1991: Blackpool 0-3: Shane Nicholson (65), Jason Lee (81)
City’s trip to Blackpool on 12 October 1991 unravelled after an encouraging first-half attacking display, with missed chances followed by controversy and indiscipline. Phil Horner put the hosts ahead with a powerful free-kick after 35 minutes, against the run of play, as Tony Lormor and his colleagues failed to turn promising opportunities into goals. Paul Groves doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after Matt Dickins challenged Dave Bamber, with the Echo arguing that Bamber had been offside before appearing to dive. Bamber completed the scoring after 83 minutes, by which time City had been reduced to nine men.
Shane Nicholson received his marching orders in the 65th minute for punching Tony Rodwell, an incident the contemporary report described as “a moment of sheer madness”. Already booked for time-wasting, Nicholson’s dismissal seriously damaged City’s hopes of recovering from the one-goal deficit, with the disputed penalty following six minutes later. Jason Lee then joined him in the dressing room after 81 minutes for an alleged headbutt on Ian Gore, having spent much of the afternoon testing the referee’s patience, according to the report. Frustration had also prompted a booking for David Puttnam, who was swiftly substituted after Blackpool’s second goal, completing the picture of an afternoon in which City’s discipline deteriorated alongside their prospects of taking anything from the game.
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