1975 FA Cup final

West Ham United had won the FA Cup once previously in 1964 when they defeated Preston North End 3–2. Fulham had never previously played in an FA Cup final. Their previous best run was to the semi-finals in 1907–08 (lost 6–0 to Newcastle United), 1935–36 (lost 2–1 to Sheffield United), 1957–58 (lost 5–3 to Manchester United in a replay) and 1961–62 (lost 2–1 to Burnley in a replay). ==Route to final==

West Ham United In the third round, West Ham United faced Southampton at The Dell and won 2–1. In the fourth round, they needed a replay to overcome Swindon Town. After a 1–1 draw at Upton Park, West Ham United progressed with a 2–1 win at the County Ground. They then defeated Queens Park Rangers 2–1 at Upton Park in the fifth round. West Ham United faced Arsenal at Highbury in the quarter-finals and won 2–0. In the semi-finals, they required a replay to overcome Ipswich Town. After a goalless draw at the neutral Villa Park in Birmingham, West Ham United won 2–1 at Stamford Bridge in London. Fulham Fulham faced Hull City in the third round. After a 1–1 draw at Craven Cottage and a 2–2 draw in the replay at Boothferry Park, Fulham advanced with a 1–0 win in the second replay at the neutral Filbert Street in Leicester. In the fourth round, they faced Nottingham Forest. A goalless draw at Craven Cottage was succeeded by a 1–1 draw at the City Ground and a subsequent 1–1 draw, again at Craven Cottage in the second replay. Fulham eventually advanced with a 2–1 win at the City Ground in the third replay. In the fifth round, Fulham defeated Everton 2–1 at Goodison Park. They then faced Carlisle United at Brunton Park in the quarter-finals and won 1–0. Fulham again required a replay in their semi-final against Birmingham City. After a 1–1 at the neutral Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, Fulham progressed to the final with a 1–0 win at Maine Road in Manchester. ==Match details==

This was the second time that West Ham United had won the FA Cup. As defending champions the following season, they were eliminated at the first hurdle after losing 2–0 to Liverpool at Upton Park in the third round. They would win the FA Cup for a third time in 1980. Fulham have not played in an FA Cup final since this match. Their best run in the next 50 seasons was to the semi-finals in 2001–02 (lost 1–0 to Chelsea). ==References==