Matchday Memories: On This Day 1979 – Bristolians Barely Beaten By Milne’s Men

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

On this day (14th April) in 1979 the Sky Blues, managed by now CCFPA member Gordon Milne, with five matches left, had climbed into the top ten of the top division and were looking to make further progress against visitors Bristol City.

They had additional motivation as they were seeking to avenge a 5-0 Boxing Day battering at Ashton Gate from the side managed by Alan Dicks assistant to former Sky Blue manager Jimmy Hill (both later CCFPA members). The Bristolians had also previously won four on the trot! However, in the bright Highfield Road sunshine, in front of 17,681 fans, the Sky Blues roared into a three goal lead before half-time but by full-time were clinging on to a victory by the odd goal in five.

Barry in Sky Blue action

Tommy Hutchinson in the Sky Blue

Things began as brightly as the sunshine for the Sky Blues as Barry Powell converted a fifth minute penalty after the Bristol side’s Terry Cooper fouled (current CCFC club host) ‘Harry’ Roberts in the box.

Only two minutes later Tommy Hutchison doubled the home team’s advantage and then Steve Hunt made it three six minutes before the break with an overhead kick!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The terms of trade of the match changed after the Sky Blues inspirational captain Terry Yorath limped off to be replaced by Irishman Jim Hagan (both now Association members). The Bristol City fight back truly began with a quarter of an hour to go when Kevin Mabbutt (the brother of Tottenham’s Gary) got one back and then four minutes from time Gerry Gow made it two for the away side.

Steve in the Sky Blue brown!

A cliff hanging finish saw the Sky Blues defence hold out for the win and all the points!

Milne’s Men that day took the field as follows (CCFPA members underlined):-

The late Les Sealey, Brian Roberts, Bobby McDonald, Terry Yorath (sub. Jim Hagan), the late Jim Holton, Mick Coop, Donato Nardiello, Andy Blair, Steve Hunt, Barry Powell and Tommy Hutchison

Bristol City’s side lined up with the following players:-

John Shaw, Gerry Sweeney, Terry Cooper, Gerry Gow, David Rodgers (sub. Clive Whitehead), Norman Hunter, Jimmy Mann, Tom Ritchie, Joe Royle, Kevin Mabbutt and Geert Meijer      Referee:- Keith Hackett

By the end of that Division One season Gordon had kept the Sky Blues just into the top ten with the Robins finishing (in a real achievement) in 13th, four points shy of CCFC.

CCFC 1978-79

Liverpool took the title eight points clear of runners up Nottingham Forest. The relegated trio were Q.P.R., Birmingham City and (bottom) Chelsea!

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young & Dean Nelson for sourcing the photos

 

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