The 1978 FA Cup Final was billed as another David and Goliath fixture as Arsenal with a team of internationals were pitted against Ipswich Town who had struggled to finish ahead of the relegation zone during the League season.  Arsenal had finished 6th.

As with several Cup Finals in the ‘70s this one was again to be a triumph for the underdogs however Ipswich fully deserved their success as the team from East Anglia outplayed their more fancied opponents from the capital.

Ipswich, managed by Bobby Robson were a team on the rise as improved League results would prove in the ensuing 3 seasons so winning the Cup was no flash in the pan.  Players such as Mick Mills, John Wark and Paul Mariner would enjoy successful international careers.  Arsenal stars included David O’Leary, Malcolm ‘Supermac’ Macdonald a young Liam Brady.

Arsenal played in their yellow-and-blue away strip as they did in the 1971 Cup Final but this time it did not prove to be lucky.

The first good chance of the game after ten minutes when Ipswich striker Paul Mariner hit the crossbar with Pat Jennings well beaten in the Arsenal goal. Lethal Gunners striker Malcolm Macdonald picked a knock early in the game leaving him ineffectual and Liam Brady too was affected by injury.  Although goalless the first 45 minutes belonged to Ipswich.

The second half was again shaded by the team in blue with John Wark coming close to scoring twice only folied by the same goalpost. Fullback George Burley also had a good shot on goal but Jennings made a great save to keep the score at 0-0.

It wasn’t until the 77th minute that Arsenal conceded a goal.  Roger Osborne fired home a great shot after Gunners defender Willie Young failed to clear a cross from wide out.  Arsenal were not able to level the score in the remaining time.  It may have taken 100 years to achieve but Ipswich Town had won their first FA Cup Final.

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