As we all look forward to the ups and downs to come in this seasons run-in, a look back at a blast from the past.
For those of us of a certain age this was the game that nightmares are made of. With 2 games left of the 76/77 season we needed 1 point to gain promotion to the promised land of the second division (Championship today). With both those games at home, we couldn’t fail, could we.........
The 2 games were Crystal Palace and Mansfield. Palace on a good run, Mansfield already promoted as champions.
2 points for a win and no playoffs in those days, so no second chance if not in one of the promotion places.
From 2-0 down, it was 2-2 going into injury time, we were almost promoted, but then disaster 2 goals in injury time by Palace. Over 18,000 left the ground in shock, I remember I was close to tears.
Here’s the goals from the game at a packed Racecourse
https://youtu.be/lzFwj2n1Hy0 the goals start at 36:40
The rest is history, we failed to best Mansfield in the last game and missed out on promotion. However, as hard as it was to take, it made us stronger, and with Arfon taking over the reins and some astute signings we then had that great team to win the title in the following season.