When Tambling Toppled the Champions

A throwback to a Waterford v Sligo game at Kilcohan Park when the visitors were the reigning champions and the Blues were aiming to reclaim the title they last won four years prior. It was the best day in a Blues shirt for the great Bobby Tambling who passed away in June this year.

This was the 13th of November, 1977 and Tambling (Chelsea’s record scorer until 2013 and still their all-time top scorer in the league) was in top form with a goal, an assist and a tremendous overall performance. Aged 37 at the time, he opened the scoring with a free kick from 24 yards, blasted through the wall, seven minutes into the second half.

 

 

The Irish Press described the second goal as “an excellent example of economy and skill. Matthews spearheaded it with a clever lob into the path of Tambling. He crossed the ball into the Sligo penalty area and Wallace, now the League’s leading scorer, with 11 goals, headed the ball past Patterson.”

Waterford had numerous chances before and after those goals, but Rovers pulled one back in the 86th minute when Gary Hulmes flicked a Harry McLoughlin cross to the net past Peter Thomas. The hosts held on for the win and Tambljng was a unanimous Man of the Match.

 

 

The Blues, for whom Colin Harper replaced John McSeveney as manager in mid-season, ended up finishing fifth that season, but just five points behind league winners Bohemians. Sligo came sixth - a further five points behind - and lost the cup final to Shamrock Rovers.

Waterford: Thomas, Hall, Daly, Finucane, Dunphy, O’Mahoney, Madigan, Tambling, Wallace, McCarthy, Matthews. Subs - Carey for Matthews, Gardner for Daly.
Sligo Rovers: Patterson, Fielding, Fox, Fagan, Rutherford, Stenson, McLoughlin, Gilligan, Leonard, Tobin, Kavanagh. Subs - Hulmes for Kavanagh, McManus for Gilligan.