Matchday Memories: On This Day 1996 – See Sky Blues Strike Back To Lead Leeds!

Gary in Sky Blue action

On this day (14th September) in 1996 the Sky Blues, led by Ron Atkinson (now a CCFPA member), were still looking for their first win of the new Premier League season having lost four out of their five games so far and only scored one goal (from captain and future ‘gaffer’ Gary McAllister) against eleven conceded. Last time out they had been walloped by four clear goals at Middlesbrough! They were consequently stuck at the bottom of the table! A crowd of 17,298 turned up at Highfield Road to see if the fortunes of Big Ron and his team would change against Leeds United.

John Salako in Sky Blue action

United had former Sky Blue Mark Hateley in their attack and future Sky Blue Carlton Palmer in their defence. Apart from Macca who had starred with the Yorkshire club the Sky Blues featured a younger Leeds United alumni (and now CCFPA member) Noel Whelan. United also met City with their new boss George Graham in charge (replacing the sacked Howard Wilkinson).

Noel in the Sky Blue

The Sky Blues eventually got their greatly needed win, prevailing by two goals to one, but they had to work hard for it! Things looked ominous when the visitors netted only 51 seconds into the game from Andrew Couzens. It took nearly an hour for the Sky Blues to get back on terms and the goal came after a forceful run through the Leeds defence and an accurate drive on 57 minutes past Nigel Martyn from City’s John Salako (who put in a ‘Man of the Match’ performance).

Wouldn’t you know it but the Sky Blues winner came from ex Leeds man Noel ‘Snowy’ Whelan with a cheeky flick from a Dion Dublin header on five minutes past the hour. All three players are now fellow CCFPA members!

Thanks to our former committee member Dean Nelson you can see see again some goal highlights of the game by clicking on the link or image below.