,
CITY 1 WATFORD 0
.
League Division 1
.
4th September 1982
.
Attendance 29,617
.
Scorer Tueart(76)
.
Ref D Hutchinson
.
City Corrigan, Ranson, McDonald, Bond, Hareide, Caton, Power, Reeves, Cross, Hartford, Baker – Sub Tueart(3)
.
Watford Sherwood, Rice, Rostron, Blissett, Bolton, Jackett, Callaghan, Armstrong, Jenkins, Lohman, Barnes – sub Taylor(71)
.
A GREAT PHOTO FROM ‘ROY OF THE ROVERS
,
.
…Within three minutes City `keeper Joe Corrigan discovered how powerful Watford were when he collided with Nigel Callaghan and suffered a dislocated shoulder. He clearly could not continue and a replacement was sought. Coach John Sainty suggested Bobby McDonald could take over. McDonald: “We didn’t have anyone named before the game for Joe’s job, and it was a shock to see Joe injured. As soon as I was told to go in goal I accepted it, and it seemed the best decision at the time because Paul Power could take over from me at left-back.” For the remaining 87 minutes McDonald performed superbly, making fine saves from Blissett, Callaghan, Jenkins and Armstrong.
,
.
In fact a Gerry Armstrong shot two minutes from time brought a save any ‘keeper would have been proud to make. He was also a shade fortunate at times with a couple of shots hitting the woodwork. Fourteen minutes from time Dennis Tueart, who had come on as substitute for his first outing since December 1981, headed the only goal of the match. That goal and McDonald’s performance put City at the top of the table after three straight victories.
.
.
Afterwards McDonald gave his view of the match: “My first touch of the ball in the whole match was the goal-kick after Joe had been taken off and it felt very strange at the time. There was a mark in the middle of the six-yard box and I kept myself aware of it to help my positional sense. I don’t know what came over me at one stage when I started to roll the ball out and chase it. I had taken the regulation four steps going after it and I suppose the referee could have blown me up for an offence. But he snapped now kick it’ and that was all the warning I needed. It was a necessity on the day, but I don’t want to go through it again.” During the game supporters chanted `Scotland’s Number One’, while afterwards the press were full of praise. The Daily Mail accurately summed up the player’s performance: “McDonald managed to look terrified, ham-fisted, courageous and totally unbeatable.” ADAPTED FROM AN ARTICLE BY GARY JAMES IN THE CITY PROGRAMME 11TH AUGUST 2001
,
DENNIS TUEART SCORES THE WINNER
A standing ovation echoed round Maine Road a fortnight ago as the Blues clinched their third successive victory, went top of the table with the only 100% record in the First Division, and acknowledged a reluctant hero. The applause and cheers were particularly for Bobby McDonald after his eye-opening performance as an emergency goalkeeper against Watford for 86 minutes of the match. His handling of the situation after joe Corrigan had been taken off with a dislocated shoulder and facial injuries was the outstanding feature of the 1-0 win over the First Division new boys.
,
,
It was a welcome acclaim for the Scot, who has suffered his share of criticism for defensive lapses since he signed from Coventry for £270,000 in October 1980. “‘The fans gave me a fabulous reception at the end. I only wish I could get a response like that from them when I’m playing in my usual position at left back” he said wistfully. Bobby came through the ordeal with flying colours making saves of special distinction from Luther Blissett and Gerry Armstrong, the latter stop being a splendid snatch at a goal-bound 20-yarder just 2 minutes from time. ”It was nerve—wracking” recalled Bobby “and I can assure you that I don”t want to do the job again. The truth is that we didn’t have anyone delegated for Joe’s job and it was a shock to see the big man badly injured in a collison with Nigel Callahan. Our coach, john Sainty, made the decision and it seemed the best one at the time because Paul Power was able to move into my position where he’s played quite often before. ”As soon as he told me to go in goal I accepted it, but I don’t fancy being the guy nominated next time”. So, wearing a jersey of Joe’s (a few sizes too big) and Joe’s gloves (a little too large), Bobby set about making it a memorable day. “‘My first touch of the ball in the whole match was the goal-kick after joe had been taken off and it felt very strange at the time. “There was a mark in the middle of the 6-yard box and I kept myself aware of it to help my positional sense. I don’t know what came over me at one stage when I started to roll the ball out and chase it. I had taken the regulation 4 steps going after it and I suppose the referee could have blown me up for an offence. But he snapped ‘“now kick it’ and that was all the warning I needed.
,
,
I was very conscious of the 4 step rule after that and at times I was only taking one step before booting the ball upfield. Thankfully the ref was lenient on that first occasion. ”I made a couple of important stops. One effort was hit at me in the first half. Then Blissett fired one at an angle and I managed to catch it between my legs. I think the shot I stopped from Armstrong was my best, it was much closer to being a`goal. “I appreciated the reaction from the supporters. The lads all said “well done’ straight after the whistle went. It was a necessity on the day, but I don”t want to go through it again… FROM THE CITY PROGRAMME 18TH SEPTEMBER 1982
,
