Matchday Memories: On This Day 1971 – Cantwell’s City See Off Season With Magpies Win!

Bill Glazier, Mick Coop, Dave Clements, Ernie Machin & Roy Barry seem to be on good terms with the ref. Mr M.Sinclair!

On this day (May 1st) in 1971 CCFC gaffer Noel Cantwell‘s Sky Blues finished their season with a 2-0 home win over Newcastle United. There were 20,781 football fans at Highfield Road to see the Sky Blues set a new record for the least goals conceded in a season (total 39; only a dozen in 21 Division One home games). The two goals scored today also helped us avoid an unwanted club record i.e. lowest goals for in a season! We ended up with 24 scored at Highfield Road and only thirteen away!

Sky Blues captain Jeff Blockley leads them out

Stalwart central defender Roy Barry (now an Association member) returned to the side for the first time after breaking his leg the previous season.

Our goals came each side of half-time from (both later CCFPA members) ‘Ernie’ Hunt (36 mins.) and Jeff Blockley (66 mins) and cemented a good win to end the season beating a side that finished twelfth, two places and a point below us. The referee was Mr. M.Sinclair.

We had managed a goalless draw at United’s St James’ Park the previous September so the win was welcome. Ernie’s goal was made by CCFPA member Chris Cattlin whilst an unmarked Jeff  headed his goal from CCFPA member Dave Clement‘s corner.

Coventry City’s innovative matchday programme (above right) was also named no.1 in the country that season!