It was a fitting way to commemorate the centenary of one of Bristol City's greatest ever achievements.

Dressed in replica shirts of those worn 100 years ago, teams made up of City and Manchester United fans strode out on to the pitch to mark the anniversary of the 1909 FA Cup final.

In front of a crowd which included relatives of Bristol City's 1909 manager Harry Thickitt and defender Archie Annan, the sides replayed the final at Crystal Palace – the venue of the original match watched by 71,000 spectators.

But it was a case of history repeating itself for City, as the 2009 team lost by a single goal – just as their heroes had exactly 100 years ago yesterday.

Staging a rematch of the final had been a labour of love for Bristol City Supporters' Trust member Mark Tovey, who spent six months organising it with the help of the United supporters' trust.

He said that despite the 2-1 loss, the match was a great tribute to the 1909 team.

Lifelong City fan Mr Tovey, 41, from Downend, said: "We wanted to make the club proud because 1909 was part of the most magical era in the club's history.

"We had to commemorate these players because it's our heritage. It was also a nod to the FA Cup, which is the best open club competition in the world.

Although the match was played with a modern ball and under 2009 rules, the kits were authentic – including heavy long-sleeve shirts and knee-length shorts.

City goalie Pudsey Bevan even donned a flat cap for the match, which was watched by 60 people at the National Sports Centre stadium, which now stands on the site of the stadium where FA Cup finals were played from 1895 to 1914.

The team, dressed in blue, as they did in 1909, were led out by nine-year-old Sam Hewitt, who was wearing his great- grandfather Archie Annan's 1909 City shirt.

City took the lead through Mark Cooke before United grew stronger and went in front.

It meant the City fans had failed to avenge the 1-0 defeat of 100 years ago, in the club's only FA Cup final appearance, but the result took second place to the sense of occasion.

City player manager Phil Middleton, 41, enjoyed a can of cider and sang Wurzels songs with his team-mates after picking up a runners' up certificate.

He said: "It was a marvellous way to honour what was a great City side."

Graham Darby, 75, from Fishponds, is Mr Thickett's grandson-in-law and he travelled to the match with other relatives of the former City manager.

He said: "Harry was a great leader of men and proved that with the results he achieved. The family are enormously proud he was commemorated by this team in this way."