An exhibition of two halves

Allan Clarke holds aloft the FA Cup in 1972

For some people the wall-to-wall coverage of football on TV of the football season just isn't enough.

They turn to the back pages of the news paper first and study the league tables for hours.

Now Leeds City Museum has the perfect answer with an exhibition entitled 'A Game of Two Halves'.

It showcases the world's most famous club cup competition, the FA Cup, as well as the story of Leeds United.

Organised by Leeds City Council, the National Football Museum and Leeds United, the exhibition is in two parts, the first being 'Saved for the Nation' about the FA Cup and the second 'Marching on Together' is all about the history of the Elland Road club.

Part one, focusing on the FA Cup, features a collection of rarely-seen memorabilia charting the players, goals, glory and controversy which make up the rich history of the competition known all over the world.

The centrepiece is sure to be the oldest surviving version of the trophy, which is now on public display for the first time in 95 years.

This version was presented to the winners every year between 1896 and 1910, and was donated to the National Football Museum in 2005 after being bought by Birmingham City chairman, David Gold.

The exhibition also displays memorabilia from some of the great teams that won the cup in that period, such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Spurs, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Everton and Wolves.

Another eye-catcher is sure to be a collection of shirts worn by some of the heroes of the FA Cup in some of its most memorable finals at Wembley. These include Allan Clarke's for Leeds in 1972, Frank MacLintock's for Leicester in 1961 and Jimmy Stewart's for Newcastle United back in 1911.

The second half of 'A Game of Two Halves' is devoted to Leeds United, telling the story of the club through the years featuring some fascinating photography, familiar faces and many unseen items of memorabilia from the club's recent and distant past, the exhibition charts significant dates and events including Leeds' adventures in Europe.

There will also be the chance for fans to create their own dream team, re-live some glorious moments watching the 100 greatest FA Cup goals or show off their own skills by taking on the keepy-uppy challenge.

'A Game of Two Halves' is at Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square until Sunday 10 January 2010. LEEDSCard, Breezecard, Leeds United season-ticket holders and Club Members are entitled to a 20% Discount (not valid in conjunction with a Family Ticket). Check the website for opening times and admission prices.