It hadn’t been the greatest of seasons for Everton. A club that had won the league title merely eight years ago, and was widely considered to be one of the best teams in Europe, were now surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth.

With the Blues bottom of the table in November 1994, manager Mike Walker was sacked after less than a year. Former player Joe Royle, having made a managerial name for himself at Oldham Athletic, was charged with getting the club out of trouble. And that he did. Just.

In stark contrast to their league form however, Everton’s outstanding FA Cup run saw them reach the final having conceded just one goal, that being a Jurgen Klinnsman penalty for Tottenham Hotspur in the semi final.

Indeed, the game at Elland Road was made even more memorable by the substitution that never was. With Everton winning 2-1, Nigerian striker Daniel Amokacki introduced himself in place of the “injured” Paul Rideout, who was actually able to continue after a minor knock. Amokachi scored two goals to wrap up the tie and send Everton to Wembley.

As for the final itself, Man United were without three of their most influential players for the game. Eric Cantona was suspended, Andrei Kanchelskis (who would eventually sign for Everton that summer) was injured, and Andy Cole was cup-tied having played in the competition for Newcastle before joining United.
Despite this, Royle’s “Dogs of War” were given little chance of conquering United. They were the underdogs. Underdogs of war, if you will. Which made it all the more sweeter when Rideout put Everton ahead towards the end of the first half.

With the first real chance of a so-far scrappy game, Graham
Stuart saw a stunning shot from the edge of the box hit the
crossbar, bounce on the line, and then out again. Luckily
Rideout was on hand to head the rebound home.

United came out with all guns blazing in the second half.
Alex Ferguson introduced two of his young guns... Ryan
Giggs and Paul Scholes.

And it was Scholes who nearly pulled United back into the
game, but a stunning double save from Neville Southall
kept Everton’s lead intact.

The veteran keeper was also the man between the sticks
during Everton’s previous FA Cup victory, the defeat of
Watford in 1984.

Though eleven years had passed between the two finals, the Welshman’s age did not show as he withstood wave after wave of United attack towards the end of the match.

Despite intense United pressure in the second half, Everton’s defence was not breached, and the Blues held out to win their fifth FA Cup.

Will Moyes’ boys make it six in 2009?

Shorthand Sue

Website team