28th February – 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 in 1914…

ONE – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 1914 – At long last Celtic are beaten. They go down 0-1 to Falkirk at Brockville, the first defeat since 7 October, and the first goal scored against them since 13 December. Even today, they had hard luck, but suffered from the huge disadvantage of McNair, Dodds, McMenemy and Browning all being away (at Parkhead, of all places!) playing for Scotland in a dreadful 0-0 draw against Wales. Rain teemed down at both grounds, and all in all, it was not a good day.

Bertie Thomson
Bertie Thomson scored a hat-trick

TWO – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 1931 – Depression or no depression, 64,699 are at Celtic Park today to see a marvellous performance by Celtic as they beat Aberdeen 4-0 with a hat trick from Bertie Thomson and the other goal (inevitably) from Jimmy McGrory. Aberdeen are without their two star men Benny Yorston and Frank Hill, and are simply swept aside by a fine Celtic side who are without the injured Peter Wilson.

Matt McVittie scored

THREE – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 1959 – Celtic’s unfancied young side shock Rangers and put them out of the Scottish Cup by beating them 2-1 in front of 42,000 fans at Celtic Park. The goals are scored by John Divers and Matt McVittie on either side of half-time, and Rangers consolation goal comes when most of their fans have gone home! Celtic fans resurrect the old World War 1 jingle of “Along the line the signal flew, Rangers I and Celtic 2”

Brian McClair scored

FOUR – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 1987 – A week after Celtic lost to Hearts in the Scottish Cup, their League Championship challenge seems to be evaporating as well in a distressing 1-4 loss to Dundee at Dens Park. Brian McClair scores Celtic’s only goal of the game. The problem is not about talent. It abounds in the team, but there is too much internal bickering for manager Davie Hay to handle with four men Maurice Johnston, Brian McClair, Murdo MacLeod and Alan McInally all making it quite clear they do not want to be at Celtic Park next season.

FIVE – SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2010 – Celtic don’t play well, but are on the wrong end of some desperately bad luck at Ibrox today. Scott Brown is unjustly sent off after a clash with Kyle Lafferty, and then Rangers score the only goal of the game in injury time. It is another nail in the coffin of manager Tony Mowbray in this dreadful season.

Celtic in the Thirties
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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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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