CITY 2 DERBY COUNTY 1
League Division 1
27th November 1948
attendance 42,225
scorers
City Black, Clarke
Derby Harrison
Ref C Warburton
City Swift, Williams, Westwood, Walsh, Fagan, Emptage, Oakes, Black Smith, Linacre, Clarke
Derby Townsend, Parr, Howe, Ward, Leuty, Walker, Harrison, Powell, Stamps, Steel, Broome
League leaders Derby were outclassed in every department and the only surprising feature was the scoreline. City’s all round superiority could easily have been rewarded with a much bigger winning margin but for Rams ’keeper Townsend. George Smith, City’s star performer, rapped out an early message when he twice spreadeagled the Rams defence. Smith’s first effort ended with a neat pass to Andy Black. Black forced Leon Leuty into an error with a deft swerve and raced on to fire home a rasping drive to put the Blues ahead in the 14th minute. City increased their lead in the 18th minute when Smith’s next astute pass was taken up by Roy Clarke who shot in off the post with Townsend diving the wrong way.
Two minutes later Derby hit back with a goal from Reg Harrison which gave Frank Swift no chance. But that was their only threatening move throughout the first half. It was expected that Derby’s Scottish international star, Billy Steel, would pose the main danger. But Billy Walsh blotted him out of the game.
Colin Walker, a 19 year old half back, played his only game of the season for Derby and Jack Parr came in for the injured Bert Mozley. But that was no excuse for their defeat. Derby had only one shot of note in the second half when their best player Tim Ward laid on a chance for Jackie Stamps. Swift’s safe hands held firm.
At the other end Townsend was in constant action and fully earned the generous ovation at the end. Two shots from Smith had goal written all over them but the ‘keeper made superb saves.
ARTICLE FROM CITY PROGRAMME 11TH NOVEMBER 1978