{"product_id":"cardiff-city-centenary","title":"Cardiff City - FA Cup Centenary","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCardiff City — FA Cup Winners, 1927\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentenary Edition — 1927–2027\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe FA Cup Final of 23rd April 1927 remains one of the most remarkable and enduring moments in the history of association football. Played at the Empire Stadium, Wembley, before more than 91,000 spectators, it brought together Cardiff City and Arsenal in a contest that would leave a permanent mark on the game.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCardiff City’s 1–0 victory secured a distinction that has never been repeated. In lifting the Football Association Challenge Cup, they became — and remain — the only club from outside England to win the competition. At a time when the trophy was still widely referred to as the “English Cup”, its journey to Wales carried a significance that extended far beyond the result itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Side That Made History\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLed by captain \u003cb\u003eFred Keenor\u003c\/b\u003e, the side combined discipline, strength, and composure. In goal was \u003cb\u003eTom Farquharson\u003c\/b\u003e, whose reliability under pressure had been a defining feature of the cup run. In front of him, \u003cb\u003eJimmy Nelson\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eTom Watson\u003c\/b\u003e formed a resolute defensive pairing, supported by the half-backs \u003cb\u003eTom Sloan\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eBilly Hardy\u003c\/b\u003e, whose role in containing Arsenal’s attacking threat would prove decisive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFurther forward, \u003cb\u003eErnie Curtis\u003c\/b\u003e, at just 19 years of age, brought energy and directness on the flank, alongside \u003cb\u003eSam Irving\u003c\/b\u003e, while \u003cb\u003eLen Davies\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGeorge McLachlan\u003c\/b\u003e provided width and balance. At centre-forward stood \u003cb\u003eHughie Ferguson\u003c\/b\u003e, whose name would be forever linked with the defining moment of the final.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTogether, they formed a side built not on individuals, but on cohesion — a team that understood its purpose and executed it without deviation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Road to Wembley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCardiff’s journey to the final was hard-earned. Entering in the third round, they overcame Aston Villa before defeating Darlington away from home. Their credentials were firmly established in the fifth round with a 2–0 victory over reigning holders Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tightly contested quarter-final against Chelsea required a replay, in which Cardiff prevailed 3–2 at Ninian Park, with Ferguson converting the decisive penalty. The semi-final at Molineux saw Cardiff produce one of their most assured performances, defeating Reading 3–0 to secure their return to Wembley.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArsenal’s path had been equally demanding, overcoming Sheffield United, Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton to reach their first final. By the time the two sides met, they stood as the strongest remaining teams in the competition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Occasion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe scale of the occasion reflected the importance of the final. More than 300,000 applications were made for tickets, while thousands travelled overnight from Cardiff by special trains to attend. Many more remained in the city, gathering to follow events via the radio — the 1927 final being the first to be broadcast live by the British Broadcasting Corporation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore the match, \u003ci\u003e“Abide with Me”\u003c\/i\u003e was performed, marking the beginning of a tradition that would become inseparable from the FA Cup Final. The presence of King George V, alongside leading political figures of the time, added further weight to an already significant national occasion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Decisive Moment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe match itself was closely contested. Arsenal enjoyed periods of attacking pressure, but were repeatedly held at bay by Cardiff’s organised and disciplined defence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only goal came in the second half. A move involving \u003cb\u003eErnie Curtis\u003c\/b\u003e led to the ball reaching \u003cb\u003eHughie Ferguson\u003c\/b\u003e, whose low shot slipped from the grasp of Arsenal goalkeeper \u003cb\u003eDan Lewis\u003c\/b\u003e and into the net. It was a moment of misfortune for the goalkeeper, but one that Cardiff had earned through persistence and pressure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCardiff held their advantage to the final whistle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAftermath and Legacy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaptain Fred Keenor received the cup from King George V, marking a moment that resonated far beyond Wembley. The victory was widely reported as the first time the FA Cup had left England, a detail that captured the imagination of the press and supporters alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe celebrations in Cardiff were unprecedented. On the team’s return, vast crowds gathered to welcome them home, with the city united in recognition of what had been achieved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCardiff would go on to complete a remarkable season, adding the Welsh Cup and Charity Shield, yet the triumph of 1927 remains their defining achievement. It is a victory that has never been replicated, and one that continues to stand alone in the history of the competition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eProduct details:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou will only pay shipping\/postage for 1 item, no matter how many items you purchase.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiscounts are given for multiple purchases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSize: A3, A4, A5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSingle Sided\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePaper: 400gsm premium art stock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePrint quality: Museum-grade, high-resolution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFinish: Unframed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eWatermark shown in images does NOT appear on the final print\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarefully packaged for safe delivery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking piece of football history — ideal for collectors, historians, and lovers of our national game.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAny issues please contact me at \u003ca href=\"mailto:paul@worldvintagecolours.com\"\u003epaul@worldvintagecolours.com\u003c\/a\u003e by clicking the hyperlink and I will get back to you ASAP.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World Vintage Colours","offers":[{"title":"A3","offer_id":48179300630720,"sku":"Cardiff City FA Cup Centenary - A3","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4","offer_id":48179300663488,"sku":"Cardiff City FA Cup Centenary - A4","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A5","offer_id":48179300696256,"sku":"Cardiff City FA Cup Centenary - A5","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/8242\/7840\/files\/A3-CardiffCity1927CentenaryDesign1_b1b5b651-6992-40c1-b535-c0316755dce6.jpg?v=1776864738","url":"https:\/\/www.worldvintagecolours.com\/products\/cardiff-city-centenary","provider":"World Vintage Colours","version":"1.0","type":"link"}