FA Cup Match: Manchester United 4-2 Blackpool (FA Cup Final)
Date Played: May 1948
The thought of the two major Lancashire clubs, Blackpool and Manchester United meeting each other in the FA Cup final had the viewing public licking their lips in excitement for this mouth watering tie. It introduced Matt Busby’s first great side, including its five star forward line of Morris, Delaney, Pearson, Mitten and Rowley. Blackpool proudly featured Mortensen and Matthews. The final lived up to its expectation, Blackpool netted in a dubious penalty when Mortensen was fouled on the d of the box and slid yards into the penalty section. Despite Jack Rowley’s equalizer for United in the thirtieth minute, Mortensen restored Blackpool’s lead on the stroke of half time, becoming only the fourth footballer in history to score in every round of the FA Cup. The tide turned against the Seasiders in the second half, however, Rowley scored his second leveler and the vital strike came 10 minutes from time. When United goal keeper, Jack Crompton made a brilliant save from Mortensen, the ball went the length of the field in 2 passes and United's Stan Pearson made it 3-2. The Red Devil’s added a fourth goal towards the end.