‘Matthews Final’ match ball nets bid of £5,250

The leather ball used in the “Matthews Final” of 1953 between Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers has sold for £5,250 at auction.

The FA Cup showpiece between the sides sealed the reputation of Sir Stanley Matthews as one of the greatest players English football has ever produced. He inspired Blackpool to come from 3–1 down to win 4–3.

Now the ball used in that match, renowned for the way it was controlled by “the wizard”, has been sold.

The 18-panel ball was auctioned at Hansons, in Etwall, near Derby, to a lifelong Blackpool fan who asked not to be named, but said he would be happy to lend it to football museums.