tore the Newcastle defence to shreds. In the 50th minute, Alec Lindsay had a fantastic goal ruled out for offside. Action-replays indicated it should have counted. Undaunted Liverpool continued to press and just a few minutes later Keegan found the net from a great cross from the right by Tommy Smith. Newcastle keeper Willie McFaul didn’t get any favours from the linesman on this occasion and the Liverpool party was in full swing.
In the 74th minute it was 2-0 when Liverpool keeper Ray Clemence delivered a long-ball that striker John Toshack back-headed into the path of Steve Heighway inside the penalty area. He placed a strong shot out of the reach of McFaul and into the net.

Keegan made it 3-0 twelve minutes from time when he turned in a simple chance following excellent lead-up work again from Tommy Smith. Liverpool’s winning margin was the largest since 1960.

It was a major triumph for Bill Shankly who surprised fans soon after by announcing his retirement. The 1974 FA Cup Final was his last competitive match with his beloved Liverpool and his status as an Anfield legend was complete.

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