Matchday Memories: On This Day 1970 – Martin Makes Sky Blues’ Point v. Man.Utd.

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

In only the Sky Blues third season in the top flight, almost all under the managerial guidance of Noel Cantwell, on this day (30th March) in 1970 they managed to earn a 1-1 draw (their first ever top flight there) at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. The Red Devils had beaten us 2-1 at Highfield Road in November earlier this season. Later a CCFPA member before his death, ‘Cheeky Chappie’ Ernie Hunt scored the Sky Blues’ goal on that occasion.

Neil Martin in the Sky Blue

Today, City’s tall Scottish centre forward Neil Martin, playing effectively in a midfield role, scored the City’s goal ten minutes before the final whistle with a well placed shot. This strike cancelled out a very early effort, after only three minutes, from the Red Devils’ Brian Kidd (a chance made by, who else, George Best).

In truth, the Sky Blues could have won this game as John O’Rourke had a ‘goal’ disallowed and both Brian Joicey and Mick Coop missed good chances. Jeff Blockley played a blinder in the heart of City’s defence today and helped to keep United’s much vaunted forward line muted.

Jeff Blockley blocks Bobby Charlton

Thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson almost all the details can be found in the graphic below (though CCFPA’s Chairman and official club historian Jim Brown records the Old Trafford crowd considerably higher at 41,335).

We are pleased to observe that all twelve Sky Blues players that featured in this game later became Association members, though sadly ‘Gibbo’ and John have since passed away. Trevor is the younger brother of CCFPA member Bobby (a Sky Blue No.9 who went on to also manage the club) and uncle of CCFPA member (and former Sky Blue ‘keeper) Jonathan Gould. Dietmar is a longstanding and valued member of the Association’s committee. The referee for this game was Mr. D.Smith.

In a poor season for the Red Devils they could only finish in tenth spot four places below the Sky Blues who were well pleased with their best ever top level finish. Sixth spot also earned them their first ever place in Europe which they took up in the UEFA Cup in 1970-71. This season, Everton took the title well clear of runners up Leeds United.

Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday fell through the trap-door into Division Two!

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images