IPSWICH TOWN

Ipswich Town v Arsenal – 1978 FA Cup Final

The 1970’s finals were rapidly becoming the decade of shocks, and the 1978 final, somewhat unfairly went down as another major turn-up, as Ipswich Town put a disappointing league campaign behind them, shrugged off the underdog tag and took the match to Arsenal.

Despite a season of struggle, Ipswich boss Bobby Robson boasted a side which had finished the previous year in third place in the league, and on their day, were more than a match for any side, and so it proved in their first ever Cup final appearance.

Three times Ipswich hit the woodwork, with John Wark and Paul Mariner displaying their international class; Kevin Beattie and George Burley both had headers superbly saved by Pat Jennings, and the back-line kept Arsenal’s attacking prowess at bay.

The breakthrough eventually came with only thirteen minutes remaining, when David Geddis’ cross fell into the path of Roger Osborne, who drilled home a first-time shot.

Roger Osborne’s over-enthusiastic celebration caused him to faint, but few minded as the F.A. Cup headed to Suffolk for the very first time.

Ipswich Football Newspaper Book .

Relive those glorious moments of your favourite team captured in newsprint.

From the early 20th century to the recent past, each book affords a unique perspective on your team or sport’s colourful history. They are not written by someone looking back in time, but by reporters who witnessed the games and events as they unfolded and in a language of the time.

Capture the history and greatest moments of Ipswich through the newspapers, as written at the time. Starting with coverage of Ipswich’s entry to the League in 1938, this book charts a glorious history of great games and League and Cup titles through the decades of the 20th century.

Top stories include promotion to Division 2 in 1954 and Division 1 in 1961 and going onto become Division 1 Champions in their first season. European honours in 1962, beating Floriana 10-0. Beating Leeds, (after the 4th attempt) in the FA Cup tie in 1975. Other notable coverage includes winning the FA Cup against Arsenal in 1978, The European Cup in 1981, promotion to the Premiership in 2000, and much much more.

Newspaper coverage continues right up to the end of last season. A unique and wonderful gift and must have for all Ipswich fans.