When Manchester United beat Brighton in the FA Cup final in 1983

G ordon Smith has probably been contacted quite a few times recently by journalists who want to discuss his infamous last-minute chance in the 1983 FA Cup final. But it would be unfair to remember Smith for that match and moment alone. As with many finals during the glory days of the competition, that day in May was about so much more than the game itself: the characters involved, the fairytale of relegated Brighton reaching Wembley, Steve Foster’s pain, the team songs, banners, the awful pitch and a helicopter. “And Smith must score,” is the point where all roads lead in this tale but digging deeper throws up further delights.

There seemed little hope of Brighton reaching Wembley when they entered the competition at the third round in January. Hovering just above the Division One relegation zone under caretaker manager Jimmy Melia, their main aim was to stay in the top flight. But away from the pressure of the league, Melia’s men soared.

A replay win over Newcastle and a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City got the ball rolling, although it looked like their adventure would end at Anfield in the fifth round. But a stunning 2-1 win against Liverpool opened up the competition, with Melia’s star rising as the twin towers of Wembley drew closer. With his white shoes, quick wit and famous girlfriend Val Lloyd, Melia was a tabloid dream. He was appointed as permanent manager in March as Brighton progressed in the cup, beating Norwich in the quarter-finals and then winning a semi-final against second tier Sheffield Wednesday at a sun-drenched Highbury.

Melia had made the dream a reality. Sadly, there was a small snag, as midfielder Jimmy Case explained in his autobiography Hard Case. “The cup run was brilliant, the fans turned