After the Charity Cup win two nights earlier against Northampton, the Ducks then entertained Barclays Division Two side Bristol City in an attractive opener at the Stadium. The highly rated Bob Taylor never got a look at goal throughout the game as the defensive partnership of Reed and Hutter dominated, as did the rest of the team who outclassed City in every department.

Glen opened his account seven minutes into the second half, sidefooting past Sinclair at the near post from a pass by Cliff. In the 64th minute Cliff turned provider again by crossing into the box where David Pert climbed high to head past a helpless Sinclair.

Three minutes later City's Rob Newman struck a post in a rare attack for the visitors, then on 76 minutes Steve Cox crossed into the penalty area, captain Peter challenged and the ball fell to Cliff who reacted quickly to score the third goal.

Four minutes later Wayne Allison fired past Tim following a cross by Gary Shelton to reduce the deficit, but on 86 minutes came a goal out of the blue ? and certainly one to remember. Owen broke quickly into the City half and fed Cliff down the right side. He checked inside, turned his marker and curled a left foot shot into the far corner of the net for a wonder goal.

The West Countrymen completed the scoring two minutes from time through David Smith with a direct free kick, but without doubt this was a satisfying night for the Ducks who really outshone against Joe Jordan's promotion winning side from the previous season.