In the League Cup of 1969, Celtic had successfully negotiated a section involving Rangers, Airdrie and Raith Rovers with Willie Wallace getting 4 goals and both Harry Hood and John Hughes three each in the six-match total of 21.
P W D L F A Pts
Celtic 6 5 0 1 21 5 10
Rangers 6 4 1 1 14 7 9
Raith Rovers 6 1 1 4 10 20 3
Airdrie 6 1 0 5 5 18 2
After a goal-less first leg in the Quarter Final against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, counters by Wallace and Bobby Lennox gave Celtic a 2-1 win to put them into the semi-final, against Ayr at Hampden – where the Honest Men sprang a surprise, the match going to extra-time.
In spite of three Celtic goals, through Big Yogi, Tommy Gemmell from the penalty spot and Bertie Auld right on time, Ayr also scored three to take the tie to a replay.
Held on this day in 1969, again at Hampden. Nearly 48,000 turned up – 15,000 more than for the first match – and saw Ayr open the scoring in the 12th minute. Celtic, though, equalised two minutes later through Harry Hood and got the winner through Steve Chalmers in the 54th minute.
12 minutes from the end, Ronnie Simpson dislocated his shoulder for the second time, an injury which effectively finished his wonderful career.
Many Happy Returns to Pat Stanton, born on this day in 1944.
Centre-forward Phil Gormley was born on this day in Greenock in 1924 and after a spell with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, joined Celtic on 3rd January 1948. Those were difficult years for Celtic, with much chopping and changing of personnel and unfortunately, Phil made only one appearance for the Hoops, a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the league on 10th January 1948.
Jim Craig
Join in the Celtic conversation today on the vibrant new fans forum – it’s called CELTIC NOISE…and all Celtic supporters are welcome!
