On This Day in 1977, a penalty from Andy Lynch sealed the Scottish Cup for Celtic. The trophy would be the last of Jock Stein’s illustrious spell in charge as manager of the Parkhead side.
Celtic were awarded a penalty kick against Rangers and despite it being a stonewaller, Derek Johnstone appeared to use both hands to stop the ball on the Rangers goal-line, the Clyde Superscoreboard Cheerleader argues to this day that it should NOT have been given.
Kenny Dalglish was meant to take any spot kick but in the build up to the match admitted that he didn’t fancy it after missing a few in the games leading up to the final. A confident Andy Lynch was selected by Jock Stein after winning a penalty competition down at Seamill in the day before the game. Andy made no mistake, giving the Rangers keeper Kennedy no chance.
The Celtic team was Latchford, McGrain, Lynch, Stanton, MacDonald, Aitken, Dalglish, Edvaldsson, Craig, Conn, Wilson. Subs: Burns, Doyle. Goal:- Lynch pen (20 mins).
Dalglish lifted the trophy and then lost his medal before a Policeman found it in an umbrella.
After the game Celtic manager Jock Stein and captain Kenny Dalglish tried to board the Rangers bus in error much to the amusement of the Rangers staff on board.
Alfie Conn now had the unique record of winning on Scottish Cup finals played between the two Glasgow giants for both clubs. This was actually the tenth Scottish Cup Final that featured Celtic v Rangers.
The win was Stein’s 25th major trophy as Celtic manager and his 8th Scottish Cup and was the last major trophy he brought to Parkhead. It was also the last trophy that King Kenny would lift as Celtic captain.
Here are some highlights…
Thanks as always to Celtic Wiki for the invaluable reference point or all things Celtic.
