Manchester City 2 Ipswich Town 1

The February 1994 (on this day in 1994) meeting between the two clubs made the headlines as it heralded the dawn of the Francis Lee era at Maine Road and, not for the first time that season, much of the focus was on off-field activities.  Nevertheless the game itself was an extremely pleasing from a City perspective.  It commenced in typical City big match style – Garry Flitcroft’s attempted back pass ended up gifting Ian Marshall, the former Oldham player, a rather simple opportunity to score!

Fortunately, City didn’t give up.  David Rocastle, who had joined City from Leeds in a £1 million exchange for the out of form David White in December, had quickly established himself as an important member of Brian Horton’s side.  Many saw him as a great addition to the Blue cause, and this match proved to be his greatest as he clearly helped City attack Ipswich.  At one point he cut through two defenders, charged to the goal-line and sent over a superb cross for Carl Griffiths to flick in a great goal.  Afterwards the new Chairman claimed Rocastle possessed Brazilian-style skill and few argued.

The goal brought more confidence and with Michel Vonk defending superbly, and Steve Lomas controlling midfield, the Blues dominated.  Terry Phelan attempted an overhead shot, before a foul on Lomas brought a free kick.  Keith Curle took it and Vonk knocked it down for Garry Flitcroft to touch in the winning goal.

That night City fans celebrated their first League victory since 8th December.  They ended the season in16th place while Ipswich finished 19th (one point above the relegation zone).

Stats: Premier League, 5th February 1994

City 2 Ipswich Town 1

Scorers – City: Flitcroft, Griffiths

Ipswich: Marshall

City:  Coton, Edghill, Phelan, Lomas, Curle, Vonk, Rocastle, Flitcroft, Griffiths, Shutt, Sheron

Attendance: 28,188

More on this season here:

If you enjoy all the free material on my website and would like to support my research and keep this website going (but don’t want to subscribe) then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It allows me to keep some free material available for all. Thanks.

Choose an amount

£2.50
£5.00
£7.50

Or enter a custom amount

£

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate

Rosler Double

On this day (31 December) in 1994 Uwe Rosler netted twice to help Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at Maine Road. However, the Blues had been 2-0 up at one stage and the general feeling around Maine Road was that this was a couple of points lost, rather than a point gained. Here’s a couple of contemporary reports of the game:

You can read more on the 1994-95 season here:

A City-Spurs Classic

Today (22 October) in 1994 Brian Horton’s Manchester City defeated Ossie Ardiles’ Spurs 5-2, with goals from Walsh (2), Quinn, Flitcroft, and Lomas.  This was a very memorable and popular match and when it was shown on Match of the Day that evening the BBC also chose to re-screen highlights from the December 1967 ‘Ballet on Ice’ meeting between the sides.  The game was later described by BBC commentator John Motson as one of his all-time top three classic Maine Road matches. Subscribers can read more on the 1994 classic below:

Subscribe to get access

Read more of this content when you subscribe today.

Subscribe to get access

Read more of this content when you subscribe today. You can subscribe at either £20 per year (above) or at £3 per month here (cancel any time). For those subscribing £3 per month you will be able to access all content from October 2022 onwards for as long as you are a subscriber. Those subscribing £20 a year have access to everything posted since December 2020.