Matchday Memories: On This Day 1995 – See Sky Blues Score Crucial Sheffield Wed. Success
Dion in the Sky Blue
On this day (15th April) in 1995, with six games to go, the Sky Blues were one of many Premier League clubs nervously looking over their shoulders in the fight to avoid relegation. Both men now fellow CCFPA members – Ron Atkinson (with Gordon Strachan as his No.2) were now in charge at Highfield Road, Phil Neal having left in February.
The bottom of the table was getting crowded and squeezed together with both opponents today among eleven clubs separated by only seven points!
Sky Blues Peter in the 1990s
Today’s 2-0 win the Sky Blues got over Sheffield Wednesday in front of 15,753 at the home of the Sky Blues was seen as vital at the time.
It was also necessary revenge after the Owls had massacred us at Hillsborough in the last game of 1994 by the tune of 5-1 (after Peter Ndlovu had quickly equalised the Owls’ first goal)!
Elvis comes away with the ball
The entry of WGS into the side for his debut added stability to the Sky Blues’ endeavours but he eventually tired and needed to be replaced by (now fellow CCFPA member) Marcus Hall.
The home team were given the boost of an early lead as (now CCFPA member) Dion Dublin powered in a header after only three minutes. However the Sky Blues had to cling onto the lead like grim death and the Owls had two goals disallowed for offside! City only relaxed slightly when, two minutes from the final whistle, that man again, Peter Ndlovu produced a great run and finish to clinch it.
Thanks to former CCFPA committee member Dean Nelson you can watch the goal highlights by clicking on the image below:-
Big Ron
Big Ron’s boys lined up as follows (CCFPA members underlined):-
Steve Ogrizovic, Ally Pickering, David Burrows, Kevin Richardson, Brian Borrows, Steven Pressley, Gordon Strachan (sub. Marcus Hall -89), Paul Cook, Dion Dublin, Roy Wegerle (sub. John Williams -84) and Peter Ndlovu
Peter Atherton in the Sky Blue
Both Gordon and Steven later became CCFC ‘gaffers’ in their own right and ‘Nuddy’ became the Association’s 300th member a few years back. Good to see Oggy, Marcus, John and the Owls Peter Atherton at our recent FP reunion at the CBS Arena Legends Day 2025!
Trevor Francis‘ Owls team that day comprised:-
Chris Woods, Peter Atherton, Ian Nolan, Dan Petrescu (sub. Chris Waddle -46), Andy Pearce, Des Walker, John Sheridan, Graham Hyde, David Hirst, Guy Whittingham and Klas Ingresson (sub. Chris Bart-Williams -69) Referee:- G.Willard
The Owls had two defenders with Sky Blue connections (both now CCFPA members) in their side that day, Peter Atherton (1991-94) and Andy Pearce (1990-93). Kevin Pressman who came to the Sky Blues briefly as goalkeeping cover in 2005 (without appearing) was on the Owls books that season too.
CCFC 1994-95 (early)
The Sky Blues only won one and lost three of their last five games this season but ended up safe enough in sixteenth position five points clear of the drop. The Wednesday finished three positions and a point better off. Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Leicester City and bottom club Ipswich Town were all relegated.
Blackburn Rovers took the title by just a point from Lancashire rivals Manchester United.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.
