MATCH REPORTS 1999/2000

APR 1 SWINDON TOWN - MANCHESTER CITY 0-2 (0-1)

Report by: Barry Taylor

As an exile in Bristol (and soon to be Ireland), it is a rare treat for me to actually witness the Blues in action. In fact, this is my first live game since the pre-season Bristol City friendly and, on the evidence of that match, I think that I suggested it might be quite a hard season. Well, it has been a hard season but, fortunately, to this point, also a successful one.

One pre-match observation was the difference between the warm-up routines of the two teams. It was almost like being in two different football era's, with City's sophisticated methods, contrasting sharply to Swindon's old-fashioned approach. I particularly like the exercise where all the players line-up on the halfway line and sprint backwards and forward a few yards - if nothing else, it gives you a chance to take a good look at the squad! Isn't Sean W-P tiny - just like a little version of his dad, bandy legs and all - is he really big enough to make it?

City team:

                  Weaver
Edgehill      Jobson Prior        Tiatto
Pollock        Grant Whitely     Kennedy
              Goater Dickov

Maybe because of their pre-match frolics, City started reasonably brightly, taking the play to Swindon but without looking particularly dangerous. In fact, as the half wore on, the two teams gradually sank to an alarming level of mediocrity, making it hard to tell who were the table-toppers and who were the belly-floppers.

Most (all?) of City's best work came down the left-hand side, though it seems that Kennedy was totally unwilling to go for any ball played more than six inches from his feet - a definite disadvantage in a division better known for effort than precision. The right-side of City's midfield was almost non-existent, with Pollock contributing zero (ditto throughout the rest of the match) and Grant looking most uncomfortable amidst the hurly-burly. You have to feel sorry for Edghill, who not only was covering acres of ground defensively, but was forced also to take up the attacking burden.

Dickov contributed his usual huff and puff and, to be fair, one or two good touches. Many have questioned why he seems to spend so much time on the floor and why he seems to get so little joy from referees. Watching this game from pitch-level (Row A), I think the answer is fairly obvious - although he is a pretty combative player, he is a simply too light to take on defenders in a physical tussle and generally loses out. In a totally fair world, he would get more free kicks but, this is professional football at its most basic, with physical contact the order of the day. Just contrast his play with Goater's - hardly an Incredible Hulk himself - watch how Goater avoids defenders and finds space. This is why he is always available either to receive a pass or to take a chance.

In spite of all the preceding comments, on the few times that I have seen Goater and Dickov paired, they do seem to like playing together and so it was no surprise when, following yet another move down the left, Dickov turned sharply to pinpoint a cross to the far post which was neatly nodded in by Goater. Was the goalkeeper a little slow? Possibly, but he was having to cover for Swindon's absent central defence and, if he had kept the ball out of the net, it would have been hailed as a fantastic save.

So, half-time, and all as expected. Early in the second-half, Grant is replaced by Bishop, much to the joy of the travelling thousands. And, although I would say that the 'Bish' was far from his best, he brought another dimension to City's attacking play. Suddenly, Kennedy was running and City were chasing Swindon ragged. Chances came and went, including a cracking shot from the edge of the box from Dickov, which brought a great save from Talia, and neat little back-header from the same player, which ended in a fairly comfortable catch for the keeper.

But, it only looked like a matter of time before another goal went in. Again Dickov was involved in the build-up before the ball was played into the box for the onrushing Whitley. In effect, this was the Charlton incident over again, with Jeff electing to pass rather than shoot. However, practice must make perfect as, this time, his pass to Kennedy allowed the winger plenty of time to sidefoot the ball into the roof of the net.

Game, set and match! Although Swindon had one or two half chances as City took their foot off the pedal, including a wicked shot that hit the angle of post and bar, they never really posed a threat. Towards the end, presumably as a cautionary measure, Goater was replaced by Wiekens - a curious move but one that totally wrapped up the game for the Blues.

Some observations on players

Weaver - after a few traumatic weeks, I think he enjoyed himself in this one. I can't recall him having any significant saves to make, but there's no doubt that he has a big personality and, apart from his obvious ability, his general contribution to team spirit must be a big plus.

Edghill - I remember Richard as a young promising player and I have been disappointed to hear of his supposed decline. But, this game indicated that he is back to form. It also showed just why he is selected. Ok, his passing is not his greatest asset but it's not bad, and improves when he has someone to pass to! Undoubtedly, City are weak on the right-side of midfield and this puts a big burden on the fullback. Still, an excellent all-round game, highlighted by his second-half goal-line clearance.

Jobson - a steady old game; tons of experience, well able to cope at this level. He gave nothing away.

Prior - I think he will be a good buy. His quality shone throughout this game, although, in truth, he wasn't under much pressure. A good passer of the ball and his long throws certainly add to City's attacking potential.

Tiatto - In many ways reminds me of Terry Phelan. Again, I can understand why Royle switched Kennedy to the right in previous matches, as, at times, the combination of Tiatto and Kennedy seems almost too much of a good thing.

The midfield - I remember saying after the Bristol City game that this will be City's problem area. Bishop, we know is class but not for ninety minutes, even at this level. Whitley is a much improved player from my memories of a couple of years ago and reminds me a lot of Gary Flitcroft. I would like to see a City tackle count, as it appeared that Whitley contributed about 50% of the effort in this department - I bet he is Joe Royle's first name on the teamsheet in midfield. Kennedy - well, he's never going to be a worker or a tackler but, with the right service, he will provide plenty of opportunities for others and is capable of playing at a higher level. As for Pollock, I appreciate that playing wide on the right is not probably his best position, but he seems to offer little - can't pass very well, gets in trouble when he tackles, has no pace, doesn't read the game - sorry, he's got to go! I find it hard to comment on Grant - against Fulham on TV, I thought he was the pick of City, but he doesn't seem to like the rough and tumble of this division. Maybe he will do better in a higher league, but he will need better players around him. At the moment, the midfield is a compromise and, until a decent wide right-sided player emerges, this will always be the case. I would like to see Horlock in centre midfield, but, unfortunately, this means that Whitley is shuffled out to the right and that's a waste. It will be interesting to see what happens with Wiekens. It may well be that Saturday's little foray in midfield was a foretaste of something to come. Certainly, Jobson and Prior look an ideal combination at the back, with Morrison probably eventually returning to partner Prior. Wiekens has a lot of skill and a defensive role in front of a back three or four could be his best position. Certainly, I can see this strategy being adopted especially for tough away matches.

Dickov - see my earlier comments. Loads of effort, but not a lot of thought.

Goater - To pick up Jeremy Poynton's comments: sorry, but I think that you underestimate the man. Shaun is one of those players who gets better as he gets older. His work rate is excellent, as is his reading of the game - which is why he gets a lot of goals. In a decent side in the Premier, he would still get 15 to 20 goals and look an even better player. I don't know how City will score without him. In the mid-term, I think that R. Taylor will do a good job as, like Goater, he is a player getting better with experience. There's no doubt that he has got a good football brain, but it doesn't look like he's going to play a lot this season. I don't know much about the two Lee's but it is surely asking a lot of either of them to pick up where Goater leaves off?

The immediate future - there's no doubt that the management team have got the side well organised and motivated, with a good level of fitness. And, in spite of some shortcomings, they have a reasonably well equipped squad for this level. I always thought that player availability would be the telling point last season and I think it may be the case once again. They are reasonably hard to beat and make up for some deficiencies by sheer effort - and that counts for a lot at this level. I think that Prior was probably a shrewd buy and might just tip the balance. It's going to be close again, but I will stick my neck out and say that, if they win the next two games (Bolton and Crewe), they will definitely get automatic promotion. Much less and it will be very tight!

One last point: I was born and bred in Manchester (Wythenshawe) and have supported City through thick and thin for all my life (more than 50 years, sadly!). I was a season ticket holder for many years and even bought shares in the Club the week after the Luton defeat brought relegation! Yes, I relish the days when United get beat (my brother is United supporter, as are half my wife's family and loads of my friends) but will I chant 'If you hate Man United, etc.' - will I hell! Just what have Man United got to do with City playing at Swindon? Forget them - until we earn the right to play (and hopefully beat) them. Forget the petty criticisms, certainly forget any racist notions (special note for a section of the so-called supporters), just get behind the team, or don't bother going!

APR 5 MANCHESTER CITY - BOLTON W. 2-0 (2-0)

Report by: Phil Hartley

This game, on this date, has been indelibly etched on all City fans' mental diaries for some months now. Our semi-mythical game in hand has always been our 'Get Out of Jail' card during our recent run of poor form. Our destiny has remained throughout, in our own hands on the basis we took maximum points from Bolton on April 5th.

On the way to the match, I heard our team announced on GMR. Wiekens as well as Jobbo and Prior? Surely we're not playing 3 at the back? It was encouraging to hear that Horlock had been recalled, but I entered the ground positive, but with some trepidation. Our team actually consisted of Weaver, the usual back four of the last couple of games, Whitley, Horlock and Wiekens in midfield, Kennedy on the left wing and Dickov and the Goat upfront. Hmmmmm. However, from almost the first kick of the game any concerns either I or my fellow blues had were banished. City simply tore into a Bolton side still weary from the exertions at Wembley on the previous Sunday. I simply cannot describe every event of the first half in detail, but suffice to say that this was the best first half performance for ages, perhaps even of the season.

Kennedy had possibly his best game for us, destroying Bolton's poor ex-Rag John O'Kane, as well as anyone else in a White shirt that got in his way. He twisted, turned, passed, crossed, shot, won headers, tackled back and really looked 'up for it'. As indeed did the rest of the team. Wiekens' midfield performance fully justified his selection. He played mainly just in front of the defence and was instrumental in breaking up most of Bolton's attacks. Additionally his strength in the air was notable both in defensive and attacking positions. How many times have we lost the 'second ball' that is headed out by the opposition defence? Well tonight Gerard won most of them, resulting in unrelenting pressure being placed on the Bolton rearguard.

Our first goal came from a superb Dickov through pass, which was missed by Mark Fish. Kevin Horlock (as he does) ghosted through and neatly finished from 10 yards. Minutes later following Bolton's only real threat (a Dean Holdsworth blockbusting freekick, saved by Weaver), a ball was played out of defence, which Kennedy flicked onto Dickov, both players hared into the Bolton penalty area, with Dickov electing to take the shot on (which he was entitled to). Unfortunately his shot was well saved. From the corner, Wiekens latched onto the clearance and chipped the ball to Dickov who turned on the edge of the 6 yard box and drove an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. His delight mirrored that in the stands.

Goater (who had played well) was replaced early in the second half by Lee Mills who (in common with most of our strikers, it seems) was clearly not match fit. Nevertheless he had one decent shot on the turn which was deflected for a corner. This half showed City's professionalism. Bolton had more possession than in the first half, but they could not find a way through. The defensive unit, marshalled by the excellent Prior was largely untroubled. So a very impressive 2-0 win. Our performance deserved more, but that's 4 goals for and none conceded in the last 2 games - much more like our early season form. It's impossible to pick out a man of the match, as all performed well. Kennedy as already mentioned was a constant threat and Bolton despite changing personnel and formation just could not cope with him. Dickov was back to his best, making yet another goal, but also scoring one himself in an 'all action display' as they say in the papers! Wiekens was a revelation in the holding midfield role. Might not be right for every game, but his inclusion allowed Horlock and Whitley to get forward more and added steel to our defensive unit. Prior won everything that was thrown at him whether in the air or on the ground, and he did it with an enormous grin on his face. Clearly a man who is enjoying himself at Maine Road. Horlock did what we know he can do, Edghill was excellent throughout, even his passing. As I said, all were worthy of praise. As indeed were us, the fans. The atmosphere and noise for the whole game was certainly the best this season and it was clear that the players fed off this encouragement. Keep it up people! So with 6 games to go, 1 point ahead and with a superior goal difference is a pretty god position to be in. There will be twists and turns yet but (and this is not a prediction), if we sustained last night's performance throughout the final 6 games, we are there, absolutely no doubt! This is a good day to be a Blue!

APR 8 MANCHESTER CITY - CREWE 4-0 (1-0)

Report by: Jonathan Todd

We retained Wed's formation and it worked again. We penned Crewe into their half for all but one break of the first half. It was a question of when we would score rather than if. BUT..... even though we created numerous chances the team did not panic, they did not resort to pumping the ball upfield but continuously played through the midfield. This, I believe was partly due to the stye of play Dario Gradi has instilled in Crewe. They played it to feet all match and while they made pretty patterns in midfield that as all they could do. Which meant it wasn't long before we harried and won the ball back.

Full marks to Crewe, they passed the ball and tried to create chances but lacked the necessary bite. They played fair and had one good chance in the first half but Weaver cleared. That was all he had to do in the first 45 mins.

In that first half Dickov crashed the ball against the underside of the cross bar but on 42mins we scored. The corner surprisingly cleared the first defender for Jobson to head back and Prior claimed his first, nodding in from the goal line.

The first 15 mins of the second half were nervy but we scored our second on 73mins. A quickly taken free kick reached Horlock who crossed to Dickov who was all alone just inside the corner of the box. He swung his foot, and although it was not the best connection it hit the back of the net. Full marks to the ref, who I thought had a good game, simply because I did not notice him which is the best sign. He allowed our free kick where a more pedantic ref could have brought us back.

The last few miniutes saw the final two goals. Kennedy got the ball just inside the box and curled it into the corner of the net. Finally Dickov got his second shooting across the keeper from the edge of the six-yard box. I saw this goal courtesy of MCTV as I had just left my seat.

This was a fantastic performance. The best I have seen since the Aug-Oct period as our victories over Fulham and Norwich owed a lot to good fortune. On Sat we just completely outplayed Crewe and fully deserved the 4-0 score.

I thought all of our boys played well especially Dickov and Tiatto. Tiatto completely nullified Jack who I was informed was quite useful but not on Sat. Dickov has benefited from his period on the bench. No histrionics, no whinging but 100% commitment and 2 goals. Prior has settled in well and in combination with Jobson mopped up all at the back.

I have my concerns about Whitley. Two shots on target in the second half was the sum of his contributions. He cannot read the game. When Kennedy is running to the corner being marshalled by two defenders Whitley stands static. He does not give Kennedy an angle to play the ball between the two defenders. This is basic football. Similarly when Bishop (who came on in the second half) received the ball he had to gesticulate to Whitley to overlap him, again basic football common sense.

Anyway I don't want to complain after this result. We are now three points clear having won 4 out of 4. I am optimistic. I see no reason why we cannot take full points from Grimsby and Tranmere. That will leave Portsmouth (a) Birmingham (h) (who I think by then will be guaranteed a playoff place) and Blackburn (a) (who will have nothing to play for). Our fate is in our own hands.

APR 15 GRIMSBY TOWN - MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 (1-1)

Report by: Phil Hartley

You really CAN smell fish as you pass the docks on the way to Cleethorpes for the ground.

An easy journey from Manchester saw us arrive in plenty of time for some light refreshment at the Leaking Boot public house. What we didn't plan for was for Grimsby in their infinite wisdom to only open 2 turnstiles for away supporters, placing a steward outside the turnstile checking tickets (I thought that's what a turnstile operator did?), all in a small alleyway. There was pushing and shoving and on the anniversary of Hillsborough, this part of Grimsby's 'safety' operation was a disgrace.

Upon entering the ground (with the game already underway), it was clear that Grimsby's 'quiz' for obtaining tickets in the home areas had largely worked, as the ground was far from being full. Annoyingly for those blues who couldn't get tickets, there were 2 areas which could have been easily segregated with a little forethought, which could gave contained at least another 750 or so fans. Anyway, we arrived in time to see City pressing forward and from a Kennedy free kick, Jobson rose at the far post, nodding the ball into the path of Prior who outjumped the keeper for a 6th minute goal. Perfect start.

Shortly afterwards, Jeff Whitley hit a cracking shot from 20 yards, which was saved at full stretch. Things looked good! Unfortunately and for no reason that is easily identifiable, those were the highlights of our play until the last few minutes of the game. On 16 minutes, Grimsby scored their first goal for 10 hours with a nice volley following a period of sustained pressure where we had chances to clear, but were unable to do so. City fielding the same team that had played so well against both Bolton and Crewe, just looked all at sea. Passes were going anywhere but the intended target, tackles were being missed, Tiatto was overelaborating and getting caught, Goater was pretty anonymous....it just wasn't working.

Early in the second half, JR tried to change it by firstly replacing Horlock (who was probably the best of the midfield trio) with Bishop (no change) and then Mills replaced Dickov (who was probably the best of the forward trio), again no change. Grimsby had most of the attacking possession, but it should be noted that only when Weaver saved with his foot in a one-on-one and when Tiatto tackled/fouled a forward when he was last man (nothing given by the ref, thank goodness) did we look in any real danger of conceding another goal. Prior, although not at his domineering best did OK, and as has been widely acknowledged, probably Jobson was our man of the match with a solid performance.

Twice in the last few minutes we could have taken an undeserved victory away from the East Coast. Firstly Kennedy had a fierce angled shot saved and moments later, Goater bundled the ball into the net, but was given off side. This was a disappointing result and a very disappointing performance. Nevertheless, Grimsby have only been beaten on home soil 4 times this season and, with us performing so poorly, this has to be seen as a point gained. Promotion is still in our own hands and the Easter games, although unlikely to decide anything for certain, will have a major impact on our destiny. What is for certain is that the team must recall and recapture the way they played against Bolton and Crewe and forget about this performance. 4 games and counting.....!

APR 22 MANCHESTER CITY - TRANMERE ROVERS 2-0 (1-0)

Report by:

APR 24 PORTSMOUTH - MANCHESTER CITY 2-2 (1-2)

Report by: Don Barrie

I live in the North - the North of Hampshire, so this game was something of a home fixture for me. Portsmouth is less than an hour down the road for me, so I was joined by my brother who lives in south London. Thanks for driving Neil. We often attend the London and other southern matches (like Crystal Palace last month). Often our only consolation on these trips is that "we'll be home in an hour", but today we were strangely optimistic. This despite my tragic record of not seeing City win in the flesh for (I think) eight years. City always let me down when I start to feel optimistic - but this IS new City, so it won't happen today, eh?

The approach to Portsmouth's ground was reminiscent of northern grounds. We parked amongst rows of terraced houses, and we had to brave Pompey's very own version of dog shit alley - how it brought back happy memories of scraping shite of my shoes on Yew Tree Road in Fallowfield. We also managed to park at the wrong end, so had to walk round three sides of the ground. The Portsmouth fans seemed a pleasant enough bunch however, and we heard lots of "we'll do well to nick a point today" from the locals. As we reached the ground, the sun was shining and there were few clouds in the sky. This was a relief as the only uncovered stand in the ground was reserved for - you've guessed it - away supporters. The Scots pipe band soon bug*ered off the pitch, and out came the teams. We began in a 4-4-2 formation;-

                   Weaver
Edghill         Prior Jobson       Tiatto
Jeff Whitley  Wiekens Pollock     Kennedy
               Goater R.Taylor

This was my first sight of Spencer Prior, and I was immediately impressed by his height - no more problems defensively in the air then, I hoped. The first thing to strike me about Portsmouth was the brick outhouse of a centre half for Portsmouth, their no. 31, one Darren Moore. The man towered over Shaun Goater, and seemed to be about twice as wide as well. I also saw Jeff Whitley hugging Portmouth's no. 12, who turned out to be none other than our old chum Lee Bradbury. In contrast to Moore, Badbuy looked smaller than I remember him - Who knows perhaps some of Bradbury's bulk and height had been fiendishly transferred to their centre half. With the City fans sporting a fine array of Real Madrid memorabilia, the game began.

We began the game in good form, pressing Portmouth back into their own half for long periods. We had a spell of three consecutive corners, but didn't threaten their goal too much with them. Our Robert Taylor looked cream crackered after the first five minutes. I keep hearing that he is yet again recovered from injury, but I fear we won't see the best of him till next season. In order to avoid running too far, Fat Bob launched an awesome cross field pass into Kennedy's feet, but nothing came of it. We were playing an effective game of waiting for them to come at us, then putting the ball quickly into our forwards. At the back, we were dealing easily with their feeble attacks, Nicky Weaver must be the best two footed sweeper in the Division.

We still had to register an effort on target, but that came after Fat Bob had a shout for a penalty turned down, the ball came out to Edghill who delivered a good cross (honestly!) onto Robert's head, but the ball went over the bar. Pompey were definitely panicking with the ball over the top into the channels. Our first defensive wobble occurred a few minutes later, when Jobson was caught in no man's land and Harper shot wide. I laughed out loud at the attempt by Fat Bob to gain a penalty a few minutes later, where he appeared to fall like a wounded wildebeast. He did however win a corner, which was pushed away, Wiekens mopped up the attempted clearance, crossed to Prior, whose header looped into the corner of the net. Boy, I think Spencer looked even more chuffed than the City fans - what a goal machine he's become. Bob was involved in the next goal incident when he slam ducked the ball into the net. This fooled nobody, especially the referee, and FB got booked for his fisting tomfoolery.

All was moving serenely in our favour at this time. A long punt by Edgy caught their defence on the turn, leaving Goater with a chance to flick over the keeper. The pass was slightly too far in front of Shaun, and his attempted lob landed in the keeper's arms. Pompey were still flashing occasional headers wide (usually from big Moore) and Nicky still untroubled. The Portsmouth fans did keep a good level of noise up through the game, and taunted us with "1-0 and you still won't sing" which raised a laugh from our end. We soon shut them up - Kennedy once again being put clear down the left, crossing to the near post where fat (sorry) SUPER Bob scored with a most amazing back heel. No wonder City fans were soon shouting "It's just like watching Madrid". Most of the rest of the half City played some excellent stuff - Pollock had a shot from thirty yards, a cross in was chested down by Goater into Whitley's path , but the half volley was tame. Forty five minutes were up, and we were all thinking "two up at half time - we should double that in the second half". But dreams were shattered. At the far end which City were defending, the ball was crossed, a big scream from, the home fans - penalty. Bradbury, BLO*DY BRADBURY scored from the spot, despite Nicky guessing the right way.

Thirty seconds later it was half time. An excellent first half performance by City had been damaged by that last minute. A half time debate about what happened was settled by the chap next to us - his wife was in the Portsmouth end, so he called her on her mobile. She said that it had hit Taylor's hand, but that he was clearly outside the area. I don't know if Captain Edgy overheard this, but his protests carried on well after the half time whistle - no point arguing Richard - he wasn't going to change his mind.

What happened in the second half? We began extremely nervously, and we were soon defending desperately. A Pompey corner was cleared, and a static City defence watched a long shot fly toward goal, which had Nicky scrambling, the shot went wide. Our midfield had completely disappeared, and both Whitley and Pollock had the idea of toe ending the ball as far away from themselves as possible. When would Bishop be brought on? The game went quiet for a spell, the highlights of which were a couple of speculative cross shots by Kennedy, a few cheers for Wendy Toms when we were given a couple of decisions, and watching the City subs signing autographs for young Portsmouth supporters.

Then suddenly, out of nothing, Bob Taylor is 25 yards from goal, having turned his marker. He wasn't going to run was he? So, he launched a low curving shot which pinged the post. Still the midfield isn't competing, but the only substitution sees Dickov replacing the enigma Bob. We were definitely wobbling as we retreated further and further into our own area. Prior pushed a header over his own bar to relieve the pressure. Wiekens had copped for a couple of dire late tackles, and he finally succumbed to injury with about twenty minutes to go. Bishop ? No, Horlock came on.

City were now in sleep walk mode. We had one quick break which ended in a tame Whitley effort. When will he learn to shoot, or has he had his one effort of the season v QPR? The game became even more scrappy , but more and more seemed to be happening at our end. Portmouth's midget no.4 Harper shot well over in yards of space, Weaver then pulled out his one truly outstanding effort to save a certain goal from the head of Moore. The pressure was well and truly on. Richard Edghill did for us, I'm afraid to say. Under no pressure from a nearby opponent, Edghill planted the ball firmly into a Portsmouth player lying on the ground. He managed to plant the ball into the space vacated by our Skipper, the ball came in and Bradbury YES BLO*DY BRADBURY AGAIN scored. I wonder if Joe was looking at all three points evaporating as we all were, because for the last few minutes, Granville came on to play in left midfield instead of Kennedy.

By this time , the rain had begun, my notebook was in my pocket and I watched City hanging on against a truly average Portsmouth team.

Why does this blo*dy team only play for half a game? We dominated the first half, Portsmouth had no answer to us, we were caught out by a bad penalty decision, then we had no idea how to change tactics once Portsmouth had sussed us out and ground their way back into the match. I am truly worried about how we will cope next season, whatever division we're in. The faces change as the years go by, but still City snatch disaster from the jaws of triumph whenever they can. PLEASE NOT THE PLAY OFFS.....

APR 28 MANCHESTER CITY - BIRMINIGHAM 1-0 (1-0)

Report by: Tony Burns

It was an astonishing night at the Academy, and it really was one of those occasions that you had to experience to believe, 32,062 and no doubt a few others were in the ground to witness yet another great football occasion that had an atmosphere the like of which in Manchester can only be generated at Maine Road and can only be envied by those who think they can simply buy into a football experience.

My day had started early and I realised as I was having my morning coffee that this felt more like a cup final day (even though it takes a bit of recollection to remember that feeling) - my stomach was in knots throughout the whole of the day. I know from talking to others blues that I was not on my own. It seems the case that we so often these days have the biggest game in years’ but this really was one of those games. To lose would surely give Ipswich the heart to really go at Charlton, to win would put one hand on the prize. Although I knew by heart all the permutations of what it meant to draw, win, lose etc we still checked it out dozens of times during the day on our own and with each other.

I spoke to my brother Paul a couple of times during the day (who we were due to meet with in The Gardeners at about 5.00pm) and I knew that he was as nervous as anyone else and was like me watching the clock tick nervously towards our appointment with destiny.

Eventually as the time got closer we checked and then double-checked that every single ritual that had been forced on us throughout this magnificent season was re-enacted, and then when we had checked we checked again with each other.

For much of the day I had stumbled and tripped round the house with my trousers firmly around my ankles, I had made a mental note to take extra care if I needed to answer the door, but such has been the importance of not wearing a belt and risking the falling trousers that I had gambled that this most bizarre of fashion statements would somehow bring more power to Maine Road. My children selected shirts carefully to make sure that the order in which they had been worn throughout the season was maintained at this most crucial of moments, I was reminded not to have my coin purse with me and we took extra special care to drive the same route. The only exception to routine was that we took a flag (that had also been to Wembley last year).

The Gardeners was quiet when we got there and we sat outside quaffing the most delightful medication that the good Dr Pub has to offer - a few pints of Guinness, always excellent for PMT - (pre match tension) was prescribed and taken readily. I have to say that as the time drew closer and we went indoors the City fans in The Gardeners excelled themselves in some of the most raucous, funny and loud singing I have heard in there. Although some of the Munich/anti-scum songs may not be your taste, I can't deny that it was a joy to be there - there were songs (and words to songs) that I had never heard before, it was just brilliant.

At last the time came and we accepted that as football is our god we really had to get to the temple and pray.

We walked around the ground and then split up, my children and I into the JD family stand, my wife and nephew into the Platt Lane and my brother into the Kippax. We agreed that we would all meet later at Rotherham corner, that most decrepit of places.

Inside the ground the atmosphere was building up and up and up and then when the teams came out the most incredible wall of sound resonated and danced across the pitch, from stand to stand and then back again. Hairs stood up on the backs of necks, as the players entered the arena for the last scheduled home game of the season.

As ever I'm not going to dwell on the game, others will do that, but this was cup-tie stuff. Not a classic game by any means, but then again we didn’t expect it to be. It was a good team performance, Jobson was outstanding and I thought that Goater's touches and off the ball work were excellent. Robert Taylor looks better with each game and it was well deserved when he was responsible for the noise that blew the roof of at Maine Road when he hit home on about 40 minutes from Horlock's free kick. I like Birmingham and I think that they would be good candidates for the Premier league but to be honest their strike force rarely troubled Nick Weaver throughout the whole of the game.

It was a gritty team performance and despite the repeated requests not to go on the pitch at the end of the game, the moment the whistle blew saw an invasion that saw thousands and thousands and thousands scramble on to the pitch, including us. As we danced on the turf there was a real feeling of elation, and City fans can be and should be immensely proud of the contribution that they have made to the progress of the team during the last two years. There is a real irony that the fans in Manchester who, in terms of prizes won, should have least to shout about are able to shame so often the Londoners who watch their football in Trafford.

It was magnificent and although it can still go to the last game there was a real feeling that we have now done enough. It's certainly easier to work the maths out, and rather than have nerves shredded next week at Blackburn we'll be hoping that Ipswich drop the points that will have us back in the Premier by 5:00pm on Saturday.

I suppose I should finish now with the important detail that most of you will be waiting for. Firstly the officials, they were Alan, Ray, Tony and George. Ray is from Milton Keynes and enjoys waving a red flag whilst Tony from Birkenhead likes to wave yellow. Secondly and finally Ena Parkinson Property Rentals sponsored the match ball.

You may also wish to know that in the event of City making it to the Premier on Saturday, there will be a 'photo special' on my web site that will show the belt that stayed at home and the trousers that stayed around my ankles as well as photos from the match.

by Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no