LIVERPOOL 1 CITY 0
League Division 1
19th May 1981
Attendance 24,462
Scorer Ray Kennedy(145)
ref Mike Peck
City Williams, Ranson, McDonald, Reid, Power, Booth, Tueart, Bennett, MacKenzie, Gow, – sub Buckley(unused)
Liverpool Clemence, Neal, Alan Kennedy, Thompson, Ray Kennedy, Hansen, Gayle, Case, Johnson, McDermott, Souness – sub Whelan
Ray Kennedy’s goal was enough to give Liverpool the points against Manchester City and confirm fifth place in the first division.
…As expected, Bob Paisley didn’t risk Kenny Dalglish or Sammy Lee. Instead, he opted for Howard Gayle and Jimmy Case. Both played as if they had a point to prove, particularly Gayle whose pace caused the visitors plenty of problems. The duo’s efforts nearly led to the opener when Gayle headed Case’s corner on to the post after 11 minutes.
Five minutes later, Liverpool did go ahead. Kennedy, having earlier been denied by 19-year-old Alex Williams, made no mistake after Phil Neal’s quick free-kick allowed Graeme Souness to cut the ball back.
The other Kennedy, returning from injury, nearly joined his namesake on the scoresheet after the break. Alan somehow evaded five City defenders through a combination of blocks and turns only to put his final shot wide. The amazing run had the crowd on its feet.
FROM AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE LIVERPOOL PROGRAMME 21ST NOVEMBER 2009