Jim's column 22.1.22

Back in December in the home game with West Brom Kyle McFadzean scored an own goal and later scored City's consolation goal. I remembered that he had done the same against Millwall at St Andrew's last season. Kyle joins a very small club of Coventry City players who have scored at both ends in the same game and became the first to achieve the feat twice.

The first instance was in 1966 at Highfield Road against Derby County when full-back Mick Kearns scored a first half penalty to give the Sky Blues a 2-0 lead but two minutes from time with the team comfortably leading 3-1, he put the ball through his own goal. City won 3-2

                                                  Mick Kearns

In 1971 at Newcastle in a Texaco Cup second round, second leg game, captain Jeff Blockley headed a 32nd minute equaliser but in the 81st minute scored in his own net – Newcastle's fourth in what became a 5-1 defeat.

                                             Jeff Blockley

The most famous occurrence happened at Highfield Road in 1981 in a League Cup semi final first leg against West Ham United. Garry Thompson was the hero and the villain on one of the most memorable nights in the club's history. The Hammers already led 1-0 when a mix-up between 'Tommo' and goalkeeper Les Sealey saw the ball nestle in the City net off Garry. The Birmingham-born striker was determined to make amends however and was the star of the second half as he scored the first goal and then won the game in the 89th minute to send the home crowd crazy. Final score 3-2.

It was also a League Cup comeback from 0-2 down that saw another Brummie, Dave Busst, repeat the feat in 1995. Facing star-studded Tottenham at home, the Sky Blues fell behind to a Chris Armstrong goal before 'Bussty' sliced a cross past goalkeeper John Filan to make it 2-0. Peter Ndlovu started the fightback with a penalty before 'Bussty' equalised on the hour when a free-kick went in off his shoulder. John Salako wrapped up the 3-2 victory fifteen minutes from time.

McFadzean became the fifth City player to score at both ends in the final game of last season at home to Millwall. Just before half-time Kyle volleyed home a corner kick to make the score 2-0 then nine minutes into the second half he put a low left-wing cross past Marko Marosi. City went on to win 6-1 with six different players scoring.

Against West Brom in December Kyle was probably unlucky to be credited with Albion's second goal, especially as many observers including TV cameras saw an Albion hand touch the ball in the goalmouth scramble. He redeemed himself to a degree in the second half with a powerful header from a corner.

I am aware of six occasions when an opposing player has scored at both ends with the famous one being the 1987 FA Cup Final when Gary Mabbutt scored for both teams including City's extra-time winner. The most recent is Bristol Rovers defender Tony Craig who scored at both ends in the FA Cup tie at the Memorial Stadium in January 2020 which ended 2-2.

In that infamous match at Ashton Gate that virtually confirmed relegation in 2012 former City player Jon Stead scored at both ends and in 2006 Luton's Ahmet Brkovic did the same in a 3-1 defeat at Kenilworth Road. Before that you have to go back to Christmas 1955 when Millwall’s Alex Jardine scored for both teams as City ran riot against the Lions, winning 5-1. The only other one I can find is way back in 1933 when City defeated Crystal Palace 6-2 at home and Charlie Goddard scored at both ends.