That was how the official programme described the match on March 6th 1963 - the last time we entertained Chelsea in the FA Cup:
"Tonight we are staging the Cup-tie all London has been waiting for and, if the enthusiasm of our supporters is anything to go by, the game should prove a real cracker"
Charlton had progressed to the fourth round by beating Cardiff 1-0 at The Valley on February 18th in a fixture that had been postponed ten times as a result of the severe weather which all but paralysed the country for three months. Between 22nd December (when they played Chelsea in a league game) and 9th February Charlton had only taken to the field once - and that game (against Southampton in mid-January) had been abandoned early in the second half because of a snowstorm. Conditions eventually improved enough for the Cardiff game to be played and the Chelsea programme editor described it as:
"a splendid game throughout with countless thrills to delight the spectator and Len Glover's goal ten minutes from the end rounded off a great day for Charlton"
The programme informed us that the visit of Chelsea offered Charlton an opportunity to prove "that the result on December 22nd was all wrong". Charlton had gone in at half-time leading 1-0 but "midway through the second half a defensive lapse proved the turning point and along came Bobby Tambling with four goals". A 1-4 defeat was at least an improvement on the away game with "The Pensioners" the previous August when goals from Upton, Bridges (2) and Moore (2) had seen us well beaten 5-0.
Given those league results it is unlikely that many Charlton fans approached the March Cup tie with much confidence but that didn't blunt interest in the game. The Valley attendance of 37,907 was nearly three times the average home gate and 16,000 higher than the previous best - the 21,307 who turned out on December 22nd. They were not, however, to witness a reversal of fortunes. Goals from Murray, Mulholland and that man Tambling again saw Chelsea through to the next round 0-3.
Our doughty programme editor put a brave face on it. In the next home programme he commented that: "Nevertheless, the lads did their best, and it was no disgrace to lose to such a fine side as Chelsea".
Our tie next Saturday has sparked a similar level of interest and a near capacity crowd is expected despite the possibility that Chelsea could field an entire reserve team at kick off. For their EFL Cup tie at Cardiff last month none of the eleven who started their previous game against Everton were in the starting line-up. It is possible that it will be similar on Saturday, particularly as the game is sandwiched between their midweek games against Fulham (which they lost 2-1) and Arsenal in the EFL cup next week.
However, the arrival from Strasbourg of new manager Liam Rosenior adds an extra dimension as he will certainly not want to slip on a banana skin so early in his tenure. He might therefore decide to field a stronger starting eleven although it is hard to see him making too many tactical changes. Both Chelsea and Strasbourg set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and both average around 450 accurate passes per match. Chelsea have had more possession than the French side this season though and that is unlikely to change against Charlton. Nathan Jones will most likely set up as solidly as possible and hope to keep the World Club champions out for as long as possible. The Blues have scored in all but two matches this season - 0-0 draws with Bournemouth and a team from near Croydon who play in red and blue stripes.
The match has the feeling of an occasion and, although a home win would be loudly celebrated, many Charlton fans would be prepared to sacrifice a run in the Cup for a win against Sheffield United on Saturday week. Back in 1963 Chelsea lost in the fifth round to eventual winners Manchester United and Charlton managed to avoid relegation in their final game. Many of us would settle for that, wouldn't we?
Nathan Jones is looking forward to the game:
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the club showcase itself against a top, top side."