15 November – Five Memorable Celtic Moments on this Day

Five memorable Celtic moments, with a nod to the late Celtic Historian and Celtic Star legend David Potter, on this day starting on 15th November 1902…

Paddy Somers scored

ONE – SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1902 It is not really a great season for Celtic, but there are nevertheless some good players at Celtic Park. Today for example in a 4-2 win over Partick Thistle, young Jimmy Quinn scores twice, Peter Somers once and Paddy (who has the unlikely nickname of “Larky”) Murray once.

TWO – SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1947 – “Firhill for thrills” is a phrase much used in Glasgow, and today it lived up to this tag with a fine eight goal thriller in which Celtic come off best with a 5-3 victory in spite of being 0-2 down and later 1-3 down.

It is the sort of performance that has Celtic fans asking why they can’t see more of this every week. Two goals are scored by Tommy McDonald (who had one of his rare good days) and one each from Tommy Bogan, Willie Corbett and Jimmy Walsh. Such is the enthusiasm for football in those immediate post-war days that the gates have to be closed with 32,000 inside the ground.

Tommy McDonald scored twice on this day in 1947
Celtic's Pat Crerand gets married
Pat Crerand on his wedding day

THREE – WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1961 – Playing the football of which they are capable, the young Celtic side beat St.Mirren 7-1 before an appreciative audience of 22,000 at Celtic Park. John Hughes scores one goal, and the other six goals are scored by three players who all bad two each – Stevie Chalmers, Bobby Carroll and Mike Jackson, but the man who is making at all happen is brilliant right-half Pat Crerand whose ball distribution and passing ability are first rate.

FOUR – WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1967 – Celtic continue their recuperation (although the repercussions continue) from their South American misadventure by beating Kilmarnock 3-0 tonight at Celtic Park. Bertie Auld, John Hughes and Stevie Chalmers score the goal in a game in which they had to fight very hard and to show some patience especially after Chalmers scores another goal after referee Mr Kelly declines to play the advantage rule after a defender has handled.

FIVE – WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 1997 – It is often said that Celtic cannot handle a defeat by Rangers and that another defeat comes along soon after. Today is a classic example of this with Regi Blinker pressing his own “self destruction” button and getting sent off while Celtic go down 0-2 to Motherwell at Celtic Park.

CELTIC STAR BOOKS OFFFER  – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

Order David Potter’s final Celtic book, ‘Celtic in the Eighties’ and you’ll receive a copy that has been personally signed by legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain. Plus you’ll also receive a complementary copy of Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style! Order Celtic in the Eighties at Celtic Star Books and we’ll do the rest. Please note that postage will only be charged on one book but you’ll receive both!

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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