The match programme and the two scorers
After a stirring opening day 4-1 win for Gordon Milne‘s men (with a David Cross hat-trick) at Goodison Park, Everton three days earlier, on this day (19th August) in 1975, 24,209 Sky Blues fans at Highfield Road were hoping for another win against Midland rivals Derby County who were reigning Division One Champions.
New signings goalkeeper Bryan King (now a CCFPA member) and defender Jim Brogan made their home debuts after doing a sterling job against the Toffeemen. Indeed, the Liverpudlians were lucky to get a point in a 1-1 draw after Sky Blues midfielder (the late) John Craven struck their woodwork twice!
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Bryan in his playing days
Mick in the Sky Blue
After a goalless first period the Rams’ centre half Roy McFarland caught Bryan King in two minds from a David Nish corner to give County the lead four minutes into the second half.
However, (CCFPA member) Mick Coop got the equaliser twenty minutes later, scoring at the second attempt, after a deflected shot fron now CCFPA member Tommy Hutchison left Mick in space.
The two teams are depicted in the graphic below. On the City side sadly both Jim and John both passed away (both before being able to join this Association). Apart from Jim all of the Sky Blues team that day (plus ‘gaffer’ Gordon Milne) later went on to join CCFPA! The referee for the score draw was Mr T.Reynolds.
Sky Blue Manager Gordon
The Rams beat the Sky Blues in Derby at the Baseball Ground 2-0 at the end of the following January and it was their Charlie George who did the damage with a brace (a penalty after 62 minutes and a nick-in seven minutes from time). County finished fourth this time whilst the Sky Blues were ten places behind but also ten points clear of relegation trouble.
The Division One title went to Liverpool in 1975-76 with the Reds a point clear of Queens Park Rangers. The relegated trio were neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley and well bottom of the pile Sheffield United.
CCFC 1975-76
Thanks to CCFPA’s ***Mike Young (and Dean Nelson)***for sourcing the graphic and images.
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