Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

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 [url]https://youtu.be/lzFwj2n1Hy0[/url] 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.

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

it was just awful

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

[QUOTE=Wiltshire_Red;2113693]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 [url]https://youtu.be/lzFwj2n1Hy0[/url] 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.[/QUOTE]

Brian Lloyd’s punch against Palace and Whittle’s stormer that hit the post against Mansfield meant we didn’t go up. But it also meant that the following season was the greatest in the club’s history- if we had gone up we would never have had that season. So it worked out well.

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

I still remember that dreadful sick numb heartbroken feeling, walking down Mold Road....

Not sure, this is the best time to remind me of it....

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

One of the most gut wrenching days watching the Reds as we didn’t, of course, know what would happen the next season. Probably comparable to the feeling after the play off final defeat to that Newport lottery winners team.

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

Oh Wiltshire Red, just when I was beginning to come to terms with the idea of having some optimism for the current season you have to go and remind me of this nightmare.

Having gone two nil down in that game it looked like it was all over on that night until we went for all out attack. Having got back to parity we then tried to shut up shop again and see the game out. Big mistake as we then conceded again. I'm sure if we had continued attacking we would have won as we had Palace on the ropes and there for the taking.

Although I knew at the end of that game that we had another chance against Mansfield I felt far more gutted at that point in time than after the play off final defeat at Wembley. Maybe it's because there wasn't the same rollercoaster of emotion in the Wembley game or perhaps I'm so much older now that I can take disappointments better in my stride. Hopefully we won't be disappointed this season. Glass half full maybe.

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

I remember my Dad telling me about this game. Before i was born but my Mum was very fond of telling me my Dad didn't speak for a week after it.

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

[QUOTE=Brinster;2113724]Oh Wiltshire Red, just when I was beginning to come to terms with the idea of having some optimism for the current season you have to go and remind me of this nightmare.

Having gone two nil down in that game it looked like it was all over on that night until we went for all out attack. Having got back to parity we then tried to shut up shop again and see the game out. Big mistake as we then conceded again. I'm sure if we had continued attacking we would have won as we had Palace on the ropes and there for the taking.

Although I knew at the end of that game that we had another chance against Mansfield [B][I]I felt far more gutted at that point in time than after the play off final defeat at Wembley. Maybe it's because there wasn't the same rollercoaster of emotion in the Wembley game or perhaps I'm so much older now that I can take disappointments better in my stride.[/I][/B] Hopefully we won't be disappointed this season. Glass half full maybe.[/QUOTE]

I’m in agreement

Re: Wrexham v Crystal Palace 1977
 

Those last 90 seconds had such a massive bearing on many lives.

If we had gone up would John Neal and Billy Ashcroft have stayed with us ?

The following season Dixie Mcneil & Dai Davies landed - the rest is history - seems like another lifetime ago now.