Tottenham Defeat Manchester United in 1962 FA Cup Semi-Final

As the month of March came to an end in 1962 Tottenham were still battling for trophies on three fronts. They defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough on the last day of the month to set up an exciting final six weeks of what had been a hectic season in the FA Cup, European Cup and 1st Division.

1962 Match report – FA Cup semi-final [Photo: Logan Holmes]As we approach the final weeks of another season, it seems an appropriate time to revive the #knowyourtottenhamhistory feature which looks at what happened to Spurs on a particular day in their glorious past. The months of April and May are the time when many crucial matches are played which determine the success or failure of a season and over the next few weeks I hope to revive some memorable occasions in Tottenham’s history.

It Happened On This Day: 31st March, 1962

Tottenham were attempting to retain the FA Cup which they had won in completing the previous season’s ‘Double’. This time around they had seen off the challenges of Birmingham City, after a 3rd Round replay, Plymouth Argyle, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. Now Manchester United stood in the way as they looked to make a second visit to Wembley.

United were in the lower half of the League but it would be a difficult game as the teams had drawn 2-2 at White Hart Lane and Spurs had lost by the only goal of the game earlier in the season at Old Trafford.

The following day’s match report written by Alan Hoby had the following opening paragraph under the headline:

SO EASY FOR SUPREME SPURS

Wonder move outclasses
Manchester United

‘Spurs have reached Wembley for the second successive year. In yet another big-match display of arrogant and regal elegance, they crushed those ex-kings of Soccer, Manchester United, before 65,000 fans at Hillsborough yesterday.’

Jimmy Greaves’ opening goal after 3 minutes in 1962 FA Cup semi-final. [Photo: Logan Holmes]The goals from Jimmy Greaves, Terry Medwin and Cliff Jones ensured that Spurs won comfortably and returned to Wembley to meet Burnley, the team they defeated in the previous year’s semi-final. Greaves and Jones gave Spurs a two goal half-time lead. The opening goal came after three minutes from Greaves with Jones adding the second on 24 minutes, rising high above the defenders to head home a perfect cross from the right delivered by John White.

A battling United scored with seven minutes remaining but Medwin ensured Spurs’ victory, scoring three minutes later. It was a goal of perfection which Hoby described, ‘Moving the ball at strolling pace, time wasting with nonchalance, they mounted a leisurely yet breathtaking attack down the right wing.’

The move involved Cliff Jones, White and resulted in Medwin heading the third, ‘like the ferocious stab of a bayonet – a killer goal, and it heralded the end for this slow-thinking and unimaginative United side.’

Team: Brown; Baker, Henry; Blanchflower, Norman, Mackay; Medwin, White, Smith, Greaves, Jones

I love the descriptive powers of old reports when the reporters had to provide precise detail for their readers, as only a very small percentage of their readers had been fortunate enough to be at the game. They were great times for Tottenham, outclassing Manchester United – how we would all love a return to the success that Spurs enjoyed in the early 1960s. Could it happen this year? Here’s hoping!

Over To You (For older readers):

Where you there that day in 1962? What are your memories of that game?