Spurs came a calling twice during 1977 to leave with no wins at Ninian Park and their fans suffered two defeats in its environs, particularly along Ninian Park Road. Early in 1978 they gained revenge by easily having the better of it at White Hart Lane.

But honour was restored just a few months later during what was then an annual visit to Millwall. Some weeks before they had been hammered at home by Ipswich in the FA Cup. Such was the level of disorder it made national headlines. CCFC urged fans not to travel there. That message only succeeded to elicit the creme de la creme of local nutters to make hurried transport arrangements. Few if any of those had an interest in football but were always eager to aim their Doc Martens at Londoners and Bristolians.