It is one of the most celebrated FA Cup finals in history....and it ruined a young Neil Aspin's weekend.

Division Two Sunderland's 1973 victory over the mighty Leeds United remains an iconic final as Ian Porterfield's goal separated the two teams, Sunderland keeper Jim Montgomery made an astonishing double save and manager Bob Stokoe celebrated, raincoat flapping, in a moment that has been immortalised in the superb statue outside the Stadium of Light.

The nation loved it, but not so much a eight-year-old Aspin who grew up in Gateshead but loved Leeds United having seen Don Revie's team playing at St James' Park.

We should point out ahead of Port Vale's FA Cup first round tie at home to Sunderland that Vale manager Aspin has forgiven the Black Cats for breaking his heart as a nipper.

But he can vividly recall rather different emotions 45 years ago.

He said: "I can remember being at school and everybody had to make a rosette, that was part of the week's work. You had to make a red and white rosette but I wouldn't make one because I supported Leeds so I made a white one.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 05: Sunderland captain Bobby Kerr lifts the trophy after Sunderland had beaten Leeds United 1-0 to win the 1973 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 1973 in London, England. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)

"I remember watching the game and it was one of those games where Leeds just weren't going to score. I couldn't bear to watch the end so for the last ten minutes I went out to the back lane where I lived and kicked the ball against the wall praying that Leeds would score...but they didn't so it wasn't one of my happiest days.

"Newcastle was closer to me but Sunderland is close as well if you live in Gateshead. But no that wasn't a great day.

"I used to go and watch Newcastle with my dad for most home games and we would go behind the goal. Then they played Leeds one year and I went to watch the game and, ever since I saw them live, they were my team. Of course they were good at the time, but I supported them when they weren't so good as well so it wasn't like I abandoned ship and went to somebody else.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 05: Sunderland striker Ian Porterfield runs at Billy Bremner of Leeds United during the 1973 FA Cup Final which Sunderland won with a goal from Porterfield at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 1973 in London, England. (Photo by Allsport UK/Getty Images)

From seeing them live in the 1970s they were the team I wanted to play for."

He did just that, making his debut for them as a 16 year old and going on to make more than 200 appearances including playing in the 1987 FA Cup semi final where they were beaten 3-2 by that year's cup winners Coventry City at Hillsborough.

Aspin's £200,000 move from Leeds to Vale in 1989 was a typical stroke of genius by John Rudge. Aspin would go on to help Vale to wonderful FA Cup memories of their own, including beating Everton and taking Arsenal to a replay.

He'd love his current Port Vale team to start creating some FA Cup history with a win this weekend, but whatever the outcome will remain a fervent supporter of the FA Cup.

Neil Aspin in action for Port Vale against Arsenal's Ian Wright

He said: "People have to realise that football is not just about the Premier League. It is about every other club and, to most clubs, the FA Cup is a special competition. If other teams don't feel the same that is up to them. But there is life outside the Premier League and, to every non-league club who enters the FA Cup, and every other team, it is a special competition."

And just to confirm, yes he has forgiven Sunderland for 1973.

He said: "A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then but at the time it wasn't very nice! Leeds were such firm favourites to win that game. But that shows what football's about. Everybody would have said Leeds would win but they didn't and we have to do that ourselves this weekend."