1948 FA Charity Shield

1948 FA Charity Shield

The match programme cover
Event	FA Charity Shield
Arsenal Manchester United 4 3
Date	6 October 1948[1]
Venue	Highbury, London
Attendance	31,000
Weather	Cold[2]
← 1938 1949 →

The 1948 FA Charity Shield was the 26th Charity Shield, an annual English association football match played between the winners of the previous season's Football League and FA Cup. It was the first edition held since the postponement of football during the Second World War. The match, held at Highbury on 6 October 1948, was contested by Arsenal, champions of the 1947–48 Football League and Manchester United, who beat Blackpool in the final of the 1947–48 FA Cup. This was Arsenal's eighth Charity Shield appearance to Manchester United's third.

Watched by a crowd of over 30,000, Reg Lewis, Bryn Jones, and Ronnie Rooke each scored for the league champions inside the first 15 minutes. Manchester United responded by scoring twice before the half-time break through Jack Rowley and Ronnie Burke. Lionel Smith's own goal in the 53rd minute made the scoreline 4–3, and though United's attack were dominant in the second half, there were no further goals. Arsenal were awarded the Shield by A.V. Alexander, the Minister of Defence. Gate receipts for the match came to a total of £4,300.