WITH Wanderers at Old Trafford on Saturday, Gordon Sharrock looks back at a famous away victory over Manchester United

WANDERERS fans have enjoyed seeing their team get the better of local rivals Manchester United in modern times – back-to-back Premiership wins at Old Trafford and last season’s Reebok victory among the highlights – but the First Division double of the 1978-79 season still rates as one of the most unforgettable highs.

The enigmatic Frank Worthington had been the architect of the 3-0 victory at Burnden Park, scoring two of the goals that gave Bolton supporters the best Christmas present they could have wished for, and he was the hero of the return game at Old Trafford, where Ian Greaves’s Whites came back from the dead to claim the local bragging rights once again.

In fairness, Wanderers were second best and United might have won it themselves if Gordon McQueen’s penalty on the hour had been allowed to stand.

Worthington had just equalised, wiping out Martin Buchan’s first-half header but referee Pat Partridge spotted an infringement and ordered the kick to be retaken – and McQueen’s second attempt crashed against the post.

But Wanderers rallied, finished the game the stronger side and in the dying seconds midfielder Brian Smith ran at the ragged Reds to set up the ever-alert Worthington for his 24th goal of a remarkable season in which he pippd Liverpool’s Kenny Dalglish for the coveted golden boot.

lIf you have memories of a special Wanderers match contact Gordon Sharrock on 01204 537266, at gsharrock@the boltonnews.co.uk or Memory Match, Sports Desk, The Bolton News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE.