Football League Division Two
Team: Kelly, Watson, Clement, Venables, Mobley, Hazell, Bridges, Sibley, Clarke, Marsh, Leach
Sub: Hunt for Sibley
Attendance: 20,399
After a goalless draw at Loftus Road against Preston North End four days earlier, Rangers then travelled to Carrow Road on 11th October 1969. Steve McGill’s report appeared in ‘The People’ the following day:
‘Another goalless game for Rangers. Another blow to promotion hopes. And manager Les Allen admitted: “Naturally I’m worried. But Barry Bridges’ goal should not have been disallowed early on.”
“The linesman flagged as if the ball was over the goal-line, yet the ref wouldn’t even walk over to him.”
It took home centre-half Duncan Forbes to show the scoring touch with a hefty header from Ken Foggo’s corner. Lucky for Norwich, because the forward line were punchless.
Rangers worked more clear-cut chances, but their marksmen were way-off target – even Rodney Marsh. He let two fine chances slip with shoddy shooting.
Norwich keeper Kevin Keelan, had a great match. His brave dashes to cut-out centres and corners earned him cheer after cheer.
His brilliance rocked Rangers’ confidence, which was further shattered when Sibley, back after injury, was carried off with a bruised leg muscle.
Ron Hunt deputised, but Rangers needed flair in attack, not more strength in defence.
They fought hard for the equaliser late in the game, but their efforts became a little ragged and Venables was booked for ‘showing consistent dissent’ to the referee.
It was the end of an unhappy afternoon for Rangers, who must now know that the road back to the First Division is much harder than many people think.’
This short report appeared elsewhere:
‘Local born Barry Bridges was given a warm welcome by the crowd when Queen’s Park Rangers took the field at Norwich.
And Bridges was soon in action. He flashed away on the right, but his centre was headed straight at Keelan by Frank Clarke.
A Mal Lucas mis-kick looked dangerous for Norwich, but they managed to scramble the ball away.
Norwich had a lucky let-off when Bridges tapped in at close range. Keelan scraped the ball away, but it appeared to have crossed the line. But referee Mr Nippard, of Bournemouth, signalled play-on. Rangers’ supporters protested and two were escorted off the pitch.
Frank Sibley was carried off on a stretcher in the 36th minute after colliding with Charlie Crickmore. Ron Hunt came on as substitute.
Marsh had a great chance after a pass by Mick Leach, but shot over with only Kevin Keelan to beat from ten yards.’
Rangers went on to lose 2-3 at Carlisle the following Saturday.
Steve Russell
