Liverpool and Leicester City had spent an entire FA Cup semi-final unable to find a goal. When they met again at Villa Park on 3 April 1974, another goalless first half prolonged the uncertainty. Then Brian Hall scored almost immediately after the interval, and the tie changed character.
Hall's effort took a deflection off Keith Weller to give Liverpool the lead. Within two minutes, however, Len Glover had equalised, finishing a Leicester move involving Frank Worthington and Steve Earle. Liverpool had finally broken through, only to find themselves level again before the second half had properly settled.
The first meeting at Old Trafford four days earlier had tested their patience. Leicester's defence, with Graham Cross prominent, had repeatedly resisted Liverpool's attacks. Even a late effort against the post had failed to settle it. The replay now demanded another response from Bill Shankly's side.
Kevin Keegan supplied it after the hour. John Toshack helped create the chance, and Keegan's volley beat Peter Shilton to restore Liverpool's advantage. This time there would be no immediate Leicester reply.
Liverpool still had to see out a substantial part of the game. As Leicester searched for another equaliser, Cross moved forward from defence, leaving space behind. With two minutes remaining, Toshack scored Liverpool's third, with Peter Cormack credited with the assist.
The Welsh striker had scored the only goal of the quarter-final at Bristol City. At Villa Park, his contribution included both helping Keegan put Liverpool back in front and adding the goal which settled the contest.
For the crowd of 55,619, a tie which had been so resistant to goals had produced four in one half. Liverpool were through to face Newcastle United at Wembley.
Shankly's side had needed a replay against Doncaster Rovers, another against Carlisle United and now a third against Leicester. Their route to the final had not been straightforward, but its last obstacle had been cleared decisively.