The 1968 FA Cup Final saw West Bromwich Albion face Everton, who were in their 2nd final in 3 seasons. And Everton were favourites for the cup, despite the close league positions in the Top Flight between the two, with Everton 5th and WBA in 8th, due to the fact that the Toffees had beaten them twice in the league. They also had star players such as Brian Labone, Howard Kendall, Joe Royle, Colin Harvey and Alan Ball. West Brom, meanwhile, had got to the final via a number of replays, including 3 games with Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the quarter finals, before beating Midland rivals Birmingham City 2-0 in the semi final. But the Baggies were known as a cup side in the 1960's, having got to successive League Cup Finals in 1966 and 67, and were now in the FA Cup Final, partly due to Jeff Astle, who had scored in every single round. The pundits predicted an attacking match, but what followed was a tight affair...
Apparently this was the first Cup final to be broadcast in colour, but I only have the match in B&W. I have looked about for the colour version, but for some reason it does not seem to be available either online or to buy. A shame really, as this match could of done with being in colour. Both teams, by the way, played in their away strip for some reason, which makes it especially awkward viewing in B&W. West Bromwich Albion are the team in white, while Everton are playing in gold top and blue shorts - which isn't really much help in B&W! Still, I hope it doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the game.
