Matchday Memories: On This Day 1988 – See Both Speedie & Slaven Score Trebles But ‘Boro Beat Sky Blues!

John Sillett CCFC gaffer

On this day (1st October) in 1988 former Sky Blue full-back turned ‘gaffer’ (the late) John Sillett and his Sky Blues were involved in a seven goal thriller at Highfield Road against Middlesbrough (but sadly lost). This was their fifth game of the Division One season. After a 1-0 home defeat in their opener against Everton came three victories on the trot. First there was an encouraging 2-1 win at Hillsborough over Sheffield Wednesday followed by the 3-0 Highfield Road pasting of Charlton Athletic. Last time out Wimbledon had been tamed at their place by the only goal of the game from Garry Bannister. Expectations going into today’s game were therefore high.

However, today the 11,859 fans in Highfield Rd saw City score first yet go 4-1 down. A player from each side got a hat-trick and the Sky Blues nearly pulled the game out of the fire but the Sky Blues had to settle for a defeat by the odd goal in seven! Additionally, the Sky Blues hat trick, combative inside forward David Speedie contributed an immaculate treble of headers (seven; sixty and 73 minutes) each made by the skill and crossing accuracy of (now fellow CCFPA member) David Smith. 

David Smith in Sky Blue action

Sky Blue Speedie

In truth, the attractive Boro side built by manager Bruce Rioch, often played the Sky Blues off the park but to be fair the two Davids led a Sky Blue fight back that almost succeeded. Bernie Slaven took the honours for City’s opponents also confidently netting a 28 minute powerful first half treble (eight; 24 and 36 minutes) aided and abetted by Stuart Ripley. Then, what proved to be their winner, came from Marke Burke (56 minutes). What a way for ‘Boro to get their first away win of the season! The Sky Blue fans who made up most of the 14,521 crowd left at the end exhilarated but obviously disappointed by the outcome for Sillett’s men.