On this day (10th December) in 1979 the Sky Blues' 'deadly duo' (both now CCFPA members) Mick Ferguson (F) and Ian Wallace (W) were once more prospering in their last of four seasons as a successful striking partnership.
Gordon the 'gaffer' in City's infamous brown strip
In 1976-77 their scoring contribution was 24 (F15: W9), in 1977-78 it was 40 (F17: W23), in 1978-79 it was 22 (F7: W15) and by the end of 1979-80 it would be 23 (F10: W13)! In today's game at home to Leeds United the pair (both now CCFPA members) got all the goals for Sky Blues 'gaffer' Gordon Milne and helped to disperse some of the storm clouds gathering over CCFC!
As far as the goals were concerned it was 'all the eights' as United were at sixes and sevens!
Ian & Mick in action
Mick had been recalled to the Sky Blues starting XI an immediately gave the forward line better balance as did the reintroduction of (now CCFPA member) Gary Gillespie to re-balance the defence. Mick's opener came after 38 minutes to give the Sky Blues a 1-0 half time advantage.
'Wally' added the Sky Blues second after 68 minutes with a shot that United's goalkeeper John Lukic should have done better with. Fergie sealed the deal with his second and City's third after 78 minutes and the Sky Blues rode out a comfortable 3-0 win. United 's fans, appalled by their side's collapse, continued with chants to see manager Jimmy Adamson sacked.
Deadly Duo: 'Wally' & 'Fergy'
City's slickers that November day took the field as follows:-
Les Sealey*, Mick Coop, Bobby McDonald, Ray Gooding, Jim Holton*, Gary Gillespie, Tommy Hutchison, Ian Wallace, Mick Ferguson (sub. Steve Whitton), Andy Blair and Steve Hunt.
*sadly both 'Big Jim' and Les were taken from the football world tragically early. We are delighted to say all other members of the team later joined CCFPA.
Jimmy Adamson's United's team lined up as follows:-
John Lukic, Trevor Cherry, Byron Stevenson, Brian Flynn (sub. Wayne Entwistle), Paul Hart, Paul Madeley, Kevin Hird, Brian Greenhoff, Ray Hankin, Alan Curtis and Frankie Gray Referee:- Clive Thomas
In March the two teams fought out a goalless draw in the return at Elland Road.
CCFC 1979-80
Milne's men were happy to finish the season in fifteenth spot in Division One eight points clear of trouble. Leeds United were even better placed in eleventh position. Liverpool pipped Manchester United for the title having a two point advantage by the end of the season.
The three casualties at the other end of Division One were Bristol City (twentieth), Derby County (21st) and Bolton Wanderers, a long way behind at the bottom, being 24th.
Thanks to CCFPA's Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images. Share Post