The 1964 FA Cup Final is rightly remembered as one of the most dramatic finals ever witnessed. Ron Greenwood’s up-and-coming Hammers were hot favourites, but Second Division Preston North End came close to producing another major upset in what has been described as truly a ‘titanic battle’ beneath the Twin Towers.
Forty one years after West Ham United’s last FA Cup final appearance in the inaugural ‘White Horse’ final at Wembley, confidence was high, as they looked to take the famous trophy back to Upton Park for the very first time in their history, with recently voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ Bobby Moore leading the Hammers’ charge for glory.
Twice the Hammers’ came from behind before the winner was eventually struck deep in injury time. John Sissons netted West Ham’s first as latched onto Johnny Byrne’s return pass shortly after Preston’s opener, and Geoff Hurst rose to head home the second equaliser, which not for the first time at the famous stadium, he would see his goal bound strike hit the underside of the cross-bar before crossing the line. But it was Ronnie Boyce who sealed the victory when he met Peter Brabrook’s cross with great aplomb to send the Hammers’ fans into raptures.
Take a step-back in time with this specially produced DVD that brings back to life this historic match, which also features the original commentary and post match interviews with Bobby Moore, Ronnie Boyce and Ron Greenwood as they reflect on a momentous victory. |
