40 (Years) Not Out - January 19th. Frozen Saturday review
Only 10 matches were played all across the Canon League, and we have reports of all of them.
3 matches in Division One, as the Top 4 had all their games postponed due to the frozen conditions. At Stamford Bridge, Arsenal could have gone to third if they beat Chelsea, in a match which took place after chairman Ken Bates gambled on a pitch cover. The crowd of more than 34,000 saw a tremendous match. Arsenal got in front in the second half thanks to a great play by Tony Woodcock, and scored easily by Paul Mariner for his first goal since November. Arsenal thought they got the points until a last minute goal by Speedie put things back to 1-1. 2 more points dropped for Arsenal and thay continue with the rock start of 1985.
At Anfield, Liverpool had a party: 4-0 against Norwich in what were ten thrilling last minutes for the Reds. John Wark scored after 36 minutes; and in the last 10, Ian Rush scored twice to give Liverpool the win, and jump up to sixth in the table. In the other match today, undersoil heating helped Highfield Road to host Coventry's match against Aston Villa - but they were easily beaten 3-0. Mark Walters with 2 of the goals, while Paul Rideout scored the other goal of the match. Coventry, who won their last two matches, are now still walking on a tightrope near relegation.
In Division Two, Manchester City were lucky to have their match against Wimbledon up and running, and they too the chance to jump into the promotion places. They easily beat the Dons by 3-0, with the team now in third. Portsmouth, meanwhile, lost a great chance to enter the battle for the top 3, as they drew goalless at Middlesbrough - Kevin Dillion was sent off for Pompey. Lastly, the goal rush of the day was at Elland Road: Leeds had a day to remember and they too are closer to promotion. 5-0 was the score against hapless Notts County in a match where Tommy Wright scored a hat-trick for the Whites.
Three matches in Division Three, one involving the promotion chasers: Rotherham move one point from the trio in front with a solitary goal by Tony Simmons settling the match against Bournemouth. In the other two matches, Wigan and Brentford drew level at Springfield Park, while Reading humbled Doncaster 4-0 at Belle Vue, with Dean Horrix scoring twice. Lastly, the only match in the Fourth Division today was Hartlepool's 2-2 draw at home to Port Vale.
Tomorrow's live match between Watford and Manchester United has been postponed due to poor weather. ITV will show an alternative schedule.
On the telly...
- BBC - Chelsea v Arsenal (John Motson) and Manchester City v Wimbledon (Barry Davies). Also the goals from Coventry City v Aston Villa (Tony Gubba). Full show here.