BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION 0 CITY 1
League Division 1
7th May 1983
Attendance 17,794
Scorer Reeves(74)
Ref C Downey
City Williams, Ranson, McDonald, Reid, Bond, Cato, Tueart, Reeves, Baker, Hartford, Power – Sub May(unused)
Brighton Moseley, Pearce, Gatting, Grealish, Foster, Stevens, Case, Howlett, Robinson. Smith, Smillie
FROM THE PRESS BOX
PETER GARDNER WRITING IN THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS 9TH MAY 1983
Manchester City have painfully dragged one foot out of the grave, now it needs a further performance of commitment and conviction to keep the First Division flag flying at Maine Road.
Part one of the great escape saw the Blues emerge from the Goldstone Ground with three possible life-saving points as a Kevin Reeves goal despatched Brighton to a unique double, Wembley and the drop.
Part two resumes this weekend, with equally desperate Luton returning to Manchester for a death-or-glory battle that amounts to City’s own cup final.
The Hatters are at Old Trafford tonight where a United victory would leave City needing just a draw to avoid relegation.
But even an unlikely Luton victory over the Reds with City requiring a win themselves, should not be beyond the capabilities of a side who played so resolutely against Brighton on Saturday.
… Said manager John Benson: “From 1 to 11 I could fault no one. It was a magnificent team effort throughout.”
Reeves emerged the hero with his 74th minute goal, the most vital he has scored since joining the club as one of three £1M plus imports three years ago.
He was carried shoulder high from the pitch by jubilant City fans who remained to warmly applaud the team coach at the end.
But it was the strength of Tommy Caton at the back that earned the true accolade as he totally tamed the Brighton strike-force with Michael Robinson never getting a look in.
Brighton’s only real goal worthy attempt was a Jimmy Case volley that Alex Williams saved superbly.
City’s own chances were not much higher although they were clearly the more committed side, particularly in the second half of a match that could never be a classic with so much at stake for both sides.
City’s problem now is maintaining consistency from one game to the next. But at least their destiny remains clearly in their own hands once more.
Should City fail at the last hurdle they would deserve everything coming to them. I doubt if they will…