Matchday Memories: On This Day 1988 – Owls Overcome By The Four Sky Blue Davids

Matchday Memories: On This Day 1988 – Owls Overcome By The Four Sky Blue Davids

In the season following CCFC’s famous F.A.Cup final victory much of that side still survived but, on this day (13th February) in 1988, Sky Blues ‘gaffer’ (and former player) John Sillett, was dealing with squad injuries prior to the Division One home game with Sheffield Wednesday.

A crowd of 14,407 had come up at Highfield Road to observe the action.

CCFPA member Lloyd McGrath shattered his leg during CCFC’s recent Simod Cup encounter against Ipswich Town, worsening the club’s injury jinx. City had lost three of their last four games, including a 0-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on the anniversary of the Munich Air catastrophe.

The City team’s 3-0 victory over the Owls was unexpected, despite the fact that it was the same scoreline as in August at Hillsborough.

David Speedie and Steve Sedgley scored in the first half, and Graham Rodger added the final goal eight minutes later. The absence of Cyrille Regis, who passed away over eight years ago, did not seem to have a significant impact.

Benno in 1986

Both Dave Bennett (currently a member of the CCFPA committee) and winger David Smith (who was making his full debut) delivered outstanding performances in the attacking line.

Smithy dominated England international Mel Sterland on the left side of midfield with his speed and cunning.

David Phillips, the Sky Blues’ man-of-the-match, scored the first goal on 34 minutes and assisted Benno’s scores on 55 and 60 minutes.

Mr. Speedie, the fourth Sky Blue David, also performed well during the game. A 14,407-strong audience at Highfield Road went home happy as the higher-ranked Yorkshire club was sent home pointless.

Sky Blue Speedie

Sillett’s Sky Blues that day were as follows:

Steven Ogrizovic, Brian Borrows, Greg Downs, Steve Sedgley, Brian Kilcline, Trevor Peake, Dave Bennett, David Phillips, Micky Gynn (sub. Keith Houchen), David Speedie, and David Smith.

We are glad to inform that every single member of the Sky Blues team, including its manager, later joined this Association.

The Owls came out on the following side:

Martin Hodge, Mel Sterland, Nigel Worthington, Greg Fee, Larry May, Mark Proctor, Brian Marwood, Gary Megson, Lee Chapman, Colin West, and Gary OwenReferee: Roger Milford.

In 1987-88, the Sky Blues finished tenth in Division One, followed by the Owls in eleventh place with the same 53 points.Portsmouth, Watford, Oxford United, and Chelsea (after playoffs) were all relegated from Division One in 1987-88.

Liverpool won Division One, nine points ahead of second-place Manchester United.

 

 

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