This day, May 17, 1985, saw the Sky Blues, led by Don Mackay, secure an away victory! On their home field this time, Stoke City was the victim—which is understandable given that they were going to be demoted from the top division after earning the fewest points ever! On New Year’s Day at Highfield Road, the Sky Blues defeated Bill Asprey’s Potters with ease thanks to goals from Terry Gibson (who is now a member of the CCFPA), Kenny Hibbitt (who also scored a brace), and a rare goal from Association President Kirk Stephens.
Thus, the Sky Blues’ 1-0 victory over a Potteries team now led by Tony Lacey today gave them the “double,” which was essential come playoff time. In front of a pitiful 6,930 spectators, the Sky Blues triumphed thanks to a penalty converted by Stuart Pearce in the 66th minute, which was harshly awarded after Cyrille Regis’ header struck Stoke defender George Berry’s arm.
Consequently, the Sky Blues’ 1-0 victory over a Potteries team now led by Tony Lacey today gave them the “double,” which was vital near the end of the season. A penalty kick by Sky Blues’ Stuart Pearce in the 66th minute, awarded harshly after a Cyrille Regis header struck Stoke defender George Berry’s arm, gave the Sky Blues the victory in front of a very thin crowd of 6,930.
Ian Butterworth, Stuart Pearce, Steve Ogrizovic, Brian Kilcline, Trevor Peake, Dave Bennett, Lloyd McGrath, the late Cyrille Regis, Terry Gibson, and Micky Adams. Kenny Hibbitt (sub. Micky Gynn).
We are happy to report that the manager and every team member subsequently joined CCFPA. Seven of them went on to win the FA Cup with City at Wembley in May 1987 under Micky Adams’ management of the team.
Tony Lacey’s depressing Stoke team was organized as follows:-
Steve Bould, Carl Saunders (sub. Mark Chamberlain), Ian Painter, Paul Dyson, George Berry, Chris Hemming, Chris Maskery, Chris Heath, Sammy McIlroy, and Carl Beeston Chief Arbiter: Neil Midgley
The final two games of the season were also won by City, including an incredible 4-1 thrashing of the eventual champions Everton on the final day of play.
With this victory and the others, Norwich City dropped to twenty-first place; in contrast, Queens Park Rangers, in nineteenth place, and City, in eighteenth, were only one point ahead.
Along with the Canaries and Stoke City, Sunderland also suffered. Under Lacey, the team lost all eight of its games and finished the season with a record-low 17 points.
With thirteen points more than their runners-up, Liverpool, who are close neighbors, Everton won the championship.
