Villa Third Time Lucky

In the only final to ever go to a second replay, Aston Villa triumphed over Everton thanks to a 40-yeard stunner from defender Chris Nicholl.

Villa Manager Ron Saunders had lost in the previous two finals as manager of Norwich when they lost to Spurs in 1973 and, a year later, as boss at Manchester City when they were beaten by Wolves.

Few were optimistic as Saunders led Villa into the 1977 final. And a dull 0-0 draw against Everton was followed by another draw in the replay, thanks to a last minute Everton equaliser. In the third match Nicholl’s strike and a brace from Brian Little saw the famous trophy head to the Midlands.