On this day, Preston and Arsenal drew 1-1 in the Football League War Cup Final, at Wembley with 60,000 in the crowd. The match was replayed three weeks later at Ewood Park, Blackburn, when Arsenal lost 2-1.
The competition was held each year from 1939 to 1945, with clubs able to use guest players as well as members of their own squad. All players played as amateurs.
In the nine months leading up to the final in 1941, 127 large-scale night-raids had taken place, with London, the home of the final, being a regular target. This threat did not stop 60,000 people turning up to watch the game.
Preston North End had beaten Bury, Bolton, Tranmere Rovers (12–1), Manchester City and Newcastle (2–0) to reach the final.
After 1942 the competition was played as two regional affairs, with Arsenal beating Charlton in the 1943 Southern Final.
Henry Norris at the Arsenal: There is a full index to the series here.
Arsenal in the 1930s: The most comprehensive series on the decade ever
Arsenal in the 1970s: Every match and every intrigue reviewed in detail.
100 Years: 100 Years in the First Division
