Matchday Memories: This Day in 1980: Milne’s Men’s 3-0 Victory Tests the Saints’ Patience

This day, February 23, 1980, saw the selection of a team by Sky Blues “gaffer” Gordon Milne, who is currently a member of the CCFPA, to play Southampton in Division One at Highfield Road. Although Lawrie McMenemy’s team had only lost one of their previous twelve games, on the surface, they would be difficult to beat. However, Highfield Road was a notorious place for the south coast team, as they hadn’t managed to lower our colors there since 1949!

After defeating the Saints 3-2 at the Dell earlier in October (thanks to braces from Ian Wallace and a strong performance from Ray Gooding), City was also “on a double,” and they successfully accomplished it on this particular day in front of around 18,000 spectators, winning 3-0!

The young attacking line for City was rather formidable. Particularly, center striker Garry Thompson has a field day, outplaying the Saints’ seasoned central defender Dave Watson and earning a brace (one after 24 and 53 minutes, respectively).

A few minutes after Garry’s opening goal, another teenage striker Tom English gave City a 2-0 lead at the half. The Sky Blues defense, expertly led by Paul Dyson, neutralized the threat posed by former fearsome forwards Mick Channon and Charlie George.

On that particular day, Milne’s men lined up as follows:

Steve Hunt, Garry Thompson, Andy Blair, Jim Blyth, Mick Coop, Bobby McDonald, Ray Gooding, Paul Dyson, Gary Gillespie, Tommy Hutchison, Tommy English, and Paul Dyson.

We are happy to announce that all of the aforementioned team members, along with their “gaffer,” have graduated to join our Association. Andy is also often spotted at the CBS cheering on Mark Robins’ squad during Sky Blues games.

The Saints’ squad was arranged as follows:

Alan Ball, Phil Boyer, Mick Channon, Nick Holmes, Charlie George, Steve Baker, Dave Watson, David Peach, Ivan Golac, Malcolm Waldron, and Peter Wells. Appointee: A. Banks