TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 CITY 1
League Division 1
1st September 1979
attendance 30,901
Scorers
City MacKenzie(70)
Spurs Hoddle(14), Jones(68)
Ref A Robinson
City Corrigan, Ranson, Stepanovic, Booth, Caton, Power, MacKenzie, Silkman, Robinson, Viljoen, Channon – sub Henry(69)
Spurs Daines, Hughton, McAllister, Yorath, Miller, Perryman, Pratt, Ardilles, Jones, Hoddle, Lee – sub Falco(14)
ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE CITY PROGRAMME 6TH DECEMBER 1980
It was Tottenham’s first win over the Blues for nine seasons and they did it despite losing their midfield ace Ardiles with a twisted ankle in the 13th minute. No sooner had the Argentinian left the field, Hoddle scored (14th min.) while Jones (68th min.) got the next and City’s only reply came from Mackenzie (70th min.) netting his first goal in League soccer.
A pass from accomplished full back Hughton found Pratt in space on the left and his cross was headed on by Jones. At that point Hoddle moved more sharply than the Blues defence and stabbed the ball home. There was also a question mark against defensive reactions when substitute Falco spurted away from a throw-in, measured a cross to Jones who stuck it past Joe Corrigan. This time the Blues responded instantly when Ray Ranson’s free kick was turned across goal by Tommy Booth and neatly headed home by Mackenzie.
Tottenham had additional problems with injured McAllister hobbling as emergency striker soon after the loss of Ardiles, but the threat up front always came from the menacing Jones.
City never showed signs of putting away some good chances. Daines confidently handled efforts from Barry Silkman, who also fluffed one, and Mike Channon. And Channon, having his final match for the Blues had an attempt kicked off the line by Hughton.
Dragoslav Stepanovic edged the honours as City’s best performer, but the need for more effectiveness in midfield was apparent long before Tony Henry replaced Colin Viljoen. And the attack was not distinguished, either.
“After such a big shake-up things won’t click straight away. But although it appears I am leaving, I am sure this City team will blend together” claimed Mike Channon later.