CITY 0 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2
League Division 1
22nd October 1977
Attendance 42,730
Scorers Richards(12 & 44)
ref T Morris
City Corrigan, Doyle, Donachie, Owen, Watson, Booth, Kidd, Barnes, Channon, Henry, Power – sub Clements(73)
Wolves Bradshaw, Palmer, Parkin, Patching, Brazier, McAlle, Hibbitt, Carr, Richards, Bell, Sunderland – sub Kelly
PETER GARDNER’S ‘VERDICT’ FROM THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS FOOTBALL PINK FINAL 22ND OCTOBER 1977
City were savaged by a more inventive and better balanced Wolves side at Maine Road.
It was a bitterly disappointing performance by the Blues, whose much-praised defence for once let them down, particularly in the first half when John Richards punched great holes with his two goal blast.
On this form City can forget any title ambitions. They had few successes on the day and their ragged, careless touch left manager Tony Book desperately throwing dice in a last gasp gamble that took centre half Dave Watson into a striking role.
But Wanderers, inspired by the inventive Willie Carr, remained firmly in control despite frustrating and desperate attacks by the home side.
Only Peter Barnes played efficiently in the first half, with real conviction, although Paul Power and Gary Owen also worked hard.