Matchday Memories: On This Day 1970 – Cantwell’s CCFC Create Surprise At ‘Spurs

On this day (21st March) in 1970 CCFC’s gaffer Noel Cantwell saw his team come away from White Hart Lane with a 2-1 victory and a ‘double’ over Tottenham Hotspur watched by a crowd of nearly 35k (actually, 34,942)! 

Brian Joicey in the Sky Blue

In early December, in an exciting contest at Highfield Road, the Sky Blues had also prevailed, this time by the odd goal in five. Our Scottish striker Neil Martin had a hand in all three Sky Blues goals scored by Ernie Machin, John O’Rourke and Ian Gibson. Mike England and Alan Gilzean grabbed the ‘Spurs goals.

Ian in 1967

In this day’s game Spurs’ Martin Peters made his debut for the home team following his £200,000 move from West Ham United and promptly scored with a header after thirteen minutes of play. However, the Sky Blues came back with a vengeance with goals from striking pair Neil Martin (on the hour) and then John O’Rourke getting the winner on 81 minutes (laid on by Brian Joicey). The referee was Mr. E.Wallace.

Both teams are depicted in the graphic below (thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson).

We are pleased to say that every member of the Sky Blues team that played that day went on to become members of the Association!

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

Sad to say that (both Sky Blues stars of the time) Ian Gibson and John O’Rourke have since departed for the great Sky Blue playing field in the sky! Dietmar, Chris, Trevor and Dennis were back with us for our Legends Day 2022 reunion!

The Sky Blues got their highest ever finish (sixth) in Division One in 1969-70 (qualifying for Europe) and our London opponents finished eleventh! 

Everton were nine points clear of Leeds United at the top to take the title and both Sunderland and bottom club Sheffield Wednesday went down.