Wolves v Liverpool, 27th January 1973

Описание: HIghlights of the First Division match between Wolves and Liverpool at Molineux on27th January 1973.

The 1972-73 season showcased the abilities of the Wolves team with a 5th placed finish in the league and semi-final appearances in both the FA and League Cups. The season was also a personal success for Wolves striker John Richards. His 36 League and Cup goals were suitably rewarded with the Young Player of the Year award for 1973 and also 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 a highly capable midfield, led by inspirational captain Mike Bailey, with the very 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 good cover in reserve in Barry Powell, the versatile Alan Sunderland and the enigmatic Danny Hegan. For the match against Liverpool, Wolves manager Bill McGarry made a few enforced changes through injuries and suspension; defender Bernard Shaw was selected in the central midfield position usually occupied by Mike Bailey or Danny Hegan and Alan Sunderland had replaced Kenny Hibbitt on the right side of midfield. In addition, centre-half John McAlle had been selected by McGarry to fill Derek Parkin's usual left-back position with Derek Jefferson replacing McAlle at centre-half.

Prior to the match at Molineux, Liverpool were leading the First Division by a 3 point margin over Arsenal, a position maintained until the end of the season as Bill Shankly delivered his third First Division championship to Liverpool in his penultimate season as manager. Liverpool also won the UEFA Cup following the two-legged defeat of Borussia Mönchengladbach. Shankly was able to field a largely settled team throughout the 1972-73 season, forming a defence that conceded the fewest goals in the division with goalkeeper Ray Clemence keeping 26 clean sheets and, in attack, scoring the most goals with Kevin Keegan scoring 22 league and cup goals as part of his prolific partnership with John Toshack.

Originally broadcast by ATV Star Soccer with Hugh Johns as commentator.