Second Division Bolton had ensured it was an all Lancashire final – a first for the competition - after beating Derby County 1-0 in the other semi. In the region of 30,000 fans travelled to London from the north-west on 23 April 1904 with many sleeping on train platforms at Euston and St Pancreas having arrived the day before.
There was a typically convivial atmosphere between rival fans, as was the norm for the era, and the media attention was firmly focused on Billy Meredith, who, of course, was more than happy to be in the spotlight.
City had added incentive to win the cup having seen our title hopes disappear following a 1-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the league after the semi-final triumph and a 3-1 defeat by Newcastle meant the double dream was over.
City were in relaxed mood ahead of the big game and both sets of fans were determined to enjoy their day out. With a crowd of 61,374 and tickets costing the equivalent of 25 pence (almost £30 in today's money)– the teams ran out to contest the eagerly awaited 1904 FA Cup final.
Dignitaries included Prime Minister Arthur Balfour and legendary cricketer W.G Grace and if the majority of people had come to catch a glimpse of Meredith, they only had to wait 23 minutes for a piece of magic from the Welsh Wizard who skipped past one challenge before driving into the box and planting the ball past Bolton keeper Dai Davies.
There was a slight suspicion offside, but no protestations were made by the Bolton players and there was even a one-man pitch invasion by a City fan who was quickly led away by police who, impressed by his passion, allowed him back on the terraces to continue watching the game!
Bolton enjoyed much of the ball thereafter but couldn’t find a way past a resolute City defence with full-back Herbert Burgess in particular outstanding throughout.
The trophy - finally - was ours and the celebrations began. And Manchester at last housed the FA Cup holders for the first time.
The team had one more league game to play at Everton before they travelled home with the FA Cup and thousands lined the streets of central Manchester to greet them. The love affair with the competition was well and truly underway.
Now, on the eve of the first Manchester derby FA Cup final, the blue half of the city is once again gripped by cup fever, just as we were 119 years ago as we secured our first major trophy...