Matchday memories: On this day 1974 – Larry Lloyd K.O.s Cumbrians for Milne’s men
Source: Ccfpa

Tommy Hutch on the cover

On this day (26th October) in 1974 the Sky Blues, managed by (now CCFPA member) Gordon Milne, were well below half way in Division One and were back at Highfield Road a week after a stirring 4-4 draw at Middlesbrough. Today's opponents were Carlisle United doing not too bad so far in their first top flight season a place below the fourteenth placed Sky Blues. The 16,790 crowd were aware that CCFC were so far seven games unbeaten on the trot and expected a result despite United beating Derby County 3-0 the previous week. Sky Blue fans also welcomed back the visitors' captain ex CCFC defender (and now CCFPA member) Bobby Parker. Also in United's defence was Bedworth lad Ray Train!

Larry Lloyd in the Sky Blue

An admittedly poor game saw the Sky Blues score first but get pegged back before the break only to get a vital second half winner to take the points. Both City's goals came from our towering centre back Larry Lloyd in the fifteenth and 64th minute. He turned the first in from an uncleared corner and netted the second with a header from a cross by (now CCFPA member) Dennis Mortimer. Before Larry's winner, after twenty minutes, Frank Clarke had given the Cumbrians hope with a poached goal when Martin's cross was dropped by City 'keeper (another Association member now) Neil Ramsbottom!

The two teams lined up as follows:-

Sky Blue Manager Gordon

Sky Blues (CCFPA members underlined):-

Neil Ramsbottom, Graham Oakey, Chris Cattlin, Dennis Mortimer, Larry Lloyd, (the late) Peter Hindley, Jimmy Holmes, (the late) John Craven, Colin Stein, David Cross (sub. (the late) Brian Alderson) and Tommy Hutchison

Carlisle United (managed by Alan Ashman)

Bobby Parker in the Sky Blue

Thomas Clarke, Peter Carr, John Gorman, Chris Balderstone, William Green, Bobby Parker, Dennis Martin, Ray Train, Frank Clarke (sub. Hughie McIlmoyle), Bobby Owen and Mike Barry Referee: M.Sinclair

The Sky Blues stayed in the lower half of the division, albeit safe, and finished fourteenth with some illustrious clubs beneath them! Our visitors had a tough Division One baptism though they did achieve a goalless draw in the return at Brunton Park, Carlisle on the 5th April with only a handful of games left to save their bacon! In the event they finished plumb bottom of the league five points shy of safety and four short of the two other relegated teams Luton Town (twentieth) and Chelsea (in 21st).

CCFC 1974-75

The 1974-75 season was a great year for Derby County. The East Midland side took the top level Champions title a couple of points ahead of both chasing clubs Liverpool and Ipswich Town.

Thanks to CCFPA's Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images. Share Post