Celtic Historian David Potter each morning on The Celtic Star looks back at key Celtic events and matches on this day starting on 21st April 1906. David’s latest bestseller The Celtic Rising ~ 1965: The Year Jock Stein Changed Everything is available now in print on Celtic Star Books, and also on Amazon kindle, links below…
SATURDAY 21st APRIL 1906 – Celtic, already champions, finish an excellent League season by beating Hearts 1-0 at Celtic Park, the only goal of the game being scored by Jimmy Quinn. It is some measure of revenge for Hearts Scottish Cup win over them in February. Hearts will be playing in the Scottish Cup final next week against Third Lanark.
SATURDAY 21st APRIL 1951 – Celtic win the Scottish Cup for the 16th time and the first time since the second world war, as they beat Motherwell 1-0 in front of 131,943 at Hampden Park. John McPhail scores the only goal of the game in the first half, and the Celtic defence is up to the task as Motherwell’s fine side throw everything at them in the second half.
SATURDAY 21st APRIL 1956 – A major disappointment for Celtic as they go down 1-3 in the Scottish Cup final to Hearts before a huge crowd of 132,842. It is generally agreed that Hearts are the better team, but there are certain unsatisfactory aspects of Celtic’s performance, not least a crazy team selection. Stein and Collins are unavailable through injury, but right back Mike Haughney is played at inside right while good forwards like Jimmy Walsh and Jim Sharkey are ignored, and on the right wing, Billy Craig plays his fifth game for the club and is totally out his depth. Ironically, Mike Haughney scores Celtic’s only goal.
MONDAY 21st APRIL 1969 – A draw at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock is enough to win the Scottish League Championship for Celtic – more or less. It is a far from impressive performance however, as Celtic need an own goal from Frank Beattie and a last gasp equaliser from Tommy Gemmell to earn a 2-2 draw. The attendance is 18,000 and Celtic are now only one step away from a treble.
21st April 1969, a last minute goal from Tommy Gemmell wins the title at Rugby Park in a 2:2 draw. pic.twitter.com/0jjImVK6Aa
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
WEDNESDAY 21st APRIL 1982 – Celtic take another step towards the League title with a 3-1 win over Jim McLean’s Dundee United at Celtic Park tonight. George McCluskey scores twice and Davie Provan once before a rather disappointing crowd of 14,659.
21st April 1982, Celtic 3:1 Dundee Utd.
McCluskey double and a Provan freekick. pic.twitter.com/3re6WcAc5d
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
David Potter
21st April 1979, Aberdeen 1:1 Celtic.
Andy Lynch equalises after Gordon Strachan gave Aberdeen the lead. pic.twitter.com/hIO05tneWU
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
21st April 2002, Celtic 1:1 Rangers.
Thommo with the goal. @Alantommo8
Mjallby and @JohnHartson10 sent off. Lubos last competitive game at Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/TePz0YgAsH
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
21st April 2004, Celtic 1:2 Aberdeen.
Larsson.
Whilst chasing the winner we lose our undefeated home record.
77 home games over 5 competitions unbeaten. Also our first league defeat in 38 games. pic.twitter.com/EJDJz5NFWb
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
10 years ago today, Celtic win the title beating ICT 4:1.
Hooper(2), Ledley and Samaras. @HOOP588 @joe16led pic.twitter.com/pUfmyOaPtf
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe_7) April 20, 2023
