Second shot at the title
 
 

 

April 23rd 1927 will be remembered not only for the momentous events that unfolded on the pitch, but also for the stories and anecdotes surrounding the day that added a certain flavour and a definite magic, to make this day truly unforgettable.

Cardiff city were no strangers to the drama and pressure demanded from an F.A.Cup Final. In 1925 they made their first journey to the hallowed turf of Wembley, where they faced Sheffield United. They left the Twin Towers the eventual losers, but the experience gained was to stand them in good stead when they achieved a second shot at the title in 1927 against Arsenal, this time it was to be the Gunners first ever appearance in the domestic Cup and however small the margin it was an advantage none the less. City were also in the grip of a relegation battle and their forward march to the twin towers only strengthened their resolve to overcome and succeed.

As the final loomed near the whole City prepared for a second shot at the coveted title. Cardiff City made their ritual journey to Southport. It was during this trip to Southport that the players began to think that Cardiff City's name might well be on the Cup. One day after training, some of them noticed that a small black cat was following them around on the Royal Birkdale golf course. At first, nobody took much notice but when it was still on their trail a few holes later, the players decided that it must be an omen. It was left to Hughie Ferguson to pick up the cat and track down its owner. Luckily, he found the right house alongside the course and managed to persuade the owner to let the animal be adopted. A deal was done: if Cardiff reached Wembley, then a match ticket would be supplied to the cat's owner.

 

 

 
 

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