Bits and Pieces

1967

FEBRUARY 11: Fiery Manchester United forward Denis Law taunts the Nottingham Forest defence during a tense First Division encounter at Old Trafford.

Forest were vying for top spot with United, so the Reds’ 1-0 win proved crucial. Law netted the only goal and went on to be top scorer for the season with 25 goals in all competitions.

United, under Matt Busby, were league champions with 60 points. Forest were second with 56.

1968

FEBRUARY 5: Philip Lowrie, famous for playing Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, rehearses for his new stage role as Young Marlow in the Oliver Goldsmith play She Stoops to Conquer.

Lowrie, born in Ashtonunder-Lyne, portrayed talent agent and salesman Tanner from the opening episode in December 1960 until 1973.

He made the Guinness Book of World Records when he returned to the role 38 years later in 2011.

It was officially the longest gap between television appearances in the same show!

Appearing with Lowrie on stage at the Palace Theatre, Watford, are Jane Bolton, left, and Kate Hardcastle.

1978

FEBRUARY 11: The weather may be freezing, but Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti is warming to the task of shutting out Manchester United in the forthcoming First Division clash at Stamford Bridge.

As it turned out, he was beaten twice as the clubs fought out a 2-2 draw.

United’s scorers were Gordon Hill and Sammy McIlroy.

The Reds, under new manager Dave Sexton, finished 10th in the league.

Top scorer for the season was winger Hill with 19 goals in all competitions.