1996–97 FA Cup The 1997 FA Cup Final took place on 17 May 1997 at Wembley Stadium and was won by Chelsea with a 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough. Di Matteo scored the fastest ever goal in FA Cup Final history 43 seconds after kick-off, beating Jackie Milburn's record from the 1954-1955 final of 45 seconds, which was only beaten in 2009 by Everton's Louis Saha (27.9 seconds). Chelsea were attempting to win their first FA Cup final for 27 years, while Middlesbrough were contesting their first ever final. Chelsea took to the field on the back of something of a renaissance under Dutch
1997 FA Women's Cup Final Prenton Park. Wembley appeared in the final for the first time, having won the previous season's FA Women's Premier League Cup competition. As FA Women's Premier League National Division clubs, both teams entered the competition at the fourth round stage. Millwall Lionesses beat Chelsea (3–0), Doncaster Belles (3–0), Aston Villa (4–1, after extra time) and Croydon (1–1, 3–1 on penalties) to reach the final. Wembley needed extra time in all three games to defeat Tranmere Rovers (2–1), Preston Rangers (1–0) and Berkhamsted Town (3–1) to reach a semi final with Arsenal. Their subsequent 1–0 victory over Arsenal at Borehamwood was