Matchday Memories: On This Day 1977 – Milne’s Men Munch On A Toffees’ Away Day Draw

On this day (7th May) in 1977 the Sky Blues, managed since 1973 by (now CCFPA member) Gordon Milne were four matches away from another dramatic end-of-season Division One relegation miracle. Encouraged by two successive home wins at the back end of April (against Derby County and Stoke City) the Sky Blues safety surge had come unstuck last time out at West Ham United where they lost 2-0 three days previously.

Gordon the ‘gaffer’ in City’s infamous brown strip

Today, once more away from Highfield Road, the City faced mid table Everton desperate for points in the relegation battle but, in the end, were pleased to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Tommy Hutch in 1979

The Merseysiders had only lost twice in their last thirteen games since Gordon Lee took over the manager’s chair from Billy Bingham in January and City expected, and got, a tough game with the Toffees having the lion’s share of possession. Things looked ominous when the Sky Blues defence was breached as early as the thirteenth minute by the Toffeemen’s Bruce Rioch.

The home team, roared on by 24,569 in Goodison Park, had many good chances to extend their lead and City had a few to equalise but both defences held firm. It took a last minute Sky Blue goal from Sky Blue icon (and now CCFPA member) Tommy Hutchison to grab a valuable point. The members of the Sky Blue Army travelling home after the game were chastened to learn that the day’s results had seen the first casualty, Tottenham Hotspur confirmed for the drop!

Milne’s men that day turned out as follows (CCFPA members underlined):-

The late Les Sealey, Graham Oakey, Bobby McDonald, Terry Yorath, the late Jim Holton, Mick Coop, John Beck, Ian Wallace, Ray Gooding (sub. Alan Green), Barry Powell and Tommy Hutchison.

Good to see both Ian and Barry back in Cov at the CBS just a few days ago at Legends Day 2024!

Gordon Lee‘s Toffeemen lined up:-

Dai Davies, Terry Darracott, Mike Pejic, Mick Lyons, Ken McNaught, Bruce Rioch, Mick Buckley, Martin Dobson, Jim Pearson, Duncan McKenzie and Andy King.                        Referee:- N.Ashley

CCFC 1976-77

By the end of the season Everton were probably pleased with a ninth place finish but less pleased that local rivals Liverpool took the title a point clear of Manchester City. On a dramatic last day at Highfield Road a match between the Sky Blues and fellow relegation candidates Bristol City kicked of sufficiently late to allow news of the other results to ensure the current 2-2 draw continued to the final whistle. The deliberately non competitive late play inevitably saved both clubs with the Robins on eighteenth and City on nineteenth.

A point behind both teams were the fall guys Sunderland and Stoke City who took the drop a point ahead of the already relegated ‘Spurs!

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