The arrival of Jock Stein heralded a new era for Celtic. His first trophy with the club breathed new life into Celtic, giving them belief that they could build on the Scottish Cup success of 1965. Make no mistake it was a defining moment in Scottish football history and the coming of age for these group of players who would go from under-performers to European Champions in under two years.
Everyone knows the famous scene of Billy McNeill’s towering header in the Cup final as Celtic demolish Dunfermline and lift the cup. Yet what many don’t realise is that the competition was thrown in jeopardy for Celtic in the semi final. Indeed, on 27 March 1965, the Hoops hosted Motherwell in the last four of the Scottish Cup. Celtic were behind inside ten minutes thanks to a goal from a striker that the Celtic support would soon be well acquainted with – Joe McBride. Lennox drew Celtic level 20 minutes later, before going behind again through a Joe McBride strike moments after. It took a second half penalty from Bertie Auld to force a replay.
That replay was played at Hampden Park on 31 March 1965 – 55 years ago today! It was a Wednesday evening and officially 59,000 people turned up to watch the contest. Though it is well known that crowds were often recorded as 20,000 or so beneath the real figure in that era. Regardless of the number inside Hampden, one thing that was in no doubt was that all of those present witnessed a mauling by the Hoops.
Jock Stein traditionally revealed his team to the media 24 hours before kick off. However, on this occasion he kept his cards close to his chest. The one quote he did give was that “The wee man (Jinky) has a good chance of playing.” This was classic Stein psychology as Chalmers came into the side in place of Johnstone, playing on the right wing.
The line up was as follows: Fallon, Young, Gemmell, Murdoch, McNeill, Clark, Chalmers, Gallagher, Hughes, Lennox, Auld
Celtic dominated proceedings with Billy McNeill putting in an incredible performance to stifle Motherwell’s front line. Chalmers made the advantage show on the scoreboard in the 27th minute, whilst Hughes and Lennox scored second half goals to give Celtic a 3-0 lead. Chalmers bagged his second before the end of the match with one of the finest goals ever scored at Hampden, but it subsequently chalked off – a baffling decision.
Full time: Celtic 3-0 Motherwell. The Bhoys were in the final.
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