Jim Craig 7am: One of only two trophies won by Celtic during WW2

In season 1942-43, Celtic had finished 10th in the war-time Southern League and had failed to qualify from their section in the embryonic League Cup. They had also lost to Rangers twice in cup competitions, firstly by 2-1 in the first round of the Glasgow Cup, then more embarrassingly by 8 goals to one in a two-legged tie in the second round of the Summer Cup.

There was, though, better news in the Charity Cup, where Celtic had fine wins against Queens Park – 3-0 in round one – and Clyde – 3-1 in round two – to put them into the final, where Third Lanark would be the opponents.

The match was played on this day in 1943, in front of 25,000 spectators at Hampden. In terms of team balance and forward superiority, Celtic soon proved streets ahead. Third Lanark defended courageously but never threatened in attack and Celtic went in at the interval one-up, thanks to a well-placed strike by inside-left Charlie McGinlay.

Charlie McGinlay, Celtic

By this time, Thirds were down to 10-men, having lost their captain Blair through injury and although they started the second half brightly, Celtic soon took control once more and scored two further goals, the first again from McGinlay and the second a spectacular effort by outside-left Hugh Long, after a run in which he beat four opponents. At 0-3 down, there was no way back for the Hi Hi and Celtic picked up the Charity Cup for the 24th time in the club’s history.

Team; Miller, Hogg, Dornan, Lynch, McLaughlin, Corbett, Delaney, McPhail, Rae, McGinlay, Long.

Jim Craig

The latest podcast is out now- it’s part 2 of the brilliant interview with Celtic’s SLO John Paul Taylor where he selects the games and the soundtracks of his own personal Celtic journey. Loved his memories of the 4-2 game in the first part of his interview. Here’s the latest instalment from the UK’s Football podcast of the year…

Listen to “John Paul Taylor with A Celtic State of Mind (Part 2/3)” on Spreaker.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who 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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