Matchday Memories: On This Day 1970 – Cantwell’s CCFC Collect First Ever Anfield Point

On this day (14th November) in 1970 the Sky Blues under Noel Cantwell had already embarked on, and earlier the same month had been knocked out of, their first ever (and so far only) European campaign in the UEFA Cup. In this Division One match on this mid November day they achieved a creditable goal-less draw against the Reds of Liverpool at Anfield watched by a massive crowd of 50,503 fans.

Geoff Strong in the Sky Blue

The Merseysiders had given a debut to future hero John Toshack and the Kop gave the Sky Blues import from the ‘Pool, Geoff Strong a great welcome back with his new team (whom he captained for the day). Toshack, who cost the Merseyside club £100k, was kept largely quiet by the Sky Blues defence.

Sky Blue Brian

City’s Brian Hill (who had played for CCFC in Divisions 4, 3, 2 and 1) led the Sky Blues’ rearguard action in his first appearance of the season.

CCFC’s brilliant goalkeeper Bill Glazier saved late efforts from Liverpool’s Chris Lawler and Alec Lindsay to preserve his clean sheet. City battled well and deserved the 0-0 draw to get their first ever point at Anfield.

Action from the game – The Reds’ Ray Clemence makes a flying save

CCFC’s Manager, Noel Cantwell

Cantwell’s CCFC that day lined up as follows:-

Bill Glazier, Mick Coop, Wilf Smith, Dennis Mortimer, Jeff Blockley, Geoff Strong*, Brian Hill*, Willie Carr, Neil Martin, John O’Rourke* and Dave Clements

Apart from Geoff all the members of this team later went on to join CCFPA. (*) Sadly Geoff, Brian and John have since passed away.

Liverpool‘s XI that day lined up:-

Ray Clemence, Chris Lawlor, Alec Lindsay, Tommy Smith, Larry Lloyd, Emlyn Hughes, Brian Hall, John McLaughlin, Steve Heighway, John Toshack and Phil Thompson    Referee:- P.Walters

(The late) Larry Lloyd, of course, later went on to play for the Sky Blues from 1974-77!

CCFC 1970-71 Sky Blues Into Europe

In mid March, in the return fixture at Highfield Road, the Sky Blues took both points off the Reds thanks to a ninth minute John O’Rourke strike.

Liverpool remained there or thereabouts in the upper reaches of Division One and finished fifth with Arsenal taking the title. The Sky Blues also had a good season for them finishing in tenth spot. Barnsley and Blackpool took the drop in this season.

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the images.