Matchday Memories: On This Day 1987 – See Sky Blues/ Red Devils Draw (With Wembley 10 Days Away)

Micky in the Sky Blue

On this day (6th May) in 1987 the Sky Blues played their fourth game in seven days as Manchester United turned up at Highfield Road for the penultimate game of the season (Southampton would be coming in the last game on the 9th). The Red Devils’ renaissance under (later Sir) Alex Ferguson was just beginning and they were looking for improvement at City after being drubbed at ‘Spurs a few days earlier. Fergie had taken over the previous November from future Sky Blue ‘gaffer’ Ron Atkinson. Earlier in the season, at the start of November, the Sky Blues had drawn 1-1 at Old Trafford thanks to an equaliser from (now CCFPA member) David Phillips.  A HR crowd of 23,407 watch a leg-weary Sky Blues raise enough steam to put United under pressure, especially in the second half as both teams settled, once more, for a 1-1 draw.

George Curtis- Sky Blue MD

Just as in November it was United who went into half time with the advantage. This time it was their Norman Whiteside who put them ahead after 25 minutes. Nevertheless, the noisy home crowd got their reward ten minutes from the final whistle when (now CCFPA member) Micky Gynn grabbed the late equaliser. Future Sky Blue player-manager (now CCFPA member) Gordon Strachan was in the United side that day.

Only ten days were left before another pair of former Sky Blue players who turned to try his hand at management (George Curtis with his managerial partner John Sillett) would lead  these same team members, with one exception, out onto the Wembley turf for their ultimately successful F.A.Cup Final with Tottenham Hotspur. The unfortunate exception was the injured Brian Borrows (also a CCFPA member).

Thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson you can watch seventeen minutes of match highlights, in a game stuffed full of chances, by clicking on the image below:-

George & John’s team today lined up:-

Steve Ogrizovic, Brian Borrows, Greg Downs, Lloyd McGrath, Brian Kilcline, Trevor Peake, Dave Bennett, David Phillips, the late Cyrille Regis, Michael Gynn and Nick Pickering.

We are very pleased to say all members of this management and team later joined the Association. Sadly, Cyrille, George and John have since passed away.

Sir Alex ‘s Red Devils were represented by the following players on this day:-

Gary Walsh, Billy Garton, Arthur Albiston, Mike Duxbury, Paul McGrath, Kevin Moran, Bryan Robson, Gordon Strachan (sub. Clayton Blackmore), Norman Whiteside, Peter Davenport and Colin Gibson     Referee:- H.King

After another 1-1 home draw with the Saints the Sky Blues, in an excellent season, finished in tenth position in Division One a place and seven points above the Red Devils!

F.A.Cup Winners

Everton romped away with the title nine points clear of Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Leicester City, Manchester City and bottom club Aston Villa lost their grip on the top flight and went down!

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.