2013
Pablo Zabaleta’s solitary goal late on helped City battle through the almost customary tough assignment at Stoke in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
It may not have the been the proverbial ‘cold night Tuesday night in the Potteries’ that is said to be the true test of a team’s mettle, but the Blues still had to battle hard against Tony Pulis’ resilient outfit.
The Blues had come closest to scoring when David Silva rattled the woodwork in the first half, but Pablo Zabaleta proved to be the man of the moment when he stole into the penalty area and drilled a low shot into the net in front of the ecstatic City travelling contingent.
1993
It’s easy to forget now, but Oldham Athletic spent several seasons in the top flight of English football, and City had to battle hard to come away from Boundary Park with a 1-0 win in the first season of Premier League.
Five City players received yellow cards in a feisty affair, including goalscorer Niall Quinn.
The Irishman struck 13 minutes from time to settle matters and disappoint City’s former striker Joe Royle, who was in charge of Oldham at the time and would go on to take the reins at City in 1998.
1991
City had another trip to the Potteries in the FA Cup on this day in 1991, this time to take on Port Vale at Vale Park.
Niall Quinn was on target to put City, managed by Peter Reid, ahead but former striker Darren Beckford levelled the tie before the break.
However Clive Allen ensured there was no need for a replay when he popped up at a corner to head home the winner just seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute, giving City a narrow 2-1 win.
Take us to Wembley!
City face Everton in the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi final on Wednesday 27 January, in what’s set to be a thrilling night of cup football at the Etihad.
Tickets are available to buy online at mcfc.co.uk/tickets by telephone on
