Matchday Memories; On This Day 1969 – Palace Polished Off By Sparkling Sky Blues

On this day (13th December) in 1969 CCFC were unbeaten in their last three league games in their third season in the top flight and had pipped Tottenham Hotspur at Highfield Road the previous Saturday by the odd goal in five.

Neil Martin in the Sky Blue

Today Noel Cantwell took his Sky Blues to south London to meet newly promoted Crystal Palace in a Division One encounter. The South London side had fought out a 2-2 draw at Highfield Road earlier in the season  (13th September) with the Sky Blues having to correct a 2-0 half-time deficit (a brace from Palace’s Gerry Queen) with a penalty brace from CCFC’s No.9 Neil Martin! 

This time, a ruthlessly efficient performance by the Sky Blues against a disappointing Palace side saw the Sky Blues victors by three clear goals at Selhurst Park in front of 16,763 fans. This was their fifth win on the road already!

Brian Joicey in the Sky Blue

Ernie Hunt in the Sky Blue

City, who fielded a weakened side due to injuries, nevertheless went 1-0 up at half time with a 42nd minute goal from Ernie Hunt set up by the Sky Blues’ bargain-buy from the North-East Brian Joicey who played a blinder in this game!

The next two goals came from the man himself as Brian hit a superb volley out of nothing three minutes after the break and then completed his brace on 73 minutes taking on and beating Palace goalie John Jackson in a one to one. The 3-0 victory sent the Sky Blues fans home in fine fettle and the team also went on to win their next two league games  3-1 and 3-0!

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

Cantwell’s CCFC that day lined up:-

Bill Glazier, Mick Coop, Dave Clements, the late Ernie Machin, Roy Barry, Jeff Blockley, the late Ernie Hunt (sub. Chris Cattlin), Willie Carr, Brian Joicey, the late John O’Rourke and the late Maurice Setters.

We are delighted to report that every member of this team later went on to sign for Coventry City Former Players Association!

The Palace XI comprised:-

John Jackson, John Sewell, Phil Hoadley, David Payne, John McCormick, Roger Hynde, Trevor Dawkins, Steve Kember, Per Bartram (sub. Tommy Vansittart), Gerry Queen and Mel Blyth                        Referee:- Ray Tinkler

By the end of the 1969-70 the Sky Blues had their best ever finish of sixth in Division One and qualified for Europe!  Crystal Palace, on the other hand, just about survived above the Division One trap door in twentieth spot a point ahead of relegated Sunderland and bottom club, also therefore taking the drop, Sheffield Wednesday.

Everton finished Champions nine points ahead of runners-up Leeds United.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.