On this day (November 7th) in 1987, the Sky Blues, under John Sillett, were a mid table side in Division One but came a cropper at Oxford United in front of a crowd of 7,856. Thirty five years ago Snoz's men produced their sixth defeat in a row (in league and cup games) in Oxfordshire in front of 7,856 - their worst run since 1973!

Things looked good for the Sky Blues to take away at least a point until nine minutes from time. Big Cyrille Regis thought he had stolen the points for the Sky Blues but referee Keith Hackett denied the advantage.

Kevan in the Sky Blue

Then, our defender (now CCFPA member) Kevan Smith, who had waited over a year to make his Sky Blues debut following his move from Rotherham United, was left distraught after bringing down United's livewire Dean Saunders in the box.

Saunders picked himself up to slot the winner past Oggy to give them the points and send City back to Coventry feeling mugged.

Dean Saunders nets from the penalty

Sillett's Sky Blues were:-

Steve Ogrizovic, Brian Borrows, Greg Downs, Dean Emerson, Brian Kilcline, Kevan Smith, Dave Bennett, David Phillips (sub. Micky Gynn), the late Cyrille Regis, David Speedie and Keith Houchen (sub. Steve Sedgley)

We are pleased that every single member of this team later went on to join this Association.

Oxford United's outfit lined up:-

Barry Hucker, David Bardsley, John Dreyer, Gary Shelton, Neil Slatter (sub. Robbie Mustoe), Tommy Caton, Trevor Hebbard, Billy Whitehurst, Dean Saunders, Les Phillips, and Peter Rhoades-Brown Referee:- Keith Hackett

CCFC 1987-88

This proved to be the home club's last Division One win of the season! City got their revenge in early April beating United 1-0 thanks to an 89th minute Cyrille Regis header.

After this day's game Oxford United continued to self destruct for the rest of the 1982-83 season, eventually finishing bottom of the pile (21st) being relegated with Portsmouth and Watford (and, after the playoffs, Chelsea). The Sky Blues were well clear of trouble with a tenth spot finish.

Liverpool took the Division One title nine points clear of Manchester United.

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