Manchester City have never been far from the headlines this season with last summer’s lavish spending putting them firmly in the spotlight.

With four wins out of five since Roberto Mancini took over from Mark Hughes fans increasingly feel that their 34 year wait for a major trophy could come to an end soon.

Currently, their hopes are pinned on the league cup where they face bitter rivals Manchester United in the semi-finals. If City make it to Wembley then memories of their last league cup win will come flooding back.

In 1976 City, led by centre half Mike Doyle, had also played Manchester United in the competition, defeating them 4-0 in the third round. Following their semi-final win over Middlesbrough City faced Newcastle United, who were making their first ever appearance in a league cup final, at Wembley on February 28th.

City took the lead early on in front of a 100,000 strong crowd. Asa Hartford’s free-kick was headed across goal by Doyle allowing winger Peter Barnes to convert from close range. But Newcastle battled their way back into the game and got back on level terms when Alan Gowling converted a Malcolm Macdonald cross.

The game was won early in the second half with a goal of the highest quality. Willie Donachie played the ball to the far post for Tommy Booth to head across goal. Dennis Tueart then pulled off a stunning overhead kick to force the ball past Mike Maloney and into the bottom corner of the net. Tueart would later describe the winning strike as his best ever.

The shirts City wore on that day were sky blue with white trim on the collar and sleeves. The players also sported white shorts and sky blue socks. The kit was made by Umbro and the top had the firm’s insignia down the sleeves as well as on the right breast. Although a modern club crest was adopted in 1970 the coat of arms for the City of Manchester was used in this match, and in any other major finals the club reached in that era, as a mark of pride for representing the city.

Fans have only had those memories to cling to ever since, but with Wembley in their sights and a seemingly unlimited amount of cash behind them, that wait could finally be over in 2010.

Manchester City’s Carling Cup odds currently make them third favourites to lift the trophy, but a win over United tonight could change that.

Meanwhile, in other sports news pundits have begun to assess the chances of the horses expected to run in this year’s Aintree Grand National.