A third-tier side reaching the FA Cup final is virtually unthinkable in the modern game but it came very close to happening back in 1997 when Chesterfield faced Middlesbrough.
The two sides met on April 13 1997 at Old Trafford with the fixture itself turning into one of the all-time classics in the competition thanks to everything from extra-time drama, red cards and controversial decision making.
Chesterfield, who were in the second division side at the time, had already knocked Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest out of the cup and were now looking to beat the foreign stars of Middlesbrough as they looked to book their places in the FA Cup final.
It was a goalless first half at Manchester United's ground but the game quickly changed after Boro defender Vladimir Kinder saw red in the 37th minute. Shortly after the break, goals from Andy Morris and Sean Dyche gave Chesterfield a two goal lead as fans began to dream of a final on the horizon.
A bubble which was quickly burst by Italian international Fabrizio Ravanelli, who pulled a goal back for Middlesbrough. Before the game's most controversial moment, which saw Jonathan Howard cannon a shot off the bar for Chesterfield. The ball appeared to cross the line but was not given by any of the match-day officials.
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Boro went on to equalise through a Craig Hignett penalty, before taking the lead in extra-time through Gianluca Festa. Chesterfield would go on to fight back with virtually the last kick of the game as Jamie Hewitt levelled the scoreline, but were then beaten 3-0 convincingly at Hillsborough for the replay.
In this quiz we are looking for readers to name the full starting eleven for Middlesbrough in this fixture, which took place just over 26 years ago.
Topics:Ā Football, Football Quiz, Quizzes, Middlesbrough, FA Cup
Patrick Rowe