International rules vs tradition – Wales, of course. The Cup final opposed English to Welsh club, both playing in the English championship. Shrewsbury against Wrexham. It was not for the first time, of course – few English clubs participated in the tournament almost from the beginning of the challenge in the19th century. Two-legged final, competitive as ever, if not particularly exciting. The first leg ended 1-1. In the second the English prevailed 1-0.
Shrewsbury won their 4th Welsh Cup. The last time they won it before was in 1977. For lowly Shrewsbury it was just the biggest achievement possible and the only trophy they were ever able to win. And as Welsh Cup holders they were bound to play in the European Cup Winners Cup? Would have been nice, ironic, even a mockery – a never even playing in the first English division popping up in the European tournament when mighty English clubs were left out. But rules are rules… Shrewsbury were not Welsh and they would not represent Wales. Which begs the question what could happen if, say, Cardiff City won the English title? Academic question really, but if English club cannot represent Wales, then Welsh clubs cannot represent England – and leave England without representation in the European Champions Cup? The case was never put to the test. As for Shrewsbury, they were to be satisfied with the Cup. Europe was for others.
The losers got Europe.
Wrexham came close to winning the Cup, but did not. The irony continued – they were going to represent Wales as losing finalist just because they were Welsh club. Instead of English Third Division club – Shrewsbury – Europe got a Second Division one – Wrexham. Go figure.