CITY 2 BRISTOL CITY 0
League Division 1
24th September 1977
Attendance 41,897
Scorers Barnes(24), Owen(75)
Ref R Perkin
City Corrigan, Clements, Doyle, Owen, Watson, Booth, Barnes, Channon, Kidd, Hartford, Power – sub Royle(unused)
Bristol City Shaw, Sweeney, Gillies, Gow, Collier, Hunter, Tainton, Ritchie, Mabbutt, Cormack, Whitehead – sub Mann(73)
FROM THE PRESS BOX
LOW GEAR ENOUGH
PAUL FITZPATRICK WRITING IN THE GUARDIAN 26TH SEPTEMBER 1977
Manchester City, although outwardly unconcerned, can scarcely view with optimism this week’s visit to Poland for the second leg of their UEFA Cup match with Widzew Lodz. They could have been traveling luxury class with a lead of two goals to their credit. Instead, they will travel second. At least they got their preparations right. Saturday afforded them a last, untaxing opportunity to put their house in shape and at the end of the day not too many pieces were out of place.
For a start, City emerged without any additional injury worries and Tony Book, their manager, was relieved about that. He must also have been grateful that his team depart for Poland still leading the First Division, the best league in the world as we are constantly reminding ourselves. That should be of psychological help to a side which wantonly tossed away a lead of two goals to the Poles: Book must have been heartened too that his side extended so little energy in overcoming a methodical, organised, likeable, but worryingly lightweight Bristol City.
… It was fitting that Barnes and Owen should score the goals. Owen’s performance alone would have made the afternoon a success while Barnes, although kept on restricted rations, is steadily proving that he and his skills can survive in the First Division.
