When Cardiff City last won the FA Cup, the competition gained a theme tune and the world a brand new saying.

The hymn Abide With Me was sung at Wembley for the first time in 1927, becoming the soundtrack to every Cup Final since. And the expression “back to square one” became popular after the BBC devised an eight-square grid system to help radio listeners to follow the match between Cardiff and Arsenal (square one was in the left-back area of one of the goals, with square eight in the opposing left-back area).

The legacy of the 2008 Cup Final may be a bizarre gesture known as “The Ayatollah” as 25,000 Cardiff City supporters bash their heads with both hands. The song that accompanies the routine – inspired by the habit of a former manager, Eddie May, of tearing at his hair at stressful moments – is rising up the pop charts.

Victory at Wembley would crown a stunning sporting year for Wales after its rugby team won the Grand Slam. It would also be the icing on the cake for the Welsh capital, which has enjoyed a decade-long resurgence that began in 1997 when the city hosted the European summit.

Whatever the outcome, all but one of the 25,000 Cardiff City fans at Wembley know that this is the match of a lifetime. David Morgan was in the crowd 81 years ago, the last time Cardiff won the Cup. He is hoping that seeing the Bluebirds lift the FA Cup will be a twice-in-a-lifetime experience. In 1927 his father paid only two shillings each for their tickets, 10p in today’s money. Today his seat cost £95, but he says it will be worth it.

Mr Morgan, 97, said: “If tomorrow’s game is anywhere near as dramatic as the one 81 years ago, the crowd are in for a treat. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday, how close it was until we scored 15 minutes before the end. The 15 minutes before the final whistle was the longest quarter of an hour of my life.”

There were queues outside Cardiff’s Ninian Park ground yesterday as supporters emptied the club shop of replica kit and souvenirs. One fan, Stephen Bond, 38, said: “I never dared dream it would happen. The match has bought thousands of lapsed supporters back into the game and caught the imagination of fans across Wales. I was at the semi-final and you heard Cardiff and Bridgend accents, voices from the Valleys, mid-Wales and the Scouse-tinged accents of North Wales. It really has brought everyone together.”

But the enthusiasm does not extend as far as neighbouring Newport or Swansea, Cardiff City’s traditional rivals, and the team’s fate has been the subject of heated debate on internet forums. A Newport supporter, Stu from Caerleon, wrote: “It’s absolutely shocking that people from Newport can support Cardiff City! It actually makes me sick.” Guto ap Siencyn, from Llandeilo, wrote: “If the residents of “Swindon by Sea” are too jealous and bitter to watch the biggest game for a Welsh football club in 81 years they could always spend Saturday afternoon polishing their bling ready for a night out on Wind St with all the other chavs.”

Few will be praying for Cardiff City to win harder than Mike Price, a Carmarthen postman. This year he staked £25 on Wales to win the Grand Slam at 28-1 and Cardiff City to win the Cup Final at 80-1 and stands to win £58,750.

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