1939 FA Cup Final
Encyclopedia
The 1939 FA Cup Final was contested by Portsmouth
and Wolverhampton Wanderers
at Wembley. Portsmouth won 4–1, with goals from Bert Barlow
, John Anderson
and two by Cliff Parker
. Dicky Dorsett
scored Wolves' effort.
As a result of the suspension of the FA Cup for the duration of the Second World War
, the next FA Cup final was not until seven years later in 1946
, thereby enabling Portsmouth fans to claim that their team has held the Cup for the longest time.
Wolves had entered the game as clear favourites, having scored 19 goals in their five FA Cup games and lying second in the league table. By contrast, Portsmouth were struggling in the relegation zone.
Captain Jimmy Guthrie
was presented with the cup by King George VI
. Portsmouth manager Jack Tinn
said afterwards that his side won thanks to the help of his "lucky spats".
Immediately after the restart, Wolves goalkeeper Scott fumbled a shot on the goal line and only prevented the strike creeping in with an outstretched hand on top of the ball. However, Cliff Parker slid in to kick the ball from under the keeper's hand to make it 3–0. Wolves drove forward to try to mount a recovery but a solitary Dorsett strike from eight yards was their only success. Portsmouth put the result beyond any doubt when Parker headed in his second and Portsmouth's fourth when he headed in from close range from a Worrall cross.
Portsmouth's Tommy Rowe, who died in May 2006 at the age of 92, was the last surviving player from the game.
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS:
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1
Alec Scott
2
Bill Morris
3
Frank Taylor
4
Tom Galley
5
Stan Cullis
(c)
6
Joe Gardiner
7
Stan Burton
8
Alex McIntosh
9
Dennis Westcott
10
Dicky Dorsett
11
Teddy Maguire
Manager:
Major Frank Buckley
Round 4: Portsmouth 2–0 West Bromwich Albion
Round 5: Portsmouth 2–0 West Ham United
Round 6: Portsmouth 1–0 Preston North End
Semi-Final: Portsmouth 2–1 Huddersfield Town
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Round 4: Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–1 Leicester City
Round 5: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 Liverpool
Round 6: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 Everton
Semi-Final: Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–0 Grimsby Town
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Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
at Wembley. Portsmouth won 4–1, with goals from Bert Barlow
Bert Barlow
Herbert "Bert" Barlow was a professional footballer, who was a member of the Portsmouth team that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final, in which he scored.-Honours:Portsmouth...
, John Anderson
John Anderson (footballer born 1915)
John "Jock" Anderson is a former professional footballer who played as a centre forward. The summit of his career was scoring one of the goals for Portsmouth in their 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1939 FA Cup Final....
and two by Cliff Parker
Cliff Parker
Henry Clifford "Cliff" Parker was an English footballer born in Denaby, Yorkshire, who played as an outside left for Doncaster Rovers and Portsmouth in the Football League. He scored twice as Portsmouth beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final.-References:...
. Dicky Dorsett
Dicky Dorsett
Richard "Dicky" Dorsett was an English footballer, who played as a striker. Dorsett was sometimes known as "the Brownhills Bomber" after his birthplace of Brownhills, West Midlands....
scored Wolves' effort.
As a result of the suspension of the FA Cup for the duration of the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the next FA Cup final was not until seven years later in 1946
1946 FA Cup Final
The 1946 FA Cup Final, the first since the start of the Second World War, was contested by Derby County and Charlton Athletic at Wembley. Derby won 4–1 after extra time, with goals from Bert Turner , Peter Doherty and a double from Jackie Stamps.-Match summary:The game was goalless until the...
, thereby enabling Portsmouth fans to claim that their team has held the Cup for the longest time.
Wolves had entered the game as clear favourites, having scored 19 goals in their five FA Cup games and lying second in the league table. By contrast, Portsmouth were struggling in the relegation zone.
Captain Jimmy Guthrie
Jimmy Guthrie (footballer)
Jimmy Guthrie was born James Wallace Taylor Guthrie in Luncarty, Perthshire, Scotland on June 6, 1912. He played for Luncarty City Boys, Perth Thistle F.C. and Scone Thistle before joining Dundee for the 1932/33 season...
was presented with the cup by King George VI
George VI of the United Kingdom
George VI was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death...
. Portsmouth manager Jack Tinn
Jack Tinn
Jack Tinn was the manager of the English football club Portsmouth F.C. from 1927-1947. Under Tinn's stewardship Portsmouth won the FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 at Wembley in 1939. The FA Cup was kept safe under his bed throughout the war...
said afterwards that his side won thanks to the help of his "lucky spats".
Match summary
Approaching the half hour mark, Barlow scored Portsmouth's first goal from within the area. Portsmouth pressed their advantage, refusing to let Wolves back into the contest. Anderson hooked in a second just before half time after McAlinden's chip in from the right had left the advancing Scott in no-man's-land.Immediately after the restart, Wolves goalkeeper Scott fumbled a shot on the goal line and only prevented the strike creeping in with an outstretched hand on top of the ball. However, Cliff Parker slid in to kick the ball from under the keeper's hand to make it 3–0. Wolves drove forward to try to mount a recovery but a solitary Dorsett strike from eight yards was their only success. Portsmouth put the result beyond any doubt when Parker headed in his second and Portsmouth's fourth when he headed in from close range from a Worrall cross.
Portsmouth's Tommy Rowe, who died in May 2006 at the age of 92, was the last surviving player from the game.
Match details
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> | PORTSMOUTH: | ||
| 1 | Harry Walker Harry Walker (footballer) George Henry "Harry" Walker was an English football goalkeeper born in Aysgarth, North Yorkshire, who played in the Football League for Darlington, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest. He played in the Portsmouth team that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final.-References:... |
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| 2 | Lew Morgan Lew Morgan Lewis Morgan was a Scottish profession association footballer from Cowdenbeath. He represented Scotland at schoolboy level, and played for various Scottish junior clubs before joining Dundee in 1931, and transferring to English side Portsmouth four years later. He was part of the Portsmouth team... |
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| 3 | Bill Rochford Bill Rochford William "Bill" Rochford was a member of the Portsmouth team that won the 1939 FA Cup. He played over 100 matches for Portsmouth and for their south coast rivals, Southampton.-Playing career:... |
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| 4 | Jimmy Guthrie Jimmy Guthrie (footballer) Jimmy Guthrie was born James Wallace Taylor Guthrie in Luncarty, Perthshire, Scotland on June 6, 1912. He played for Luncarty City Boys, Perth Thistle F.C. and Scone Thistle before joining Dundee for the 1932/33 season... (c) |
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| 5 | Tommy Rowe Tommy Rowe (footballer born 1913) Thomas Rowe DFC was a member of the Portsmouth team that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final.Rowe died on 9 May 2006, aged 92. He was the last surviving member of Pompey's cup-winning side.... |
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| 6 | Guy Wharton Guy Wharton Guy Wharton was a professional footballer who played as a wing half. He was a member of the Portsmouth team that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final.... |
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| 7 | Fred Worrall Fred Worrall Frederick J. "Freddie" Worrall was an English footballer born in Warrington, Lancashire, who played as an outside right in the Football League for Oldham Athletic, Portsmouth and Crewe Alexandra. He was capped twice for the England national football team... |
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| 8 |  Jimmy McAlindenJimmy McAlinden Jimmy McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United. As an international, McAlinden also played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI... |
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| 9 | John Anderson John Anderson (footballer born 1915) John "Jock" Anderson is a former professional footballer who played as a centre forward. The summit of his career was scoring one of the goals for Portsmouth in their 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1939 FA Cup Final.... |
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| 10 | Bert Barlow Bert Barlow Herbert "Bert" Barlow was a professional footballer, who was a member of the Portsmouth team that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final, in which he scored.-Honours:Portsmouth... |
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| 11 | Cliff Parker Cliff Parker Henry Clifford "Cliff" Parker was an English footballer born in Denaby, Yorkshire, who played as an outside left for Doncaster Rovers and Portsmouth in the Football League. He scored twice as Portsmouth beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 in the 1939 FA Cup Final.-References:... |
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| Manager: | |||
| Jack Tinn Jack Tinn Jack Tinn was the manager of the English football club Portsmouth F.C. from 1927-1947. Under Tinn's stewardship Portsmouth won the FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 at Wembley in 1939. The FA Cup was kept safe under his bed throughout the war... |
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Alec Scott Bill MorrisBill Morris (footballer)
Bill Morris was an English footballer, who spent the majority of his playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers.Morris began his senior career in the colts side of West Bromwich Albion, before moving to Halesowen Town...
Frank Taylor Tom GalleyTom Galley
Thomas "Tom" Galley was an English international footballer, who spent the majority of his league career with Wolverhampton Wanderers.-Career:...
Stan CullisStan Cullis
Stanley Cullis was a professional footballer and manager, most notably for Wolverhampton Wanderers. During his term as manager between 1948 and 1964 Wolves became one of the strongest teams in the British game, winning the league title on three occasions, and playing a series of high-profile...
(c)
Joe GardinerJoe Gardiner
Joseph "Joe" Gardiner was an English footballer, who served Wolverhampton Wanderers as both player and coach.-Career:...
Stan BurtonStan Burton
Stanley "Stan" Burton was an English footballer, who played in the 1939 FA Cup Final for Wolverhampton Wanderers.-Career:...
Alex McIntoshAlex McIntosh
Alexander "Alex" McIntosh was a Scottish footballer, who played in the Football League for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Coventry City.-Career:...
Dennis WestcottDennis Westcott
Dennis Westcott was an English footballer, who played for New Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Chesterfield as a striker....
Dicky DorsettDicky Dorsett
Richard "Dicky" Dorsett was an English footballer, who played as a striker. Dorsett was sometimes known as "the Brownhills Bomber" after his birthplace of Brownhills, West Midlands....
Teddy MaguireTeddy Maguire
James Edward "Teddy" Maguire was an English footballer, who spent the majority of his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers.-Career:...
Major Frank BuckleyFrank Buckley (footballer)
Franklin Charles Buckley was an English football player and, later, manager. He is the brother of Chris Buckley who played for Aston Villa.-Early life:...
MATCH RULES
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Portsmouth
Round 3: Portsmouth 4–0 Lincoln CityLincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
Round 4: Portsmouth 2–0 West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
Round 5: Portsmouth 2–0 West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
Round 6: Portsmouth 1–0 Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
Semi-Final: Portsmouth 2–1 Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
-
- (at HighburyArsenal StadiumArsenal Stadium was a football stadium in Highbury, North London, which was the home ground of Arsenal Football Club between 6 September 1913 and 7 May 2006...
)
- (at Highbury
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Wolverhampton Wanderers
Round 3: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3–1 Bradford Park AvenueBradford Park Avenue A.F.C.
Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
Round 4: Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–1 Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
Round 5: Wolverhampton Wanderers 4–1 Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
Round 6: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
Semi-Final: Wolverhampton Wanderers 5–0 Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
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- (at Old TraffordOld TraffordOld Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
)
- (at Old Trafford
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