In the build up to the Christmas festivities ReadManCity will be hosting our very own Man City advent calendar to reminisce on the golden moments of some of City’s forgotten and current heroes.
Behind door number one is the unforgettable celebration Nicky Weaver left us with after his final penalty save in the 1999 shoot-out in Wembley.
It’s a clip forever etched into the brains of City fans old and lucky enough to remember our famous promotion from the Second Division 17 years ago.
With a two goal advantage going into Gillingham’s fourth penalty, Weaver stood tall in his tangerine jersey in the face of Guy Butters’ penalty.
Sprawling down to his left, Weaver saved and he was eager to start the celebrations. Despite the drama of the infamous comeback, it was as if he had it planned.
The floppy-haired 20-year-old sprung up to goad his overjoyed teammates before setting off in a flailing frenzy around the pitch.
Weaver’s animations looked unstoppable but with his arms still waving and mouth still opened, eventually the strong arms of big Scot Andy Morrison were there to grab him and throw him under an almighty pile-on.
It was a moment and a match that Weaver will never forget.
Goals from Carl Asaba and Bob Taylor in the final ten minutes looked to have given Tony Pulis’ outfit promotion but Kevin Horlock’s 90th minute had given Joe Royle’s blues a lifeline.
A long punt forward, a flick on, a block and suddenly Paul Dickov had half a yard to cement his place in City’s history. He did just that, shooting high past his best man Vince Bartram before wheeling away and sliding on his knees, fists clenched, eyes to the skies. Salvation, for now, but extra-time beckoned.
Dickov’s equalizer gave him hero status but Weaver, in his first season with the Blues, should be remembered with the same credit.
Without players like him, City wouldn’t be where they are today.
(watch that famous moment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfQZqQZFGxc)
