On This Day: Leeds United end Manchester United's semi-final resistance as Billy Bremner strikes in 'perfect show'

BILLY Bremner struck the decisive blow as Leeds United finally overcame Manchester United to book their place in the 1970 FA Cup final 51 years ago today.
By Lee Sobot
Published 26th Mar 2021, 11:34 GMT
Updated 26th Mar 2021, 11:37 GMT
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The Whites and Red Devils were meeting for the fifth time that season having shared 2-2 draws in both September's league clash at Elland Road and also the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in January.

The fierce rivals were then drawn to face each other in the FA Cup semi-final but a goalless draw after extra time at Hillsborough was followed by another goalless draw after extra time in the replay at Villa Park.

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That meant a second replay at Bolton's Burnden Park and it was newly-elected Footballer of the Year Bremner who finally ended the Red Devils' resistance.

DECISIVE: Leeds United and Manchester United met five times during the 1969-70 season but Billy Bremner, centre, scored the winner as the Whites finally progressed past the Red Devils in the FA Cup. Photo by A. Jones/Express/Getty Images.DECISIVE: Leeds United and Manchester United met five times during the 1969-70 season but Billy Bremner, centre, scored the winner as the Whites finally progressed past the Red Devils in the FA Cup. Photo by A. Jones/Express/Getty Images.
DECISIVE: Leeds United and Manchester United met five times during the 1969-70 season but Billy Bremner, centre, scored the winner as the Whites finally progressed past the Red Devils in the FA Cup. Photo by A. Jones/Express/Getty Images.

Bremner's strike came in the eighth minute as the Football League's best player hammered home a fierce shot from just inside the box as he arrived on the scene at pace after Manchester United failed to clear a high ball.

Instead, Allan Clarke headed the delivery down towards Bremner who had space to shoot after Mick Jones distracted the Red Devils defence.

Bremner's rocket of a finish flew into the bottom left corner and his delight was obvious as the Scot punched the air and held his arms aloft before being lifted into the air by Clarke.

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George Best created Manchester United's best chance but Willie Morgan could not divert his cross/shot.

The victory sealed a date in the final against Chelsea and Whites boss Don Revie was deeply proud of his players.

"The lads were wonderful, just wonderful," said Revie.

"That was a perfect show."

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Thank you Laura Collins

Related topics:Manchester United