Joe Marston
1 May 1954
West Brom 3 Preston 2, FA Cup Final

While England's top flight and FA Cup competition has been brimming with Aussie stars in recent years, it was a Sydneysider back in the 50s who first made a splash on English shores.

After cutting his teeth playing for Leichhardt-Annandale in the 40s, Joe Marston joined Preston North End in 1950 and four years later became the first Australian to ever play in an FA Cup final.

Back in the days when foreigners were a rarity in the English game, both 1954 FA Cup finalists had teams full of English, Scottish and Irish players, while there was a solitary non-UK player - the Australian Marston.

Around 100,000 people poured into the famous Wembley stadium as Ronnie Allen gave West Brom the lead. Within a minute Marston's Preston were level through Angus Morrison.

Five minutes into the second half and Charles Wayman gave Preston the lead. Was Marston going to be able to bring an FA Cup winners medal back to Australia? The irrepressible Allen had other ideas as he converted a spot-kick to bring the game to 2-2.

Preston suffered late heart-break when Frank Griffin scored for West Brom with only three minutes remaining to seal a 3-2 victory. Marston fell just short, but he had created an historic moment for Australian football.


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This month's FA Cup fixtures involve the quarter-finals, including the blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Arsenal (KO 4.15pm Sun 12 March). Elsewhere big spending Manchester City host Reading (KO 4.15am Mon 13 March), League Cup winner Birmingham prepare for the visit of Bolton (KO 11.45pm Sat 11 March), while Stoke will take on West Ham (KO 1.00am Mon 13 March). Don't miss out on the action or this superb FourFourTwo and Setanta offer!