From: seanb@cs.man.ac.uk (Sean Bechhofer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Man City Cup News
Date: 8 Oct 92 09:39:42 GMT


	BRISTOL ROVERS 1	MAN CITY 2
	Taylor 74		Madison (o.g.) 66
				Holden 120

(aet 1-1 after 90 mins) 
City win 2-1 on aggregate

Att: 8,500

A late goal in extra time from Rick Holden saw City safely into the third
round of the Coca-Cola (League) Cup last night. With the first leg
goalless, a 1-1 scoreline would have been sufficient for the Blues to go
through on away goals, but Holden popped up in the 120th minute to put away
his second in two games to give City a win on the night. 

City started with the same team as on Saturday, with McMahon recovered from
his bruised knee. Judging from the radio commentary and brief highlights on
Granada, the match was well balanced, with City probably having the upper
hand in the first half. There weren't many chances, but White had a shot
pushed onto the post by Parkin, and Twentyman went close with a drive from
outside the box. After twenty minutes of the second half, a Quinn header
forced a save from Parkin which resulted in a corner on the City right. The
corner was played short, and found Quinn, unmarked, at the near post. He
chested the ball down well, and volleyed into the box on the turn. The ball
clipped off Madison and into the net. Eight minutes later, after some
pressure, Rovers equalised. A corner from the right was headed out by the
City defence, but only as far as Reece, who crashed a shot in from the edge
of the box. The ball was deflected by Taylor, leaving Coton stranded. Both
sides had chances after that, but it was 1-1 after normal time.

In extra time, the pressure was on Rovers to score, as a 1-1 scoreline
would have seen City progress on away goals. The City defence held up
though, and Coton made some good saves. City didn't rest on their laurels,
and continued to go forward, giving Parkin some work to do. In the very
last minute, the game was wrapped up. Holden came into the box on the left
hand side, cut inside past the defender, and sent a shot towards the near
post.  Parkin must have thought it was past, as he made no effort to save,
but the ball crept in off the post. 2-1 on the night, and with the final
whistle seconds later, the City players could breathe a sigh of relief.

City looked to have a little more confidence than lately, with the defence
looking better. There were still a lot of scoring chances given to Rovers
though, and more tightening up is needed.  Their own recent scoring
problems were eased on Saturday, and with another couple tonight things
seem to be improving. However, the goals still aren't coming from the front
line.

City: Coton, Brightwell, Phelan, McMahon(Reid), Curle, Hill, White,
Sheron(Flitcroft), Quinn, Simpson, Holden


The Blues have drawn Spurs at home on the next round. That's a good tie for
them really. They've got the home advantage, and there should be a good
crowd in. With Tottenham's recent form, there's a good chance of City
making it to the fourth round. With all the recent spending and goings on
at Maine Road, it's about time City performed well in a big
competition.....or even a small one!!

No game this Saturday due to the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. Best of
luck to Leeds on Friday! 

Cheers,

	Sean B