steve isle of man wrote:Aye the great League Cup run of 80/81 where Allison's sheep turned into lions. No Hutch, Gow or Mac to help and thanks to injuries we usually had to put out Garry Buckley (whatever happened to him - the only other memory of him I have is a feature on his home life in the "Nationwide" City book in '78, washing the dishes/ having a toss etc). I remember we played Stoke first round and after scrimping a draw 1-1 (Tony Henry was it?) we got them back to MR and put in a first class first half where I think Bennett 2 and Henry put us 3 up at half time for a 3-0 result. Stunning from where we were in the League (winless and clueless). I remember grainy goal highlights on Granada Reports. I think we went to Luton then and won 2-1 with Henry and Bennett again netting. Then the telly 5-1 with Bennett and Tueart (with his pot on his wrist) bagging 4 and Trevor Christie (ha ha) replying, little knowing he would be a future blue hero! Then it was the big one - home to West Brom. A right tough draw. I think Phil Boyer might have been put out for his debut that night. I think we fell behind but did them 2-1 with Henry and Bennett again scoring. Then the semis. I don't think anyone would have given us much chance against Liverpool then but we matched them at MR. Worst disallowed City goal ever? Then I can still picture that Ray Kennedy goal - someone falling over centre, never a free-kick! - the quick cross to the back post and [Ray Ranson?] asleep as Kennedy ghosted in to slot it. Is that goal on the City Match of the Day tape - or have I retained total recall of it over nearly 30 years? Then the replay where I believe we battered them and Reevsey equalised a Dalglish goal. Top stuff. Broke me heart.
Yes, ridiculous decision.
That goal produced in me one of those rare moments when you become so ecstatic that a weird 'time stopping hysteria' sets in. By the time I'd recovered Liverpool had taken the free kick and were on the attack - about half a dozen City players still celebrating.