EVERTON 0 CITY 2
League Division 1
26th December 1980
Attendance 36,194
Scorers Gow(46), Power(88)
Ref George Flint
City Corrigan, Ranson, McDonald, Reid, Power, Caton, Boyer, Gow, MacKenzie, Hutchison, Reeves – sub Henry(unused)
Everton McDonagh, Gidman, Bailey, Ratcliffe, Wright, O’Keefe, McMahon, Eastoe, Varadi, Hartford, McBride – sub Lyons(73)
FROM THE PRESS BOX
CORRIGAN HAS ANSWER FOR EVERY SITUATION
MARTIN TYLER WRITING IN THE TIMES 27TH DECEMBER 1980
There was nothing unlucky about John Bond’s 13th League game in charge of Manchester City. In becoming the latest victims of his managerial resuscitation, Everton tumbled to their first home defeat in the First Division since last March. Under Bond’s influence City have now reaped the rich harvest of 18 points out of 26.
Much of the activity in a goalless first half centred around the agility of Corrigan. After only five minutes he timed perfectly his approach to a threatening cross delivered at the end of a pugnacious run by Varadi. The City goalkeeper responded even more athletically when a shrewd pass from McBride committed him outside his area: Corrigan’s torpedo-like header was both festive and functional.
Ten minutes before the interval Corrigan was back on his line to produce his most valuale save of the match. Hutchison’s leggy challenge on Hartford cost him a caution from Mr Flint and his side a free kick, Bailey swung the ball towards Wright whose header dropped perfectly for Eastoe insife the goal area. It was through Corrigan’s skill rather than any shortcomings in Eastoe’s directed shot that no goal ensued.
Corrigan’s central role continued when O’Keefe finished a sweeping move with a low cross from the right, Caton rushing back to cover, rendered to his own goalkeeper a painful blow on the head. He was clearly still affected when he reacted moments lter in angry fashion to Varadi’s legitimate attempt to intercept a back pass from Gow. Everton could feel genuinely aggrieved at not being awarded a penalty.
But all the home side’s dangerous moments counted for little when O’Keefe and Gidman failed to fathom each other’s intentions two minutes into the second half. Gow was left as discarded as an unwanted Christmas gift to score his fifth goal since his transfer from Bristol City. Within a minute Hartford squandered a close-range opportunity to savour a goal against a former club, and Corrigan responded once more, this time to the considerable demands of a probing 20 yard effort from McMahon.
Everton called for the heavy artillery in the shape of Lyons for the last 18 minutes, urging Bailey even further forward to supply his aerial ammunition. The manoeuvre only served to accentuate City’s increasing control and composure, Eastoe, who began with the impressive confidence born of 12 goals already this season, gradually faded.
Two minutes from time Everton’s frustrations received a final jolt. Power’s contact with the ball was only partial but sufficient to roll it past a committed McDonagh. The goal howeer, belonged to Ranson, whose pull-back was full of calm and perception.