Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins captained and led Eddie McCreadie's young Chelsea team to promotion from the Second Division in 1977, and back into the First Division after a two year absence for the 1977-78 season.
The highlight of the 1977-78 season was a coruscating, vibrant, exuberant and completely unexpected 4-2 victory versus reigning European and English champions Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd Round.
With Chelsea captained by Ron Harris, in the absence of the injured Ray Wilkins, over 45,000 packed into Stamford Bridge to see Clive Walker open the scoring in the first half with a dipping, swerving left foot worldie. Steve Finnieston and Tommy Langley added quick fire goals in front of The Shed early in the second half for 3-0. David Johnson replied for The Reds. Clive Walker scored again for Chelsea and Kenny Dalglish headed Liverpool's second goal to complete the scoring.
Chelsea played three games at Stamford Bridge that January in 1978. Winning 4-2 versus Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd Round, winning 5-3 versus Ipswich Town in the First Division, and then winning
6-2 versus Burnley in the FA Cup 4th Round.
Micky Droy was 1978 Chelsea Player of the Year.
SCORE DRAW Official Retro Shirt Match:
Chelsea 4 v 2 Liverpool.
Saturday 7 January 1978.
FA Cup Third Round.
Stamford Bridge.
Attendance 45,449.
Chelsea Team: 1.Peter Bonetti. 2.Graham Wilkins. 3.John Sparrow. 4.Ian Britton. 5.Ron Harris. 6.Steve Wicks. 7.Bill Garner. 8.Ray Lewington. 9.Tommy Langley. 10.Charlie Cooke. 11.Clive Walker. 12.Steve Finnieston.
