Historic rivalry

Ryan Parrish takes a look at the history between Leeds and Chelsea ahead of their reunion.

The rivalry between Leeds United and Chelsea really cemented itself in football folklore when the two sides contested the 1970 FA Cup final. The game at Wembley finished 2-2 when Ian Hutchinson's late equaliser for Chelsea took the match to the first Cup final replay in 58 years. Leeds dominated for the majority of the game, hitting the woodwork three times and twice taking the lead, with winger Eddie Gray torturing Chelsea right-back David Webb all game. But the Whites just could not put the tie to bed. Author of 'The Essential History of Leeds United', Andrew Mourant, spoke of Leeds' performance, saying: "Told by manager Don Revie to go out and play, they responded with one of the best post-war exhibitions of football Wembley had seen. Eddie Gray unfurled a performance of tormenting skill on the left wing, reducing Chelsea right-back David Webb to impotence. Other Chelsea defenders floundered in spaces where Leeds men had been." Just over a fortnight later, the two teams met again for the replay at Old Trafford in front of a television audience of 28million, a modern day record for an FA Cup final. Chelsea were 2-1 winners in extra time thanks to a Webb goal. But the tie is remembered for its constant on-pitch battles and it is widely regarded as one of the dirtiest games ever. In his match report, The Times' football correspondent, Geoffrey Green, described the game as: "one of the most punishing finals in modern history - perhaps all history," and another reported: "Wherever you looked on the field there was mayhem, as players kicked, gouged and butted each other with impunity." Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti suffered a knee injury during the game after a collision with Mick Jones and he told Chelsea's official website: "It probably was the most physical game I played in and today it would never have lasted. Referees today say it would not have got past the first 20 minutes, because of the tackles, but that was the game in those days and you had to put up with it." After Gray's performance at Wembley, it was no surprise Ron 'Chopper' Harris was given the task of man-marking the Scotsman in the replay. Chelsea manager Dave Sexton was praised for his choice to swap the positions of Webb and Harris to deal with Gray, and many believe this decision was a vital factor in the Blues lifting the trophy, including Bonetti, who said: "Dave saw what had happened there and he put Ronnie out in the right-back position to cope with Gray and Webby was far, far happier in the middle where he could win things. He and John Dempsey made a tremendous partnership." Chelsea's Alan Hudson admitted Harris knew exactly what his job was, saying: "Ron 'Chopper' Harris did not need any telling. His scything tackle on the wing wizard Eddie Gray in the opening minutes was chilling." Remarkably there was only one booking all game and when former Premier League referee David Elleray reviewed the match over 30 years later, he revealed he would have handed out six red cards and a staggering 20 yellows. Leeds defender Jack Charlton furiously stormed off the pitch without collecting his runners-up medal and he later admitted: "The disappointment was incredible. I went straight to the dressing room and kicked open the door. I've never been more upset over losing a game, maybe because it was partly my fault." He added: "It wasn't the losing of the game; it was the losing