Saturday 3r
d November 1973, Molineux, Wolverhampton DIVISION ONE SEASON 1973-1974
Wolves 0 CITY 0 (21,499)
The image at the top of the page shows Keith MacRae being challenged by Wolves hitman Derek Dougan during the match.
City line-up: MacRae; Pardoe, Donachie, Doyle, Booth; Oakes, Carrodus, Bell; Summerbee, Lee, Towers. Substitute: Denis Law
DRUDGERY AND STALEMATE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY
A goalless game in the West Midlands kept City mired in mid-table. After the rush of goals against Walsall in the League Cup, it was disappointing that City could not find the net against an average Wolves side, who -although playing at home- seemed to be happy for the point from the start.
This game was somewhat typical of the time, with a general sterility creeping in and a safety first attitude prevailing. Interesting to note in the Daily Express report at the foot of the page that even the fine Everton side, who had been champions as recently as 1970, were also being criticised heavily for repeatedly playing an offside trap in their home game with Tottenham. Football in the early 70s was losing the panache and drive shown by a fine England side at the sun-drenched México World Cup of 1970 and was turning in on itself. With crowds down, the fule crisis and hooliganism, the whole landscape looked bleak.
On this occasion, neither did Tony Book’s fledgling management career seem to have equipped him with the tactical foresight to combat Wolves’ sterile play, as David Miller in the Express notes, “Wolves …. had nine men in their own half when the ball was about to leave MacRae’s hands….”. No building from the back in 1973.
Mike Doyle and Frank Munro chase a loose ball in midfield
HOPE OF PROGRESS
Caretaker manager Book, still standing in for the recuperating Johnny Hart, expressed cautious optimism afterwards, saying, “Francis Lee ended the goal famine with a hat-trick against Walsall and he was again in aggressive mood at Wolverhampton. At Molineux the goals didn’t come, but the breaks should not be far away with Francis maintaining his current form up front….”
Indeed Lee had had the chances to secure City the win, but home ‘keeper Phil Parkes was in top form and denied the City man. The report also notes that Book’s replacement at right back, Glyn Pardoe, had continued his own pleasing form, as had Tommy Booth at centre back.
The match programme highlights Booth in action and also features Rodney Marsh, who did not make the trip south owing to injury. Marsh’s absence meant an extended opportunity for the likes of Frank Carrodus and Tony Towers, who were busy making the most of their first team chances.
Read more here: http://www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/History/Matches/Match.aspx?id=3022
no repartee 