TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 CITY 2
League Division 1
11th September 1982
Attendance 32,483
Scorers
City Baker(3 & 82)
Tottenham Mabbut(83)
Ref J Bray
City Williams, Ranson, McDonald, Baker, Bond, Caton, Hareide, Reeves, Jones, Hartford, Power – sub Tueart(72)
Tottenham Clemence, Mabbut, Lacy, Price, Brooke, Perryman, Hazard, Archibald, Galvin, Villa, Crooks – sub Roberts(72)
A thoroughly entertaining match at White Hart Lane, was watched by a surprisingly low crowd of less than 33,000, indeed after Spurs had scored six goals in their previous game Tottenham’s manager Keith Burkinshaw exclaimed he was a little disappointed with the turn-out.
High flying City can thank their well organised, pragmatic defence for what was some-what of a snatch and grab affair as they had just three real chances on goal, and converted two of them.
Alex Williams the young keeper born a stone’s throw from Maine Road, and deputising for the injured Joe Corrigan, was the man of the match, with seven great saves from a Spurs attack that never gave up in attacking the resolute Blue’s defence. Burkinshaw commented: “There are some days when the ball just won’t drop at your feet in the box and this was one of them. Still, I’m quite pleased. We had shots at goal, there was good movement, it was exciting.”
City took the lead in just the third minute. former Tottenham player Chris Jones was brought down 25 yards from goal by Gary Mabbutt. Kevin Bond tapped the free kick to Paul Power, whose low shot deflected past the wall and into the path of the on-rushing Graham Baker just eight yards out, he took the ball on into the six yard box to score past Clemence.
Having then survived the Spurs’ onslaught for nearly 80 minutes The Blues extended their lead. It was Graham Baker again, he robbed the ball from a dawdling Graham Roberts 30 yards from goal, As he reached the 18 yard box with Clemence approaching, he produced the most audaciois lob that nestled into the Spurs’ net.
Despite Mabbutt heading in from close range within a minute, it turned out to be just a consolation as City travelled back to Manchester with all the points.