Looking back at the headlines, Rewind Extra recalls 29th December 1993 – and just twenty-four hours after a
truly remarkable display of attacking football.
Looking back at the headlines, Rewind Extra recalls 29th December 1993 – and just twenty-four hours after a truly remarkable display of attacking football.
Jubilant York City players were today still coming to terms with a simply magnificent performance at shell-shocked Blackpool, and the biggest-ever away triumph in the club’s 64-year Football League history.
Leading goalscorer Paul Barnes typically led the way with a first-half brace, while Steve Cooper, Tony Canham and substitute Tony Barratt were also on the mark as their team absolutely ran riot in a sensational 5-0 victory at Bloomfield Road.
Manager Alan Little later described it as the best away performance he’d ever witnessed: “It was just one of those days which happen from time to time when you know it is going to be your day,” he told The Press. “Just about everything we tried came off and we must savour the moment.
“We passed it and played it and everyone gave a great contribution to a wonderful team performance over 90 minutes. We won 5-1 [at Barnet] in the first match I was in charge last March, but I have to say this was an even better display.”
Indeed the visitors were so outstanding that the doubtless totally devastated Blackpool fans still remained behind after the game to generously applaud their conquerors off the pitch.
“They must have been thoroughly sickened off, but they stood and applauded our players,” Little acknowledged. “I’m sure that took some doing.”
With a recent trio of victories and a draw leaving York now only just shy of the Division Two promotion play-offs, their boss was insisting there must be absolutely no let-up in performances.
“We have to guard against complacency,” he warned. “I am well aware that you are a hero one day and they are after your blood the next in this game. We have it all to do again on Saturday [against Port Vale] now.”
While a fabulous attacking display was naturally grabbing the headlines, the contest was also memorable for goalkeeper Dean Kiely, 23, who celebrated his 100th Football League appearance by maintaining an incredible 33rd clean-sheet.
The former England schoolboy international also achieved that same feat on his senior debut at Hartlepool United almost three years ago.
Rewind Extra – December 1993
Video Link: YorkCityTV
