Arsenal v unknown oppo early 70's

[Pete’s Picture Palace]

I have a photo which I need some help on please.

Ray Kennedy in action for Arsenal at Highbury but I can't work out the oppo as I don't recognise the defender and the kit is probably an away change kit. There is no date or stamp on the back of this original press photo.

The keeper looks very much like Mark Wallington of Walsall and Leicester, but Arsenal didn't play Walsall in the Kennedy era and I've checked all the Arsenal v Leicester games and Peter Shilton played in each one. So as far as I can see, Mark Wallington never played against Ray Kennedy in this fixture.... unless you know different.

So I'm asking for your help here please. Who are Arsenal's opponents?



All help as always greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year!

[kenners46]

Colin Boulton of Derby ????

[hibernian]

Could the keeper be Jimmy Rimmer ??

[Rocky]

A long shot (pardon the pun) but could it be v Stoke & possibly John Farmer in goal? The defender Skeels or Bloor?

Looking at Kennedys shirt it shows something above the badge which makes it circa 72/73 season.
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[Flaming Pie]

Goalie could be the late John Hope of Sheffield Unt. Looks like their away kit early 1970s.

[Brickies]

Mark Wallington played for Derby after leaving Leicester so it could be him if Arsenal played Derby at that time.

[whosbrianwilson]

Defo Stoke.

[Pete’s Picture Palace]

Great response, thank you all.

Stoke looks about right, Farmer & Skeels probably but the pics I have of Farmer don't suggest such a receding hairline. See below from 1973.

But that kit could apply to any of the usual red & white stripe brigade, Stoke, Sheff Utd, Sunderland, Southampton, plus the likes of Nottm Forest.

Got to be by end of 73/4 season as Kennedy joined Liverpool in July 74.

I'll try Twitter to confirm.

Thanks again all!

[Baltimore]

I think it is John Farmer of Stoke City.

[Flaming Pie]

Are you sure Pete? Still trying to weigh up if number4 is Trevor Hockey before he saw Woodstock on the local pics, let his beard grow wild and joined Credence Clearwater Revival 😀

[Bluewinner]

On 19th August 1972, John Farmer was in goal for Stoke against Arsenal. The line up and report is printed in September 1972 Gunflash. Line up as follows: Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Skeels, Smith, Lees, Robertson, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hurst, Dobing. In addition, the following home Arsenal programme shows a good picture of both the Stoke kit, and an Arsenal shirt with the logo above the badge.
Hope this helps.

[Pete’s Picture Palace]

Yes, that is a big help, thank you very much.

And a 9.5/10 to Rocky who got the season, away team and names correct.

Mr Pie, it's certainly not Trevor Hockey, with or without his facial hair.

Thank you to everyone on this.