CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell
On this day (13th April) in 1971 the ‘Red Devils’ came to Highfield Road for a Division One game between the Sky Blues and Manchester United knowing that their former defensive hero Noel Cantwell was the Sky Blues manager. United had been managed since the end of the previous December by their legendary ‘gaffer’ Sir Matt Busby who had replaced Wilf McGuinness. Noel’s star studded previous team were eventually sent back to the north west with their tails between their legs. The likes of Alex Stepney, Pat Crerand, ‘Nobby’ Stiles, Bobby Charlton and, of course, George Best could not prevent the Sky Blues ‘besting’ them by the odd goal in three despite George’s consolation goal for the Mancunians.
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United Dennis Law hurdles Bill Glazier with Jeff Blockley in attendance
Ernie Hunt in the Sky Blue
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United’s Georgie Best
It was the Sky Blues own, deeply missed former CCFPA member, ‘cheekie chappie’ ‘Ernie’ (christened Roger) Hunt who did the damage against City’s illustrious opponents. He ended the Sky Blues five game goal drought with a brace. His first (after only five minutes) was a crisp shot after United failed to clear a corner. The Sky Blues went in a goal to the good. Ernie’s second, after 49 minutes, was an exquisite volley from fifteen yards.
The game was not finished, however, as (who else) Georgie Best started to exert some influence. On the hour, George ghosted in to volley home a cross from Pat Crerand.
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Ernie Machin closes in on George Best
The Sky Blues deservedly survived the subsequent pressure from the Red Devils in spite of George dominating second half proceedings! City’s 2-1 win was adequate revenge for losing to United by two clear goals at Old Trafford the previous September. A Highfield Road crowd of 33,849 went home buzzing.
Ernie Machin in the Sky Blue
Cantwell’s CCFC team lined up as follows:-
Bill Glazier, Wilf Smith, Chris Cattlin, Ernie Machin*, Jeff Blockley, Geoff Strong*, Brian Alderson* (sub. Dennis Mortimer), Willie Carr, Billy Rafferty, ‘Ernie’ Hunt* and Dave Clements
Sadly four (*) members of that excellent side have since passed away. All of this team later became CCFPA members except for Geoff and Brian. We were pleased to see Dennis and Jeff at our Legends Day 2026 reunion just a couple of days ago. Chris was here even more recently as our ‘special guest’ v Sheffield Wednesday just a few days ago.
Matt Busby‘s United put out the following side:-
Alex Stepney, Tony Dunne, Francis Burns, Pat Crerand, Paul Edwards, ‘Nobby’ Stiles, George Best, Alan Gowling, Bobby Charlton, Alan Kidd and Willie Morgan Referee:- Ken Walker
CCFC 1970-71 Sky Blues Into Europe
Cantwell’s CCFC had an excellent 1970-71 season, quite apart from savouring the club’s first ever campaign in Europe, finishing in tenth spot only a couple of places and a point below United. Arsenal took the title by a point from Leeds United with both well clear of the chasing pack.
Both Burnley and Blackpool both went south into Division Two.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.
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