March 1973

Wolves v Coventry City, FA Cup 6th Round, 17th March 1973 [Full Highlights]

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• published: 30 Aug 2013
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Full highlights, with brief post-match analysis from Jimmy Hill, of the FA Cup Quarter-final tie between Wolves and Coventry City on 17th March 1973. (Extended goal footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLDNXfZ0EFE&feature;=share&list;=PLQ4CBN9_CCW8qLeDZ3e9SFQaX5tMgcHHu) The 1972-73 season exemplified the abilities of the Wolves team with a 5th placed finish in the league and semi-final appearances in both the FA Cup and League Cup. The season was also a personal success for Wolves striker John Richards. His 36 League and Cup goals were justifiably rewarded with a cap for England at the end of the season. Richards had formed a highly successful partnership with Derek Dougan and 'The Doog' contributed 17 league and cup goals for the season. The Wolves strikers were supported by an extremely capable midfield, led by inspirational captain Mike Bailey, with the highly efficient Jim McCalliog as Bailey's partner in the centre of midfield and the creative talents of left winger Dave Wagstaffe and Kenny Hibbitt on opposite flanks. Wolves were fortunate to have able cover in reserve in Barry Powell, the versatile Alan Sunderland and the enigmatic Danny Hegan. For the match against Coventry, full-back Bernard Shaw was selected in the central midfield position usually occupied by Mike Bailey or Danny Hegan, but otherwise Wolves were at full strength. Derek Parkin had returned to the side, in his accustomed left-back position, in mid-February 1973 following a six month lay-off with a virus. In reaching the quarter-final, Wolves had defeated Manchester United, Bristol City and Millwall and for their clash against near-neighbours Coventry an attendance of 50,106 were present - the last time Molineux hosted a 50,000 crowd or more. Coventry, managed by Joe Mercer, had defeated Leyton Orient, Grimsby Town and Hull City to progress to the FA Cup Quarter-final. At the time of their match against Wolves, Coventry were in a comfortable 10th position in the First Division just a few points behind Wolves in 6th. However, following their FA Cup defeat by Wolves, Coventry won just once more in the league and slumped to a final position of 19th. Included in their team that faced Wolves at Molineux were Brian Alderson, top scorer for Coventry with 17 goals that particular season, and midfielders Tommy Hutchison, Willie Carr and Dennis Mortimer. Carr joined Wolves for an £80,000 fee almost two years later and would prove to be a popular and extremely accomplished player over several seasons in the gold and black. Originally broadcast by ATV's Star Soccer with Hugh Johns commentating.