Swindon Town were heading for a second successive relegation in Division One but their fans were given hope of silverware when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2–1 in the semi-final first leg. However, their dreams were ended in the second leg when they lost 3–1 and the Greater Manchester side reached a domestic cup final for the first time in 37 years. Four time winners Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace, another relegation threatened side, in the other semi-final.