Definition
The 1955–56 FA Cup was the 75th staging of the Football Association Challenge Cup, the premier knockout football competition in England. It culminated in a final match in which Manchester City defeated Birmingham City 3 – 1.
Overview
The tournament began with a series of qualifying rounds that reduced the number of participating non‑league clubs before the First Round Proper, where clubs from the Football League Third Division North and South entered. Clubs from the First and Second Divisions joined at the Third Round Proper. The competition proceeded through single‑match knock‑out rounds, with replays scheduled if matches were drawn after 90 minutes. The final was held on 5 April 1956 at Wembley Stadium in London, drawing an official attendance of 100,000 spectators. Manchester City secured their first FA Cup triumph since 1934.
Etymology / Origin
The term combines the season notation “1955–56,” indicating that the competition spanned parts of two calendar years, with “FA Cup,” an abbreviation for the Football Association Challenge Cup, which was first contested in 1871–72. The naming convention follows that used for English football seasons, wherein the start and end years are hyphenated.
Characteristics
- Structure: A single‑elimination format with replays for drawn matches; no extra time or penalty shoot‑outs were employed in the 1955–56 edition.
- Entry: 44 clubs entered at the First Round Proper, joined by 48 clubs from the Third Division North and South. The First and Second Division clubs entered at the Third Round Proper, bringing the total number of clubs in the competition proper to 84.
- Defending Champion: Newcastle United, winners of the 1954–55 FA Cup, were eliminated in the Fourth Round by Manchester United.
- Final Match Details:
- Date: 5 April 1956
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Score: Manchester City 3, Birmingham City 1
- Goal Scorers: Manchester City – Bobby Johnstone (9′), Joe Hayes (30′, 75′); Birmingham City – Jeff Hall (31′)
- Attendance: 100,000 (official)
- Referee: Frank Coultas (Manchester)
- Notable Moments: The final featured a quick response from Manchester City after conceding the opening goal, with two goals in quick succession to take a 2‑1 lead before sealing the victory with a late third goal.
Related Topics
- FA Cup – the overall competition of which the 1955–56 season is a part.
- Manchester City F.C. – the winning club; its 1955–56 FA Cup victory marked its second triumph in the tournament.
- Birmingham City F.C. – the runners‑up, reaching their first FA Cup final.
- 1955–56 English football season – the broader domestic football calendar, encompassing league competitions and other cup tournaments.
- Wembley Stadium (old) – the historic venue that hosted the final.
- Football Association (FA) – governing body responsible for organizing the competition.