Chelsea v Manchester City 1977/78

CHELSEA 0 CITY 0

League Division 1

5th May 1978

Attendance 18,782

Ref Tony Glasson

City Corrigan, Clements, Donachie, Booth, Watson, Owen, Kidd, Barnes, Channon, Hartford, Power – sub Palmer(unused)

Chelsea Bonetti, Hay, Harris, Britton, Droy, Wicks, Lewington, Swain, Langley, Wilkins, Walker

FROM THE PRESS BOX

JOHN LLOYD WRITING IN THE DAILY EXPRESS 6TH MAY 1978
There were no goals but no complaints at Stamford Bridge on Sea last night, where Chelsea and Manchester City splashed to a goalless draw.
A crowd of 18,782 turned out despite the non-stop rain to witness this meaningless match.
“It wouldn’t have been played had there been anything at stake” agreed City manager Tony Book and Chelsea boss Ken Shellito.
Book insisted: “It was a good match in those conditions. We had our chances in the first half and we should have had a penalty.”
That claim came in the 13th minute when England winger Peter Barnes seemed to be held.
Mike Channon, City’s £300,000 buy from Southampton, put in a couple of strong runs in the first half hour but faded after that.
Barnes playing his first full match since injuring a knee for England against Brazil at Wembley, was also feeling weary before the end.
Goalkeeper Joe Corrigan was City’s hero and he went away praising the shot from Chelsea striker Tommy Langley thatt alost decided this watery encounter.
Corrigan had to be at his alert best to send Langley’s shot on the turn for a corner.
But even King Corrigan looked beaten a few minutes later when Ray Lewington burst through but left the ball skidding behind him.
Corrigan had an earlier nightmare moment when his centre half, Dave Watson, almost turned the ball into the City net attempting to clear an Ian Britton free kick.
Chelsea are considering a Kerry Packer plan for floodlit cricket at the spacious Stamford Bridge ground. On last night’s evidence, water polo would be more suited.