Due to the State of Emergency being in force, the League Cup final between Celtic and Dundee only attracted a crowd of just over 27,000 and kicked off at 1.30pm on this day in 1973.
The Celtic fans were in apprehensive mood, as their guys had lost the last three finals to Rangers, Partick Thistle and Hibs. Jock Stein had left Jimmy Johnstone and George Connelly on the bench but the team still looked a strong one. Ally Hunter was in goal; they had a back four of Danny McGrain, Billy McNeill, Pat McCluskey, Jim Brogan; Stevie Murray, Tom Callaghan and Davie Hay were in midfield; with Harry Hood, Kenny Dalglish and Paul Wilson as the forwards.
Unfortunately, on a hard pitch, in an extremely quiet atmosphere, Celtic did not rise to the challenge. Dundee’s only goal in 75 minutes by Gordon Wallace was enough to give then the prize although their captain, Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell, looked rather embarrassed as he went up the steps at Hampden to be presented with the trophy.
Goalkeeper George Johnstone – born on this day at Caldercruix in 1914 – came to Celtic on a loan deal from Aberdeen and made 37 appearances, with 8 shut-outs, in season 1940-41.
Jim Craig
