March 1st, sees us return to normal service with 16 games played on this day over the years. From those there have been six wins, four draws and six losses.
Here’s the facts and figures...
1958
On this day in 1958 City faced Blackpool in a First Division clash at Maine Road. The Blues were looking to bounce back after a 8-4 defeat to Leicester City the week before!
And bounce back they did with an enthralling 4-3 victory. Goals from Ken Barnes, Billy McAdams, Colin Barlow and an own goal were enough to see off the Tangerines. Below Ken Barnes poses for a team photo.
The result pushed City into seventh position and only three points off third, heading into the final phase of the season. The Blues continued to put points on the board but could not topple Wolverhampton Wanderers, eventually finishing fifth.
1972
On this day 44 years ago City hosted West Bromwich Albion at Maine Road and continued the hunt for the First Division title. Colin Bell scored a brace to help City on their way to a 2-1 victory.
Unfortunately it would not be enough as the Blues would finish in third being beaten to the title by a mere point. A consolidation was that European qualification had been ensured and City would enter the UEFA Cup at the first round stage the following season.
City would exit the competition to Valencia CF 3-4 on aggregate.
1997
It was on this day in 1997 where City were looking to build on a 3-0 win versus Swindon Town the week before to continue a push for middle table and steer away from the relegation zone in the new First Division. Uwe Rosler scored a brace and his third goal in two games to give the Blues a commanding win over Bradford City at Valley Parade.
Kevin Horlock grabbed the third to put the game out of sight and secure a 3-1 win for the Blues. Above we see Rosler scoring City’s fourth away to Oxford United on February 2nd 1997.
2008
City’s hopes of European football took another blow as lowly Wigan Athletic left Eastlands with a precious 0-0 draw.
Nery Costello (L) and Michael Brown (R) try a bit of rugby as both teams hunt for a goal. The Blues had won their first nine games in succession at home but after this result have now gone six games without a win at the City of Manchester Stadium.
