Gordon Milne’s Sky Blues were playing a Midland derby at Molineux on this day in 1978 against a Wolverhampton Wanderers team that was fighting for points to avoid dropping into the relegation zone. Even though City was in the top half of the standings, Gordon had made the decision to ask our “keeper,” Les Sealey, to resign since he appeared unconfident. Les Sealey tragically died in 2001 at the age of 43. Jim Blyth, who is currently a member of the CCFPA, took his spot for the first game of the season. In addition, Gordon had made an unsuccessful £450k offer for Kevin Beattie, the defensive midfielder for Suffolk Town.It turned out to be a rather evenly contested match that was won by both teams with two outstanding goals apiece. Tony Daley of the Wolves scored the first goal for the visitors after eleven minutes, and at halftime, the score was still 1-0 in their favor.
Tommy Hutchison, a former player for the Sky Blues and current CCFPA member, had to score an equally spectacular goal on the 65th minute to tie the score at one. Both goal scorers would become teammates at Manchester City a few years later! 21,514 people showed up to watch this competition.
Andy Blair, Jim Holton, Donato Nardiello, Ian Wallace, Gary Thompson (sub. Mick Ferguson), Barry Powell, Jim Blyth, Keith Osgood, Bobby McDonald, Andy Blair, Jim Holton, andHutchison, Tommy
Like Les, “Big Jim” passed away tragically young, before he could become a member of CCFPA.
Paul Bradshaw, Geoffrey Palmer, Derek Parkin, Peter Daniel, John McAlle, George Berry, Kenny Hibbitt, Tony Daley, Norman Bell, Mel Eves, and Willie Carr were the Wolves players selected by John Barnwell.A. Porter is the referee.
That day, the Wolves team included future Sky Blue player Kenny Hibbitt and former Sky Blue favorite Willie Carr, both of whom are now CCFPA members!
Due to an incredible snow storm, both teams were forced to postpone their return match until the last game of the season on May 5 at Highfield Road. Wolves had already secured their Division One safety with a late burst of six wins without a loss. Nevertheless, the Sky Blues easily defeated them thanks to three goals in the first half from Gary Bannister and a brace from Barry Powell, who is currently a member of the CCFPA.
The Sky Blues ultimately placed tenth in 1978–79, while their Midland rivals came in nineteenth.Liverpool emerged victorious, but Queen’s Park Rangers, Birmingham, and Chelsea (who were eleven points from safety) all lost.
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