FORMER Weymouth and Dorchester Town manager Stuart Morgan will be hoping history repeats itself this afternoon when he takes his seat at the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

The Portsmouth scout will watch his men take on Coca-Cola Championship outfit Cardiff City, the club his Terras' side defeated 3-2 in a major shock in the competition on December 11, 1982.

That historic tie saw Morgan's side come back from two goals down to claim a place in the third round proper and it is a victory that has always lived long in the memory.

Swansea-born Morgan said: "That was the biggest day of my career and hopefully history will repeat itself this afternoon and we will take the cup with us back to Portsmouth.

"To be fair Cardiff played us off the park in the first half back in 1982 and were 2-0 up at half-time. In fact I think a lot of people were taking bets about how many it was going to end up but we rallied at the break and 11 minutes into the second half we got back one back through Anni Iannone.

"I knew at half time that if we got that next goal we would have a chance and it really did set Cardiff back.

"We then got back level with a goal from Trevor Finnigan and from there on in we dominated.

"With ten minutes to go I then started thinking how we would stand a great chance in the replay back at our place but it wasn't needed because Gerry Pearson ended up hitting a winner for us with five minutes to go.

"Cardiff had a young keeper that day called Andy Dibble, who went on to become a Wales international, and it was his bit of inexperience when he rushed a goal kick that led to that goal and when it went in it was just an unbelievable moment.

"The draw for the next round was actually held after the game at 5pm. I wanted West Ham United and others wanted Manchester United or Newcastle United but we actually ended up with a tie at Cambridge United which we lost by the odd goal.

"The run we had in the cup that year was amazing and the win we had at Cardiff just proves how cup shocks can happen and why we cannot afford to be complacent this afternoon."

Morgan has watched Cardiff a couple of times in preparation for the end of season showpiece and he reckons a cracking match is on the cards.

He said: "It is so refreshing to see two different teams in the final and it is what the FA Cup is all about. Cardiff have some experienced players and some young ones who are capturing the attention of several Premiership clubs so it is sure to be a very tough game and we will have to play well to beat them.

"But whatever happens it is going to be a great experience for both clubs and I am particularly delighted for Harry Redknapp because no one deserves such a big day like this more than him.

"I first met Harry 41 years ago when we were at West Ham together as players. He was a couple of years older than me and had just broken into the first team when I joined the youth set up and since then we have remained great friends.

"It was actually Harry who recommended me as a defender to AFC Bournemouth where he then became manager years later and took me on as his assistant.

"He then gave me a scouting role at West Ham when he went there before bringing me in at Portsmouth in a similar capacity.

"It is amazing how Harry and I have gone our separate ways at times but always ended up working together again and for us both now to be going to Wembley just tops it all off."

This week Fratton Park has been a hive of activity but Morgan has enjoyed the hectic nature of the build up. He added: "It has been mayhem. I have never seen so many Press people in all my life and there has been a lot to do but I think everyone has thrived on it.

"Jeff Banks has fitted our suits and the team have been staying in Windsor and training at Bisham Abbey, and everyone just cannot wait to get there now.

"It is also going to be a great occasion for myself and the family. I got the sack at Dorchester Town nine years ago hoping another door would become open to me but I never thought it would be the door to Wembley Stadium for an FA Cup Final which is just what dreams are made of.

"I played hundreds of cup finals in the park when I was growing up in Swansea with my brothers so to be involved now in the real thing as part of the staff at Portsmouth is just something else."