West Bromwich Albion v Port Vale, FA Cup Semi-Final, Villa Park, Saturday 27th March 1954

With the 60th anniversary of Albion’s fourth FA Cup triumph fast approaching, this month’s featured programme comes from the Baggies’ semi-final against Port Vale at Villa Park.

Having already disposed of Chelsea, Rotherham United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur on their way to the semi-final stage, Albion went into the game with Third Division North side Port Vale as massive favourites.

Albion were pushing hard to become only the third team in history to complete the League and FA Cup double, and at the time of the semi-final were sitting proudly at the top of the First Division table, two points clear of nearest challengers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Vale, who were the Third Division North leaders, were also having an excellent season. They boasted the best defence in the country having conceded just 17 goals in 41 games, and with Albion the highest scorers in the entire Football League it promised to be an intriguing game.

The team from the Potteries, who had beaten First Division sides Cardiff City and Blackpool in earlier rounds, started well against Albion, more than holding their own against the overwhelming favourites. Their robust tactics and man to man marking made it difficult for Vic Buckingham’s men to produce their trademark flowing football and it wasn’t a major surprise when Vale took the lead on 39 minutes through Albert Leake.

With Vale looking comfortable it would take something special, or fortunate, to break down their stubborn resistance and on 62 minutes Albion had a huge slice of luck when Jimmy Dudley swung in a cross that was missed by everyone before it flew into the goal in at the far post.

With the scores level Albion started to pile on the pressure although Vale continued to defend resolutely. As with the first goal, it was a stroke of luck that saw the Baggies net again to finally edge their noses in front. George Lee, who had become more and more influential on the wing, was brought down and referee Webb pointed to the spot. Film footage of the incident later showed that the challenge was clearly outside the box but Albion, and former Vale striker Ronnie Allen, would not waste their golden opportunity.

Although Vale had a goal disallowed for offside, Albion finished as the stronger side and held on to reach their ninth FA Cup final. It wasn’t all good news for the Baggies though with Stan Rickaby, Len Millard and Frank Griffin all picking up injuries that would see them miss the club’s next game away at Sunderland.

Teams:

Albion: Heath, Rickaby, Millard, Dudley, Dugdale, Barlow, Griffin, Ryan, Allen, Nicholls, Lee.

Port Vale: King, Turner, Potts, Mullard, Cheadle, Sproson, Askey, Leake, Hayward, Tomkinson, Cunliffe.

Attendance: 68,221

The official 8 page programme for the game is fairly rare nowadays although it is still seen on dealer's lists occasionally when it normally sells for anything between £30-£50.

View the complete programme here