Djurgardens v Manchester City friendly 1978/79

 

City Corrigan, Clements, Donachie, Power, Futcher, Watson, Owen, Channon, Bell, Kidd, Hartford – sub Henry(45), Coughlin(45), Palmer(8)

FROM THE PRESS BOX

PETER GARDNER WRITING IN THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS 2ND AUGUST 1978
Manchester City took a first faltering step towards the new season as they survived a searching test of temperament and stamina here last night.
In the opening match of a demanding build-up the Blues held on for a 1-1 draw against First Division side Djurgarden in a stern clash.
While City’s overall performance was perhaps a disappointment against part-time opponents, it left manager Tony Book and chief coach Bill Taylor satisfied.
It was clearly evident that this was the initial fixture of the six planned for the pre-season campaign that continues with a game in Norway tomorrow night.
Djurgarden, on the other hand are already half way through their large programme, and the difference in fitness told.
The Swedes, quicker on the ball, gave City some frightening moments, particularly in the early stages when they caught the Blues cold. But for some poor finishing by the home side, they could have been trailing by an embarrasing margin at the break.
The work-out proved a highly valuable excercise for City who were without key England winger Peter Bares who dropped out after aggravating a knee injury in the morning training session.
The Swedes, obviously lifting their game and competing fiercely for every ball gave the City defence a thorough test with the new Dave Watson, Paul Futcher central defence partnership often at full stretch.
The pair are still building the foundations of their combination although Watson was, at times, outstanding in containing the rugged home strikers who were no slouches at throwing around their considerable weight.
Futcher’s class was always evident, although it must be said he needs time to adjust after playing most of his football at Second Division level.
All credit must go to City for showing considerable restraint in refusing to retaliate in the face of some intimidating tactics. Kenny Clements was booked two minutes from the end, but it was an offence that was nothing more serious than a too-high tackle.
Behind the back four, in which Willie Donachie worked hard, Joe Corrigan once more revealed England class with some fine saves that kept out the eager Swedes for the first hour.
Paul Power faded after a first half in which he was City’s most assertive player but his performance was beyond serious criticism for he had spent most of the morning in bed recovering from a stomach bug.
Not a lot went right for strikers Brian Kidd and Mike Channon although it was by no means for lack of effort. But they did combine with a slick and polished move, started by Clements, which brought the equaliser.
Channon broke clear and as he cut to the right, unselfishly pulled the ball back for Kidd to squeeze between the two defenders and score.