Matchday Memories: On This Day 1970 – Sky Blues Win At Darts In Washington (USA) Friendly

Brian Joicey in the Sky Blue

On this day (22nd May) in 1970 The Sky Blues were coming towards the end of their end-of-season tour of the United States of America. Noel Cantwell‘s team had finished in their best ever position, sixth in Division One and the eight match nationwide tour in the U.S.A. was a suitable reward for their achievement.

John O’Rourke in 1971-72

After losing 2-1 to St Louis Stars in the opener in early May they defeated Kansas City Spurs 3-1. Southern outfit Dallas Tornados were vanquished by the same score and Atlanta Chiefs were also beaten 2-1.

Then came a couple of games against the same touring European opposition, Hertha Berlin on 15th and 17th May. City beat them in Chicago 1-0 but then lost to the German team 2-0 two days later in Detroit.

Neil Martin in the Sky Blue

The game referred to taking place on today’s date was a fixture in the nation’s capital, Washington and the Sky Blues saw off the local franchise, the Darts by 4-2 with the goalscorers all CCFPA members.

Washington Darts (a) 4-2 May 1970 (CET 23-05-1970)

City Secretary Eddie Plumley said that they had a great time on tour but Washington was one place that local police advised them not to go out into the city at night!

The late John O’Rourke got the first, lobbing in a twenty yarder from a pass by Neil Martin after seven minutes. Neil then first timed the second after eighteen minutes converting a Dennis Mortimer cross.

After seven minutes of the second half the American team replied thanks to a shot from their Scot Johnny Kerr which was deflected past Bill Glazier by the outstretched leg of Jeff Blockley!

minutes later prolific scorer on the tour Brian Joicey then got the first of a headed brace from a cross by (now CCFPA committee member) Dietmar Bruck.

Brian then outjumped everyone to head his second after 76 minutes to make it 4-1. The last act of the game in the final seconds was a chipped goal from the Darts’ Brazilian winger Geala.

The Sky Blues therefore gained a comfortable victory in front of 5,684 fans in the 55,000 capacity Robert F. Kennedy stadium.

Billy in the Sky Blue 1971-72

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

The team that day was:-

Bill Glazier, Dietmar Bruck, Chris Cattlin, Dennis Mortimer, Jeff Blockley, the late Ernie’ Hunt, Billy Rafferty, Brian Joicey, Neil Martin, the late John O’Rourke and Dave Clements.

All later went on to become Association members. City played one more game on the tour, a 2-1 win over Rochester Lancers.

N.B. Alternative sources say the Darts’ scorers were Leroy Deleon and Jerry Browne and (see cutting below supplied by CCFPA’s Dean Nelson) that it was Billy Rafferty that got the brace!