The Rebels were reinstated after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player.
And FC made the most of their unexpected opportunity with two Chris Baguley goals - one of them a shot from 40 yards - plus another from Rory Patterson taking them sailing through a semi which was spoiled by a strong wind.
FC's opponents in the final will be neighbours Radcliffe, who they also meet in the Manchester Premier Cup semis.
Struggling Boro again shrugged off their poor league form to book a final ticket with a 1-0 win at Ossett Albion courtesy of Craig Dawson's scrambled 26th minute strike.
Meanwhile, to add to FC's joy, their division one north title hopes were also given a double boost as big rivals Curzon Ashton and Bamber Bridge, both lost.
Second-placed Curzon's 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe came as a bitter blow as they went down to a last-minute goal against 10-men.
Jorg Diaz gave Curzon a 20th minute lead, but Clitheroe hit back to deny them a chance to go top.
Trafford maintained their eight-point lead over second-placed Salford in the Vodkat League with goals by Chris Mackay and Kayden Coppin giving them a 2-0 derby victory over Maine Road.
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Free Red, Manchester (10/03/2008 at 15:16)
Travel: By Car: Leave the M1 at Junction 40. Take the Wakefield road for 200 yards, then turn right at the traffic lights down Queens Drive. At the end turn right onto Station Road, then take the second left down Southdale Road. At the bottom of the hill turn right then left down Dimple Wells.
By Train: The train takes approximately 40 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly to Dewsbury, followed by a 10 minute taxi ride. Buses are available from Dewsbury to Ossett although there is a 10 minute walk either side of the journey. Outbound: 16:27 16:55 17:25 17:55 18:25. Return: 21:51 22:51
Kiwi-blue, Christchurch NZ (11/03/2008 at 09:44)
phil m, cumbria (11/03/2008 at 10:03)
Ridiculous you're posting such inane nonsense on here but if it fills a void in your sad, meaningless life then help yourself. Certainly keeps us all entertained. You must be a massive blue (ahem) if you are in fact in New Zealand.
Prestwich Red, Prestwich (11/03/2008 at 12:16)
Good to see we're getting noticed in that hotbed of Mancunian football.... New Zealand :)
Stad, Manchester (11/03/2008 at 15:57)
How about Crown & Anchor?
Free Red, Manchester (11/03/2008 at 16:25)
Club Information Line: 0870 6260 295. Text Service: If you wish to subscribe please text FCUNITED to 07786 200353. To unsubscribe please text STOP to the same number. Club Website: www.fc-utd.co.uk
Drifter, Mancunia (11/03/2008 at 21:37)
"The league is in consultation with both clubs. The options put to them is to play a one off final at a neutral venue, a one off final at the home ground of one of the finalists, a two legged final. Only if both clubs cannot agree on an option and dates will the league take a considered decision"