The first final after World War Two saw a newcomer at Wembley with Charlton Athletic appearing for the first time. They were defeated 4-1 by Derby, but it wasn't easy for the former winners. Bert Turner scored an own goal and then equalised for Derby. Stamps came close to scoring in regular time but the ball burst as he shot, making it easier to save. In extra time, Derby finally took control, scoring three times.

Charlton, the finalists from the previous year, were favourites to beat Second Division Burnley at Wembley. But the weather wreaked havoc with the competition, with a heat-wave ensuring the game was played at walking pace. Charlton finally scored in extra time through Chris Duffy, with a replay looking likely.

This all-Lancashire final is considered a classic. United hadn't appeared in the final for 39 years and it was the first trip for their opponents Blackpool. The seasiders struck first through Eddie Shimwell before Jack Rowley equalised, but a goal from Stan Mortensen in the 35th minute put the Tangerines ahead at half-time. The scores stayed that way until the 70th minute when United scored three times through Rowley, Stan Pearson and John Anderson to take the trophy to Old Trafford.

Favourites Wolves took the initiative early on in this Midlands derby against Leicester, scoring in the 13th minute through Jesse Pye, who doubled his side's lead three minutes before the break. Mal Griffiths gave Leicester brief hope just after half-time but this was quickly snuffed out through a goal from Sammy Smyth a minute later. The legendary Billy Wright received the Cup from HRH The Princess Elizabeth.

Arsenal secured their third Cup win with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool. The Merseysiders controversially left our Liverpool legend Bob Paisley, even though he'd scored the winner in the femi-finals against Everton. The decision was not made by the manager, but by a selection committee of nine directors. Both Arsenal goals were scored by Reg Lewis.

Despite the presence of the legendary Stanley Matthews in the Blackpool team, who was considered the best player on the pitch, Newcastle beat the Lancashire team 2-0, thanks to goals from another legend Jackie Milburn. 

For the first time since Blackburn Rovers performed the feat in the 1880s, Newcastle retained the Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Arsenal with a goal from George Robledo. With Arsenal suffering injuries to their full-back Wally Barnes and then to three other players, and with no substitutes allowed in those days, they faced Newcastle with only seven fully fit players on the pitch. 

Blackpool finally lifted the Cup in what is known as the 'Matthews Final'. Their opponents Bolton were 3-1 up just after the interval, but the heroics of Stanley Matthews and a hat-trick by Stan Mortensen pulled the score back to 4-3 in Blackpool's favour. This was the first Final attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

Legends Tom Finney and Tommy Docherty were members of the Preston North End team who succumbed to the Baggies in this five goal thriller. The lead changed hands throughout the match until Ronnie Allen scored the winner from the penalty spot, with the final score 3-2.

In a weird parallel to the 1953 final, once more the match turned on an injury to a full-back, this time Manchester City's Jimmy Meadows. With a hole in the defence, Newcastle took advantage with goals from Jackie Milburn, George Hannah and Bobby Mitchell. City's consolation goal came from Bobby Johnstone with 3-1 the final score.

City, the beaten finalists the previous year, got their hands on the Cup for the third time thanks to the inspirational play and leadership of striker Don Revie and the heroics of goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, who played the last fifteen minutes of the game with a broken neck. Joe Hayes, Bobby Johnstone and Jack Dyson scored for City with opponents Birmingham City snatching a consolation goal through Noel Kinsey.

A Manchester United team which featured 'Busby babes' such as Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards and Jackie Blanchflower couldn't overcome Aston Villa who won 2-1. United were at a distinct disadvantage as their keeper,  Ray Wood, was knocked unconscious six minutes into the game and replaced by an outfield player for a while before returning with a broken cheek bone.  However it took Villa until the 68th minute before taking the lead through Peter McParland who then doubled their advantage four minutes later. A Tommy Taylor goal for United on 83 minutes proved just a consolation.

Manchester United were once again defeated finalists in the FA Cup, with a side that had been decimated by the tragic Munich air crash three months earlier. Bolton won 2-0, both goals scored by Nat Lofthouse. His second goal, where he bundled goalkeeper Harry Gregg over the line, was  fiercely  contested and led to more protection being provided for goalies in the future.

Forest were two goals up after fourteen minutes against Luton Town through Roy Dwight and Thomas Wilson. But Dwight was stretchered off with a broken leg on 33 minutes leaving his team to play the last hour with only ten men. Luton piled on the pressure, but could only pull one goal back through Dave Pacey and the ten men of Forest won the Cup.