FOOTBALLERS are a superstitious bunch and, after Millwall beat Tranmere to book their FA Cup semi-final spot on Tuesday, Sunderland will have the weight of history on their side at Old Trafford next month.

The Lions have never won the FA Cup, but the nearest they came was a semi-final defeat in 1937 - to Sunderland.

The game remains the one and only time the two clubs have met in the competition and, with Sunderland going on to lift the trophy that year, the omens point to a date with destiny at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in May.

There isn't a lot to choose between the two sides this season, with both currently tugging on the coat-tails of the First Division's leading pack.

But, back in 1937, Sunderland went into their semi-final at Huddersfield as firm favourites.

They were eighth in the First Division and expected to crush a Millwall side who had battled into the last four despite their lowly status in the southern section of the Third Division.

Thousands of fans made the relatively short journey from Wearside, swelling a crowd of almost 63,000, but they were quickly shocked as Millwall stole a surprise lead through Dave Mangnall.

"Under the shadow of this setback Sunderland were not convincing," said The Northern Echo's very own 'Wearsider', but they hauled themselves level in the 29th minute.

Raich Carter saw his long-range snapshot saved, but Bob Gurney was on hand to turn the ball in from the acutest of angles.

Both sides wasted chances to take the lead but, shortly after the hour mark, Patrick Gallacher headed home the game's conclusive strike.

"Although the game did not reach a particularly high standard, the crowd was compensated by a succession of thrills in a fast and exhilarating game," said Wearsider. Kick and rush is clearly nothing new.

Sunderland went on to beat Preston North End 3-1 in the final thanks to goals from Gurney, Carter and Eddie Burbanks - Millwall failed to reach the last four again until earlier this week.

But now the two sides will go head to head once more at Old Trafford. The stakes could not be higher, with an FA Cup final place, and the promise of European competition next season, at stake.

Sunderland will count on history repeating itself, while Millwall will be desperate to shake off the shackles of the past.

Either way, more than 20,000 Wearsiders will be hoping to toast "Sunderland's super sportsmen" on the night of April 4.