I worked with a St Johnstone fan in the early 90s who talked about a fanzine, “Auld must score”. The words uttered by the commentator at the 1969 League Cup Final, until then Saints only final appearance, as Bertie scored the only goal of the game.
That St Johnstone side took the club to heights it had never experienced. Their manager, Willie Ormand, went straight to the Scotland job, such was the respect for his work in Perth. Today, they are holders of both domestic cups, by any measure, 2021 is their 1967.
Now comes the difficult second album. Ninth in the table, often unable to buy a goal, Callum Davidson has made his side difficult to score against, as he works on how to be more effective at the other end. Thiers is a great story, every neutral celebrated at least one if not all of their cup wins last season.
We have seen good and bad from Celtic this season, the latter notably twice against Livingston, a side far worse than tonight’s opponents. On our game, the vast open spaces of Hampden will expose St Johnstone and, if I’m honest, I expect nothing less.
Neither coaches nor players in the St Johnstone dressing room today are old enough to remember what it felt like when “Auld must score” was said, but as they cross the white line, they will be very aware of how the history and present day of our two clubs entwine. Bertie will not be on the field, or standing on a table and banging a window, but he will be there is spirit. Be like Bertie, Celtic – be winners.
35 Comments
Cmon the Celtic
He shoots and hits the post
D :)
Good luck Celtic, we are playing well scoring plenty, just work a bit harder and close down out of possession,I think we will win by 2 goals.
I was there when wee Bertie scored. Just win again today, Celtic.
Celtic have injury woes with regulars Rogic and Starfelt still out, and it’ll soon be a year since Chis Jullien was anywhere near fit. Welsh can cover CB, and Ange will continue with two right backs, one playing on the left.
James Forrest is due a return to the starting line up, and McGregor and Turnbull will take the midfield slots poignantly today, in a tribute to predecessors Auld and Murdoch.
Giakoumakis injured again with the jury still well and truly out leaves the abominable Ajeti as back up goalscorer, it’s as well we have heroes Kyogo and Jota, capable of winning any game.
If we score early as Bertie did against the same opponents 52 years ago, we’ll sail to victory, otherwise St Johnstone will make this an industrial meeting, “ But can they play “ ?
RIP Mr Celtic
David66
Enjoy the game and your beer.
Hopefully we put on a show but will be happy to win ugly
Celtic Park – 114 X 74 yards
Hampden – 105 X 70 yards
What was that again PAUL?
Great KO time in TX today!
I’ll be lighting the log fire out back for the game.
I want a win today.
I was at the 69 final against St Johnstone when Bertie scored the winner in the first couple o minutes.
If I remember correctly the Saints manger Wullie Osmand predicted hie wee right winger would destroy Big Tam Gemmell in that match.
Big Jock didn’t play Tam and I think Tam asked for a transfer.
Emdy?
Good afternoon all from Shawlands. Gerrintaethum Celtic!!!!
My first ever cup final in 1969.
Can’t say I remember too much about it other than Bertie scoring and us winning.
Phil, think Tam got dropped for kicking Overath up the Ronson.
Celtic 4 Saints 1
Kyogo 2
Jota
Jamesie
Keep on improving Celtic Ange and the Bhoys.
A few weeks later we demolished Benfica at Parkhead 3-0 in the EC.
Free kick outside the box in the second minute.
Bertie touches the ball in Big Tams direction and from 30 yards he scores a rocket.
I was in the Celtic end that night and I’m sure the roar caused the roof to bounce up and down.
Memories.
Lovely.
BRRB
Big Tam was no shrinking violet!
Wee Henry Hall was the saints winger. Don’t remember him troubling Tam previously.
Leftcklick- Cheers hope you have a good day.
Come on Celtic
D :)
PHILBHOY on 20TH NOVEMBER 2021 2:42 PM
I suspected something like that and was just about to Google. You saved me the job ! Thanks.
st tams- ditto, my first Cup Final, will take a first minute goal again
Che Adams, Pukki and Toney all score early in the EPL.
BB
If we score early. I think we will go on and win comfortably.
Would like to see Jamsie start.
I, too, was at that final. My memory is that after Bertie scored , not a lot more happened. While I would settle for the same today, I believe that this team under Ange, will be more entertaing and score a few goals.
Come on the Celts.
HH
Doozie of a game at Burnley. 3-2 to Palace before half time.
Watford 2-0 up on Man U. Rodgers latest results probably not helping his chances.
Philbhoy, I was in the Celtic end tae, only my 2nd visit after returning hame fae here, we lost 0-2 tae the calvinists on the Saturday.
When big Tams rocket landed in the back of the net the stand was bouncing and swaying that much I thought it was going tae come down.
As for Berties LC final, the Perth captain that day was Benny Rooney, I believe his nephew will be playing for them the day.,
Madhun sends off one player from each side in Dundee Utd – Aberdeen game.
We gave to make the MIB irrelevant today
an early goal please.
Have
@Celtic line up v St Johnstone ……
Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Juranovic, Bitton, McGregor, Turnbull, Abada, Kyogo, Jota
Subs: Bain, Scales, McCarthy, Montgomery, Soro, Uroghide, Johnston, Forrest, Ajeti
Disappointed that Jamsie isn’t playing.
Murty bagged
STARTING XI
HART
RALSTON
CARTER-VICKERS
WELSH
JURANOVIC
BITTON
McGREGOR (C)
ABADA
TURNBULL
JOTA
KYOGO
BAIN. SCALES. AJETI. M CARTHY. JOHNSTON
SORO, URMOGHIDE FOREST MONTGOMERY
COYBIG 🍀
What an achievement if we get to final after the player turnaround.
Come on Celtic a final awaits.
COYBIG
D :)
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