Worthington Cup. Round. 2. First Leg.

City v Crystal Palace. Away. 15.9.99

City Look to 'Get Back on Track'

By Peter Gilbert. 11.9.99.

After an unpleasant trip to the North East City are on the road again to happier hunting grounds by travelling South to London and our first cup encounter of the season.
Yes it's League Cup time again, Worthington now being the sponsors and over the years especially latterly we have done well in this competition, having won it twice and only last year being the unlucky beaten finalists.
Our opposition is Crystal Palace whom we beat so dramatically at Wembley in the Div 1 Play Off Final in 1996.   Since that fateful and dramatic day we have not looked back but Palace have enjoyed mixed fortunes both on and off the pitch.    They have flirted with the big time and flirted with extinction but the last few weeks have seen them lose heavily so it would not be unfair to suggest that they might be short on confidence.   Let's hope so because we are unlikely to be brimming with self belief.
City are in the process of   re-assembling after a two week break for international duties which did not go at all well for any of our individuals.    We appeared to have lost our momentum,our crispness and team understanding in the game against Sunderland, but a cup match away from home against lesser opposition is a great way to get it back.
We do at least have the advantage of playing the away leg first and any sort of result would do us so that we can finish the job at home.   Whatever it will be a good 'run out' before our next league opposition in the shape of Liverpool.
But one game at a time. Let's get a good result and get back on track,  This is an ideal opportunity.
May the force be with us.

Forecast: Score Draw