Benno & John Sillett with the FA Cup
On this day (27th October) in 1990 the Sky Blues were still under former Sky Blue full back (and CCFPA member) the late John Sillett (Terry Butcher took over as Sky Blue ‘gaffer’ in November). So far under Sills’ leadership this season the Sky Blues had only won two out of nine Division One league fixtures (and lost five). City had lost their last two, by two clear goals at Manchester City and 1-2 at home the previous Saturday to Southampton. Full points was the vital aim today away at Bramall Lane and, by the skin of their teeth, that’s what the Sky Blues achieved as Sheffield United were beaten by the only goal of the game!
Bugsy in the Sky Blue
Cyrille in the Sky Blue
Perhaps the 1-0 win was to be expected as the Blades were firmly bottom and yet to win a game themselves but the Sky Blues somewhat lucky win depended on a late penalty to give Sillett’s Sky Blues their first win of the season on their travels. City could well have given away their own penalty before their winner when (now CCFPA member) Trevor Peake firmly tackled the Blades’ Tony Agana in the box but got away with it!
The Sky Blues won their penalty with only ten minutes of the game left as United’s ‘keeper Simon Tracey fouled the Sky Blues No.9 Cyrille Regis in the box after eighty minutes and City’s ‘Mr Reliable’ full back (like Cyrille later to join CCFPA) Brian ‘Bugsy’ Borrows coolly put the ball away to gain the points (below) and give ‘Snoz’ some temporary relief! The City fans in the 17,978 crowd left Bramall Lane in high spirits.