Twenty eight years ago today Swansea City went to Wembley, and over a full ninety then extra time and penalties won a memorable game of football. Back then it was an incredible achievement for the swans who had scrapped their way to the final in some tense matches. Personally I cannot believe it was so long ago.

For those who were actually around at the time here’s some context. Prince was at number one with ‘The most Beautiful Girl in the World’, Schindler’s List and Mrs Doubtfire were among the recent box office hits and John Major was in 10 Downing Street as 20,000 members of the Jack Army headed to London.

Following victories over Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanderers, the Swans headed to Wembley for the first time in the club’s history. Having defeated Huddersfield at Vetch Field and drawn at Leeds Road in the league, Frank Burrows’ side felt confident they could overcome the Yorkshire outfit and bring the trophy back to Wales.

The journey to Wembley holds many memories for me, on loan Chris Burns from Portsmouth scoring the winner against Port Vale I recall well. And for the fact he lived literally just down the road from me in Gloucester at the time. Sadly he didnt make the final as his loan spell finished. I recall Matt Rush an incredibly skilled player dominating at Leyton Orient away and Shaun Chapple scoring a goal, yes it was that good.

We all (well, those who can remember) have special memories of that cup run, the away leg in Wycombe when thousands of Jacks swamped the town and stadium. It was a magnificent year under Frank Burrows, and exceptionally memorable. Roger Freestone with 702 games under his belt for the swans recalls the build up. “The atmosphere in the city was amazing, myself and a couple of players used to sit with Myra, Marlene, Heather and Joyce who all used to run the club shop and just watch people coming in for the tickets and memorabilia. Being where we were, money was tight and it was great to have that contribute to the club’s coffers. I think Doug Sharp and Robin Sharp were rubbing their hands in glee! It was such a buzz."

Here’s that Orient game

And here is the final

Swansea City : Roger Freestone, Steve Jenkins, Mark Clode (Jon Ford 69), Mike Basham, Mark Harris, Colin Pascoe, Jason Bowen, Kwame Ampadu, Andy McFarlane, John Cornforth, John Hodge (Steve Torpey 84).

It’s twenty eight years ago today. What a pleasure.

© Swansea City AFC

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