Both sides struggled to find any rhythm early on, conceding possession to each other on numerous occasions. However, City began to settle first and Davis almost sent Hopkins clear in the 18th minute only for Brown to deny the big front-man. Davis then tested keeper Knight with a low shot after a neat pass by Williams. Welling responded well to these escapes forcing City back for a spell. A Standen effort was deflected wide on 28 minutes before Hervin was lucky to escape with no punishment after appearing to handle the ball outside his box. A penalty appeal against Thorne was also turned down by the officials moments later. Just after the half hour a great cross from Thorne picked out Hopkins but, after bringing the ball down, he could only lift his shot high over the bar. Another chance went begging for City two minutes later. Williams began the move by carrying the ball from inside his own half. He then laid it off to Thomas before receiving it back on the edge of the United box. But having then turned his marker he could only produce a shot that Knight eaily blocked with his legs. When the same player just failed to reach Powell's low cross shortly afterwards it looked as if it wasn't going to be City's day and, right on cue, a minute later they went behind. For the second match in succession a break down the right flank ended with Hervin being beaten by one of his own defenders - Badman this time the unfortunate player turning Powell's centre into the net.

The half time break saw Alan Pridham replace Powell with Keen, switching to a 3-5-2 formation with Davis occupying a more familiar wing-back role. The change appeared to be working as City began the half well, Williams firing over after neat approach play by Watts, and then Hopkins slicing a good opening wide of Knight's goal. However, this start was misleading as City began to give possession away with worrying ease and for all their own struggles the home side coped easily with what little threat they faced. The closest City came to equalising during this period was when Keen inadvertently turned Hopkins' mis-hit shot toward goal only for it curl inches wide with Knight beaten. Committed to pushing more men forward as time began to run out Hervin had to produce an excellent double save after 74 minutes, first parrying Abbott's shot then denying Standen follow-up effort. However, six minutes later he couldn't reproduce these heriocs again as, after blocking Abbott's close-range shot, he was powerless to prevent the striker from coolly turning home the rebound. City's heads clearly dropped after this blow and the Wings went on to add another two goals in the closing four minutes. An unmarked Samuels' headed the third on 86 minutes and Johnson rounded Hervin to easily role home the fourth in the final minute.