Matchday Memories: On This Day 1994 – Sky Blues Score Splendid Success At ‘Spurs
On this New Year’s Day (1st January) in 1994 the Sky Blues’ fortunes were being guided by their second manager of the season as they began the second half of the season. Local boy Bobby Gould, also a former Sky Blue No.9 (and now CCFPA member) had dramatically resigned on 23rd October 1993 after a 5-1 drubbing at Queen’s Park Rangers.
Former Liverpool star Phil Neal took over in the hot seat and the Sky Blues had still been struggling, especially away where they had only scored their first win of their travels last time out on Boxing Day with a 2-1 win at Wimbledon. City were looking for an awayday win double today as they travelled to White Hart Lane to take on ‘Spurs who were in a similar mid-table position to the Sky Blues.
Wegerle hits the winner
Chris Marsdan
Encouragingly the Sky Blues produced another 2-1 win in London within a week and it was well deserved! The Sky Blues had begun to play a more entertaining style of football with both Roy Wegerle and loanee signing Chris Marsden influential in City’s midfield. ‘Spurs had former Sky Blue 1987 F.A.Cup winner (and CCFPA member) Steve Sedgley in their line up.
Phil in the Sky Blue red!
The home team’s defensive limitations were shown up as early as the 25th minute when the Sky Blues defender Phil Babb was able to net with a firm header from a cross.
Roy in the Sky Blue
Even though Spurs’ Darren Caskey fashioned an equaliser two minutes before the half-time break the Sky Blues were able to find a second half winner to disappoint all but the Sky Blue fans in the 26,015 White Hart Lane crowd. It was Chris, who was running the show for City, who combined effectiveley with our Zimbabwean forward Peter Ndlovu to set up Roy for the decisive strike from inside the box thirteen minutes from time. Game, set and match to the Sky Blues!
A short video of the goals can be found by clicking on the link here or the image below.
Phil Neal, CCFC’s gaffer
Phil Neal‘s men that first January day comprised (CCFPA members underlined):-
Steve Ogrizovic, Brian Borrows, Steve Morgan, Julian Darby, Phil Babb, Peter Atherton, Sean Flynn, Chris Marsden, John Williams (sub. Mick Quinn -72), Roy Wegerle and Peter Ndlovu.
Steve Sedgley
Ossie Ardiles‘ Tottenham side lined up as follows:-
CCFC 1993-94
The Sky Blues had a fairly comfortable time of it in the 1993-94 Premiership campaign finishing firmly mid-table in 11th spot. The ‘Spurs were two places beneath them in 13th. The Champions Manchester United were eight points clear of the runners up Blackburn Rovers. Down and out from the Premier League this season were 20th place Sheffield United, 21st Oldham Athletic and (bottom) Swindon Town.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young & Dean Nelson for sourcing the photos
