Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City 1989/90

 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 CITY 0

League Division 1

1st January 1990

Attendance 28,756

Scorers Hirst(12), Pearson(78)

Ref K Barratt

City Dibble, Harper, Hinchcliffe, Reid, Hendry, Redmond, White, Allen, Ward, Megson, Lake – Subs Oldfield(59), I Brightwell(87)

Sheffield Wednesday Pressman, Nilsson, King, Palmer, Shirtliff, Pearson, Carr, Sheridan, Hirst, Atkinson, Worthington – Subs Bennett(67)

FROM THE PRESS BOX

DAVID HOPPS WRITING IN THE GUARDIAN 2ND JANUARY 1990
Manchester City experienced their first defeat under Howard Kendall yesterday as they failed to capitalise on a leg injury to Kevin Pressman which left Sheffield Wednesday without a recognised goalkeeper for the last 23 minutes.
Pressman was stretchered off after a challenge from one of City’s substitutes, David Oldfield, which left him with damaged knee ligaments. But Wednesdays bunker mentality ensured his replacement, David Hirst, remained relatively untroubled. Hirst’s chief discomfort arose from goalkeeping gloves borrowed from Pressman, which were several sizes too big.
He saved Redmond’s free kick with his face as he lost his footing, and tipped over Hendry’s 35-yard drive, but, otherwise City never escaped Wednesday’s harrying long enough to fling over crosses which by his own admission, Hirst was dreading. Oldfield was judged Blameless for the collision with Pressmen. As the goalkeeper waited for a through ball to roll gently into the area, it would have Been remiss of Oldfield to ignore the possibilities. Nevertheless, it brought a mood of growing indiscipline, unchecked by a poor referee. “The officials must have had a great time last night, I’d like to go to their party next year,” was the verdict of one man who (in case the FA disrepute squad are out in force) must remain nameless.
Wednesday confirmed their victory 12 minutes from time when Pearson scored after Carr’s shot had been blocked. “Feliz Ano-Nuevo, as my old sparring partner, Howard Kendall, used to say,” concluded Ron Atkinson in Spanish.
City entered 1990 with a remodelled defence designed to cure their defensive frailty. Harper was the sweeper in a back five which also included Lake as an advanced, if at times, reluctant full-back. Wednesday turned that to their advantage in the 12th minute. Atkinson found space between Lake and Hendry and his skimming shot, pushed aside by Dibble, was competently turned in by Hirst. The first goal City have conceded under Kendall.
City enjoyed their best period up to half-time, urged forward by Reid, White hit the side netting from Lake’s cross and Megson had one supporter at least in his appeals when he was tackled from behind by Worthington. “Definite penalty, diabolical decision,” reported Tommy Docherty to his radio audience.