It was Sunderland's first appearance in the FA Cup Final and the first time The Football League's top two finishers had vied for the trophy (even though the League would not be decided for another week). On their way to the match Sunderland had to replay their quarter-final twice and then their semi-final once after draws in those contests. Aston Villa was re-appearing in the final after an eight-year absence and their victory was their fifth, equalling the then-current record of the Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.