Arsenal wore their yellow and dark blue strip, and Swindon Town opted to wear an all-white kit instead of their usual alternative of all-blue.

A mix-up between defender Ian Ure and goalkeeper Bob Wilson over a backpass led to confusion in the Arsenal defence, and allowed Smart to capitalise and score.

Swindon goalkeeper Peter Downsborough prevented numerous Arsenal players from scoring, including saving efforts that looked unstoppable from Jon Sammels and Bob McNab.

Until the 86th minute, it seemed that a great football upset was sure to occur; however Swindon goalkeeper Downsborough tried to claim a ball and fumbled, allowing Bobby Gould to equalise with a header and take the game into extra time.

National newspapers reported the story the following day under headlines such as "The shame of Arsenal",[5] for example: Swindon Town returned to Wiltshire to a heroes' welcome.

The Mayor, Alf Bown, raised a glass to the club and called for "promotion", which Swindon achieved after failing to lose any of their nine remaining matches.