Wimbledon’s first fixture in English football’s top flight was against Manchester City forty years ago today (23rd August 1986) at Maine Road. The game was goal-less at half time, but by the end City had won 3-1 with goals from Trevor Christie and two from Graham Baker. The Wimbledon scorer was Andy Thorn. The Dons’ lineup for this historic first match was: Beasant, Kay, Winterburn, Galliers, Morris, Thorn (Gage), Wise, Cork, Fashanu, Sanchez, and Hodges. For the record City comprised of: Suckling, May, Wilson, Clements, McCarthy, Redmond, Davies, McNab, Christie, Baker, and Brightwell (Simpson).
Although goalkeeper Perry Suckling made his debut in this City-Wimbledon fixture, he very nearly didn’t make it to Maine Road. On the day of his arrival he travelled to Old Trafford claiming he’d been given directions there instead of Maine Road! A United official had to direct him back to Manchester. Suckling later became more famous as the goalkeeper who conceded 9 goals while playing for Crystal Palace at Anfield. No doubt a few Wimbledon fans remember that match!
You can read more on that season for MCFC here:
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Gary James' Football Archive 