Jaggy Advent

[Jaggernaut]

Joe Craig and Dougie Somner in the same attack. Could it get any better? (Well, Coulston and Bone, I suppose.)

[wee col]

my first season too, great days

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

7th December

 

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TODAY'S GAME

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Sun-07-Dec-2003

Motherwell [h] W1-0

Scottish Premier League - game 15

venue: Firhill

att: 4124

scorer(s): John-Paul McBride

 

 

BRITTON AND WHYTE WIN THEIR FIRST SPL GAME IN CHARGE

 

^ ^ The Jags players celebrate receiving a win bonus.

 

Build-Up: Today’s entry takes us back into the recent past, 10 years back to be specific. It was the season 2003/04. Since the turn of the Millennium Thistle had dragged themselves out of Second Division misery and won consecutive promotions to return themselves to the top flight of Scottish football, the SPL as it was now known. John Lambie guided us to a 10^th place finish and then promptly retired, a well-earned retirement. Gerry Collins took over the management of Thistle in the Summer of 2003, tasked with the responsibility of consolidating Thistle’s position in the SPL. It wasn't an easy task, as John Lambies policy of one year deals(a prudent policy factoring in the possibility of relegation), meant that a significant chunk of Thistle’s team were signed by other clubs. Defensive mainstays Archibald and Paterson signed for Dundee United, Burns and Craigen signed for Motherwell(amidst much anger given Motherwell had recently been through administration) and Hardie went off to Kilmarnock. Gerry Collins signed a raft of players such as Bonnes, Anis, Forrest, Grady, McBride, Taylor, Thomson and Mikkelsen. Such a high turnover of players would inevitably require a bedding in period but pre-season results were encouraging, a 6-1 victory over Ayr United being the highlight. Thistle picked up 2 points from our first four games, draws against Livingston and Motherwell. The two losses were seen as unlucky with Thistle going down to 10 men after 20 minutes away to Kilmarnock and Mikkelsen having a blunder in a narrow defeat by Celtic. Another Mikkelsen blunder saw the Faroese International consigned to the bench with Kenny Arthur replacing him as Jags number 1. But the results didn't improve. An injury time Grant Brebner goal snatched the points for Hibs at the start of October before Hearts rounded off the month with a 4-1 rout at Firhill. When Thistle went down 4-2 to Kilmarnock in mid November it was clear Collin’s days were numbered. On 30^th November, despite putting in a spirited display against Celtic in a 3-1 loss, Gerry Collins was sacked as Thistle manager. With Jim Duffy seemingly at the head of the wanted list, Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte were handed the responsibility of caretaker managers.

 

The first league game Britton and Whyte took charge of was against Motherwell on Sunday 7^th December 2003. It was moved to the Sunday to accommodate the T.V. coverage, from Channel 5, of Thistle’s 2-0 CIS Cup defeat to Celtic. Despite losing 10 consecutive league games, Thistle were, remarkably, only 6 points behind an Aberdeen side in 11^th. Aberdeen were also in action that Sunday facing Hibs at Pittodrie.

 

 

The Match: Britton and Whyte made only one change from the team who had put in a spirited display against Celtic the previous Saturday with David Lilley replacing Jean Yves Anis. Thistle dominated the game from the start. John Paul McBride shooting from distance early on to force a save from Gordon Marshall. Jamie Mitchell, one of the players retained from 2002/03, fired in a cross that Corrigan did well to clear ahead of pressure from Milne. With only 15 minutes gone Grady latched onto McBrides crossfield pass, but unfortunately was unable to compose himself sending the resulting shot over the bar. Adrian Madaschi missed a sitter for Thistle after half an hour. He managed to beat the offside trap played by Motherwell but sent a tame header, from a Grady cross, into the arms of Marshall. Kenny Arthur was called into action just before half time to save from Clarkson but Thistle were the better team, by far, in the first half. The disappointing performance from Motherwell disappeared at the start of the second half as they pressed Thistle early in the second half but never threatened Kenny Arthur in the Thistle goal. On the hour we took the lead, when McBride rifled a loose ball into the corner of the net. Motherwell stepped up a gear looking for a response but efforts from Lasley, Burns and Adams were dealt with comfortably. In the 87^th minute Motherwell missed a glorious opportunity when Clarkson mis-kicked in front of goal after being excellently set up by Lasley. Lady luck shone on Thistle and we recorded our first league win of the season in December.

 

Thistle Team: Arthur, Lilley, Whyte, Murray, Madaschi, Milne, McBride(Howie 88), Ross, Fleming, Mitchell(Taylor 90), Grady.

 

 

The Aftermath: Our win against Motherwell was a welcome relief, especially since Aberdeen had disposed of Hibs 3-1. Never before in our history had we failed to win a league game before December, our longest ever league run without a win from the start of the season was broken in the first game Britton and Whyte took charge. The following week Thistle fans flocked to Firhill hoping the duo could repeat the trick with a 6 pointer against Aberdeen. Russell Anderson scored two identical headers as Thistle succumbed 3-0 to Aberdeen to fall 9 points behind the bid for survival. On 23^rd Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte were given the role permanently to take charge. We recorded a 4-1 home win against Dunfermline just after Christmas to give some more hope that we’d stay in the SPL. However, we only won 1 more league game before April as we slumped towards the trap door of relegation. It was mathematically impossible for us to finish in any position other than 12^th on 24^th April when a Steve Lovell goal won the game for Dundee in our first post-split fixture, but there was hope for Thistle.

 

At the top of the First Division Inverness Caledonian Thistle were locked in a promotion battle with Clyde. Clyde had a ground-sharing arrangement in place with Kilmarnock, ICT had no such arrangement. As such, Thistle fans began “supporting” ICT for the title, believing this would save Thistle in a fashion similar to Motherwell and Falkirk the previous season. On the final day of the SFL1 season ICT clinched the title and made arrangements to groundshare with Aberdeen. On June 1^st the SPL voted on the issue of promotion, with 8 votes being required to allow ICT in the SPL. They only received 7 “Yes” votes and so were declined. The main concern was whether the groundsharing agreement should have been made before the March 31^st deadline. Hearts and Hibs asked for another vote, which was set for June 22^nd, and it emerged Dundee United Chairman Eddie Thompson had reversed his decision. He believed that a dispensation was in order for ICT’s ground and that the reduction to 6,000 seats, due to come into force from 2005/06, should be brought forward to allow ICT in the league. Thistle went to the Court of Session to stop the second vote, but Lord Brodie refused our appeal for an Interim Interdict. The vote went 10-2 in favour of ICT and we were relegated. Tom Hughes accepted the decision but the rest of our board disagreed and planned an appeal which was, ultimately, rejected. We would have to accept our relegation and attempt to rebuild in the First Division.

 

As for the Britton and Whyte era, they signed up a host of players to prepare for life in SFL1, including the goal machine of Juan Ramon Escalas. Escalas had scored 11 goals before the end of October, but despite this Thistle had fallen 11 points off the pace of the top. A bleak November followed and after a 4-0 home defeat to St. Johnstone, Britton and Whyte were given two games to save their job. The first was a 1-1 draw at Broadwood with an on-loan Andy Wilkinson scoring his only goal for us, but the second was a 1-0 home defeat to Hamilton Accies, an early Brian McPhee goal slaying us. It was, ultimately, no surprise when on 20^th December 2004, Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte were relieved of managerial duties with Thistle lying in 9^th place in SFL1.

 

 

Other games on 7^th December:

 

 

Sun-07-Dec-2003 Motherwell [h] W1-0 (Scottish Premier League - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 4124, scorer(s): John-Paul McBride

Sat-07-Dec-2002 Dunfermline Athletic [h] W4-0 (Scottish Premier League - game 19)

venue: Firhill, att: 4110, scorer(s): Gerry Britton, Alex Burns (2), Scott McLean

Sat-07-Dec-1991 Morton [a] W1-0 (SFL First Division - game 23)

venue: Cappielow, att: 2194, scorer(s): David Irons

Sat-07-Dec-1985 Forfar Athletic [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Station Park, att: 872, scorer(s): John Donnelly

Sat-07-Dec-1974 Motherwell [h] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 3500, scorer(s): Joe Craig, Denis McQuade

Sat-07-Dec-1968 Dunfermline Athletic [h] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 4500, scorer(s): -

Sat-07-Dec-1963 Queen of the South [h] W6-1 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 10000, scorer(s): Ian Cowan (2), Ernie Yard (3), Billy Hainey

Sat-07-Dec-1957 Queen of the South [h] W4-3 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 10000, scorer(s): George Smith, Andy Kerr (2), Davie McParland

Sat-07-Dec-1946 Hamilton Academical [a] W3-1 (SFL Division A - game 16)

venue: Douglas Park, att: 4000, scorer(s): Hugh Brown, Willie O'Donnell, Kenny Chisholm

Sat-07-Dec-1940 Albion Rovers [a] D1-1 (Southern League - game 17)

venue: Cliftonhill, att: 2000, scorer(s): Alex McSpadyen

Sat-07-Dec-1935 Dunfermline Athletic [h] W2-0 (SFL First Division - game 20)

venue: Firhill, att: 8000, scorer(s): George Wyllie (2)

Sat-07-Dec-1929 St Johnstone [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Muirton Park, att: 3000, scorer(s): John Simpson

Sat-07-Dec-1918 Morton [a] L0-3 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Cappielow, att: 6000, scorer(s): -

Sat-07-Dec-1912 Heart of Midlothian [h] L1-3 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 15000, scorer(s): Willie Bulloch

Sat-07-Dec-1907 Third Lanark [h] W2-0 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Meadowside, att: 3000, scorer(s): Sam Kennedy, Riddell

Sat-07-Dec-1901 Leith Athletic [h] W1-0 (SFL Second Division - game 14)

venue: Meadowside, att: 4000, scorer(s): John Muirhead

Sat-07-Dec-1889 Linthouse [h] L1-2 (Friendly)

venue: Inchview, att: ?, scorer(s): A. Johnston

Sat-07-Dec-1878 Petershill [h] W3-0 (Friendly)

venue: Overnewton Park, att: ?, scorer(s): John Burleigh (2), Brash

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[Jaggernaut]

Excellent article again.

 

 

(Sshhh… except…...the past participle of "shine" is "shone" (not "shined").

[The Sunnylaw Jag]

Great article . . but that team remain one of the biggest disappointments as a Jags fan as they flattered to deceive before the season begun. The fact that Gerry failed as manager too was a sore one.

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

8th December

 

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TODAY'S GAME

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Sat-08-Dec-2001

Inverness Caledonian Thistle [a] W2-1

SFL First Division - game 18

venue: Caledonian Stadium

att: 1926

scorer(s): Martin Hardie (2)

 

 

THISTLE RECORD OUR FIRST LEAGUE WIN IN INVERNESS

 

^ ^ Big Mad Mental Martin Hardie

 

 

Build Up: Thistle had cruised to the Second Division title in 2000/2001 ending a 3 year exile out of the top half of Scottish football. Few people expected John Lambies men to do much in our first season back in the First Division, we were expected to be fighting out a relegation battle. Lambie had worked quickly and tirelessly to ensure that the core of our title winning squad stayed in place. Players such as Archibald, Arthur, Craigen, Lennon, Hardie and McLean were all signed up, along with several members of Livingstons’ 2000/01 First Division title winning team. With the building blocks in place for survival, Thistle collected 10 points from their first 4 games. A good start was in order for us to ensure our survival so no-one was getting carried away. We extended our unbeaten league start to 7 games, until we went North to Dingwall. Thistle led 2-0 after 5 minutes and many Jags fans probably felt we were going to make it 8 games unbeaten. Ross County, however, had other plans and ended our unbeaten league start beating us 3-2. Thistle suffered a slump over the next month before a narrow 2-1 win over Raith Rovers sparked a run of 4 straight wins which propelled us to the top of the league. Being top of the league was a shock to the system so, being Thistle, we promptly lost our next two games and drew a third leaving us 5 points behind Airdrie. Thistle travelled North to Inverness having lost 50% of their away league games…..

 

 

The Match: Lambie made three changes to the team who had drawn 0-0 with Ross County. Out went James McKinstry, who fell out the squad completely, while Britton and Hardie were dropped to the bench with Lennon, Dolan and McLean starting for Thistle. The swirling icy wind that came off the Moray Firth was always going to make it a difficult match, ensuring that neither of the two Thistle’s were able to produce football that they were capable off. The first half wasn’t totally void of goalscoring opportunities, but they were few and far between. Derek Fleming hit the bottom of Nicky Walkers post with a deflected effort, in one of the few moments in the first half that troubled either goalkeeper. In the second half the action around the goalmouths was more frequent but thoughts were starting to turn towards a second successive goalless draw when Inverness Caledonian Thistle opened the scoring on the hour mark. Inverness found themselves with a man in space on the left and Barry Robson’s excellent accurate cross was headed towards goal by Inverness’ top scorer Dennis Wyness. Kenny Arthur got a hand to it but he was unable to prevent the ball hitting the net. Suddenly Thistle had it all to do to get even a single point in this fixture, with Airdrie looking about to run away. We created more chances with last ditch defending stopping Alan Archibalds effort whilst Scott McLean fired an effort narrowly wide. Eventually in the 81^st minute Thistle drew level, Scott McLean flighted in an excellent cross and Hardie piled home the header. Scott McLean almost had us in front but his shot was deflected narrowly past the post before in injury time one of the most dramatic Thistle goals ever. Nicky Walker in the Inverness goal did well to stop a goal bound shot but the ball fell to Hardie who knocked the ball into the net. The 700 Jags fans who travelled North went mental as Hardie disappeared into the crowd having secured us a valuable three points.

 

Thistle Team: Arthur, McCulloch, Archibald, Craigen, Paterson, Deas, Walker(Britton), Lennon, McLean, Dolan(Hardie), Fleming

 

 

The Aftermath: Season 2001/02 was a very enjoyable one for Thistle. We reached our first Scottish Cup semi final since 1979 after a dramatic cup run of 5 games. In early January, after the first attempt to play the game was postponed, we defeated East Fife at New Bayview 4-2. Our reward for that success was a home tie against Dundee, who were managed by Ivano Bonetti at that time, a manager who did not have a clue who Partick Thistle were. A 1-1 draw at Firhill soon let him know who we were before a Gerry Britton wonder goal and a late Andy Gibson strike saw Thistle through to a Quarter Final against Inverness C.T. The game was declared all ticket and the stands were packed as the Thistle’s battled out a 2-2 draw, Scott Patersons sensational strike the pick of the bunch. North we travelled again to play Inverness and a magical Scott Paterson free kick ensured we progressed to Hampden to play Rangers. Unfortunately the dream never really took off as an early Christian Nerlinger goal gave Thistle a massive uphill battle. Despite a spirited showing Rangers ran out 3-0 winners.

 

As for the league? Thistle won their next two league games, courtesy of Martin Hardie goals, both with him coming off the bench, and indeed won all 5 of their league games between Inverness and the next meeting with Airdrie. Alex Burns salvaged a draw for Thistle on a day where goalkeeping heroics denied us from getting all three. The Scottish Cup run acted as an inspiration, rather than a distraction as players upped their performances to try and retain their places for the upcoming semi-final. By the time we were knocked out the Scottish Cup on 23^rd March, Thistle had a 6 point cushion at the summit of the league. A couple of weeks later we went to Airdrie with an opportunity to win the league outright. Alex Burns, once again, secured Thistle a draw but it wasn’t enough to mathematically win the title for Thistle. The following week around 5,000 Thistle fans went to Love Street and saw Marc McCulloch head home the opener in the first half before Derek Fleming scored a second, breaking his leg in the process, to secure Thistle the title and a return to the SPL. There were no worries about ground capacity, as the board had acted swiftly and built the North Stand in time for the March 31^st deadline. Thistle lifted the trophy at a home game against Raith Rovers to confirm back to back promotions. It was something no-one would have predicted a year before, let alone 2 years before when we closed our home league campaign with a 1-0 loss to Alloa and a mid-table Second Division finish. Fans often talk about defining games, I wonder how the season would have emerged had Hardie not dragged us back into the game and we finished that December day 8 points behind Airdrie instead.

 

The goals from the 8th December 2001, are available to view below:

 

 

 

Other results on 8th December:

 

 

 

 

Sat-08-Dec-2007 Queen of the South [a] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Palmerston, att: 1763, scorer(s): Liam Buchanan (2)

Sat-08-Dec-2001 Inverness Caledonian Thistle [a] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Caledonian Stadium, att: 1926, scorer(s): Martin Hardie (2)

Sat-08-Dec-1990 Morton [h] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Firhill, att: 3000, scorer(s): Colin McGlashan (2)

Sat-08-Dec-1962 Hibernian [a] W2-0 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Easter Road, att: 8000, scorer(s): Neil Duffy (2)

Sat-08-Dec-1956 Falkirk [h] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 11)

venue: Firhill, att: 15000, scorer(s): Joe Hogan, Johnny McKenzie

Sat-08-Dec-1951 Airdrieonians [h] W5-2 (SFL Division A - game 13)

venue: Firhill, att: 9000, scorer(s): Alex Stott, Jimmy Davidson, Jimmy Walker, Willie Sharp, John Anderson

Sat-08-Dec-1945 Rangers [h] L1-5 (Southern League, Division A - game 18)

venue: Firhill, att: 25000, scorer(s): Hugh Brown

Sat-08-Dec-1934 Ayr United [h] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 19)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): Willie Miller

Sat-08-Dec-1928 Heart of Midlothian [a] L1-2 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Tynecastle, att: 15000, scorer(s): John Torbet

Sat-08-Dec-1923 Dundee [a] D0-0 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Dens Park, att: 12000, scorer(s): -

Sat-08-Dec-1917 Motherwell [h] W1-0 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 10000, scorer(s): Neil Harris

Sat-08-Dec-1906 Falkirk [h] L0-3 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Meadowside, att: 3000, scorer(s): -

Sat-08-Dec-1900 Morton [a] W3-2 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Cappielow, att: 3000, scorer(s): Thomas Gibbons, Robert Campbell, o.g.

Sat-08-Dec-1888 Queen's Park [n] L0-8 (Glasgow Cup Final)

venue: Ibrox, att: ?, scorer(s): -

Sat-08-Dec-1877 Levern [h] L0-2 (Friendly)

venue: Overnewton Park, att: ?, scorer(s): -

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[Jaggernaut]

Happy memories!

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

9th December

 

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TODAY'S GAME

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Sat-09-Dec-1899

Linthouse [h] W8-1

SFL Second Division - game 14

venue: Meadowside

att: 2000

scorer(s): Willie Paul (2), John Blackwood (2), David Fairbairn (2), William Freebairn (2)

 

 

LINTHOUSE GUBBED AT MEADOWSIDE FORTRESS

 

 

^ ^ ^ Meadowside, the happy home of PTFC from 1897 to 1908

 

The Build-Up: Following Thistle at the conclusion of the 19^th century was a very interesting time and it is back to 1899 we go for today’s Jaggy Advent. At this time Thistle were playing at Meadowside, having moved into it in September 1897. Our first season in Meadowside saw us win 5 of our 9 home games, leading to us finishing in 8^th position in the First Division, level with Dundee on 13 points. With no ability to separate the sides, goal average hadn’t yet been introduced; it gave the league a unique problem as to how to determine who should which club should be up for re-election. Unlike modern times there was no automatic promotion or relegation, the league would vote on whether they felt a club should be demoted or not. It was decided a playoff would be held between Thistle and Dundee, a whopping 6 weeks after the season finished. Held at Meadowside, thinking it would generate a bigger crowd, Thistle lost 2-0 to Dundee and had to wait for the vote to see if we would retain our First Division status or if we would be demoted to the Second Division. In May 1898 a vote was held by the league and it was voted that the status quo should remain, we had been saved relegation. In 1898/99 we hoped to improve and stave off any thoughts of being demoted, but a disappointing campaign saw us win only 2 games all season, still managing to finish above Dundee in the table. The member clubs of the First Division voted Kilmarnock, champions of the Second Division, into the top division sending Thistle to the Second Division. Dundee, who finished bottom of the league, were retained in the First Division, but it was difficult for anyone to complain about the demotion. Thistle had played two shocking seasons in the First Division and hadn’t shown any signs of improvement.

 

Off the field saw Thistle change committee in time for the 1899/1900 season. Things would have to improve in order to see Thistle back into the First Division.Thistle’s last season in the Second Division in 1896/97 had been built on a strong home record with 8 wins and a draw recorded from their 9 home games. A fortress would have to be built at Meadowside to build a platform for re-election. Thistle started strongly winning 6 of their first 7 games, including all their home ties, but crowds at Meadowside were disappointing. Clearly the paying public would need more than a short term run of form to be convinced that the poor play of the First Division had been banished to the past. Thistle continued to impress and kept up their 100% home record, when a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies at the start of December sent us 4 points clear of Morton, even if they did have a game in hand. Thistle were due to end a run of 3 consecutive home games, and play their last home league game of the 19^th century, against Govandale rivals Linthouse F.C. a team they had a feisty relationship with.

 

 

The Match: Thistle made one change from the team who defeated Hamilton Accies 3-0, Willie Paul returned to the side after a 3 game absence replacing McNichol in the starting line-up. Thistle were clearly looking for a quick start and got it as Blackwood opened the scoring in the 1^st minute. Linthouse, visibly stunned by this early goal, took a while to get back into the game but when they did they struggled in front of goal. Thistle, however, played with a purpose and method to their play and it was no surprise that they led 4-0 at half time. Willie Paul and a double from David Fairbairn adding to the early strike. The second half started quietly, with Thistle content with their lead. Willie Freebairn added a 5^th for Thistle to put a bit of gloss on the scoreline, before Linthouse scored a goal themselves. Linthouse had started to play with a bit of purpose, no doubt trying to make the scoreline more respectable when they were awarded a penalty. Drysdale promptly despatched it home to make the scoreline 5-1. This only annoyed Thistle and we scored three quick goals through Paul, Freebairn and Blackwood resulting in a final scoreline of 8-1. All four goalscorers ended the game with 2 goals as Thistle extended their home winning streak, in the second tier, to 15 games.

 

Thistle Team: McDonald, Campbell, WIlson, Bryce, Proudfoot, Goudie, Fairbairn, Freebairn, Blackwood, Paul McDougall

 

The Aftermath: The win gave Thistle a 4 point lead at the top of the division, with Morton having two games in hand, and only 4 games remaining. Confidence was high that we would secure the title and with it a credible chance of re-election to the First Division. In our last game of the 19^th Century we drew 2-2 away to Abercorn. Thistle completed their 100% home season, extending their home winning streak in the second tier to 17 games, with wins over Motherwell and Abercorn. While there was only 9 home league games that season, it remains the only season where Thistle have not dropped a single point at home, an impressive achievement. Yet, despite this remarkable home record the league title was still not secure. We had to go to Hamilton on the last day and win, and we did. A stylish 4-2 win ensuring Thistle fans partied long into the night. Thistle won re-election to the First Division at the expense of Clyde, through the unusual method of the drawing of lots. The vote between Clyde and Thistle was level, with the League President reluctant to vote meaning the clubs future was decided through lots.

 

In 1901/02, when Thistle had been relegated from the first division again, we won our first 7 home league games extending the unbeaten home record, in the second tier to 24 games. This was where it was sadly to come to an end, as Port Glasgow Athletic triumphed in January 1902, the only blemish in the home record that season. It was a remarkable run and one that still stands as one of the best to this day.

 

The 8-1 victory over Linthouse was Thistles last ever competitive fixture against them. They were struggling to make an impact in the Scottish game and their attendances were poor due to the direct competition with Rangers. The club decided not to seek re-election at the end of 1899/1900, in a season where they did not win a single home league game. Their tenure as a Scottish Football League club ended after only five seasons.

 

 

Other results on 9th December:

 

 

 

Sat-09-Dec-2006 Ross County [a] W5-2 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Victoria Park, att: 2381, scorer(s): Stephen McConalogue (2), Mark Roberts, Pat Keogh, Brown Ferguson

Sat-09-Dec-1995 Rangers [a] L0-1 (SFL Premier Division - game 17)

venue: Ibrox, att: 43137, scorer(s): -

Sat-09-Dec-1989 Falkirk [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 19)

venue: Brockville, att: 3500, scorer(s): Chic Charnley

Sun-09-Dec-1984 Hamilton Academical [a] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Douglas Park, att: 1689, scorer(s): -

Sat-09-Dec-1978 Morton [h] W2-1 (SFL Premier Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 3993, scorer(s): Bobby Houston, Dougie Somner

Sat-09-Dec-1972 Morton [h] W1-0 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 4500, scorer(s): Steve Chalmers

Sat-09-Dec-1967 Motherwell [h] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 5000, scorer(s): Tommy Rae, o.g.

Sat-09-Dec-1950 Airdrieonians [a] W2-1 (SFL Division A - game 12)

venue: Broomfield, att: 10000, scorer(s): Willie O'Donnell (2)

Sat-09-Dec-1944 Rangers [a] L0-2 (Southern League - game 17)

venue: Ibrox, att: 15000, scorer(s): -

Sat-09-Dec-1939 Celtic [h] W4-2 (Regional League, Western Division - game 8)

venue: Firhill, att: 3500, scorer(s): Evelyn Morrison (2), Alex Younger, Peter McKennan

Sat-09-Dec-1933 St Mirren [a] L0-2 (SFL First Division - game 20)

venue: Love Street, att: 4000, scorer(s): -

Sat-09-Dec-1916 St Mirren [h] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 5000, scorer(s): -

Sat-09-Dec-1911 Aberdeen [h] W3-1 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 9000, scorer(s): Willie Bulloch, John Coham, George Elmore

Sat-09-Dec-1905 Airdrieonians [h] W1-0 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Meadowside, att: 3000, scorer(s): William Gray

Sat-09-Dec-1899 Linthouse [h] W8-1 (SFL Second Division - game 14)

venue: Meadowside, att: 2000, scorer(s): Willie Paul (2), John Blackwood (2), David Fairbairn (2), William Freebairn (2)

Sat-09-Dec-1893 Battlefield [h] D4-4 (Friendly)

venue: Inchview, att: 2500, scorer(s): Willie Paul, P. Murray (2), William Freebairn

 

 

This is simply a glimpse into the past of Thistle at this time. Should you wish to find out more and learn all about Thistle in the last 1800s then I would thoroughly recommend Partick Thistle – The Early Years(available at: http://ptearlyyears.net/introduction) which helped with the research of this piece.

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[Ancipital]

Great thread- the level of detail for some of the older matches is very impressive.

 

Quick question for anyone- the Brockville game 24 years ago today, did we score in injury time? Vague memory as a kid of being in the main stand for a game at Brockville where Charnley scored late on, thinking this would fit the bill.

[The Earl of Hathaway]

The Hardie/Inverness game is one of the most dramatic Thistle games I've ever witnessed.

[The Jukebox Rebel]

Ancipital,

 

It certainly would fit the bill, we were several minutes into injury time when Chic shot home, rescuing a point for the ten men, the committed Bobby Law having saw red. We had started well under Sandy Clark and were in a commanding position. Falkirk fans sang "Lamont must go", Jags fans sang "Lamont must stay". Thanks for this, it has cheered me up after Saturdays late pain!

[Ancipital]

Cheers, must be it. Can only presume my dad had a couple of comps to explain why we were in the main (only) stand there. Can still picture the goal to this day.

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

10th December

 

===========

TODAY'S GAME

===========

Sat-10-Dec-2011

Greenock Morton [a] W2-1

SFL First Division - game 16

venue: Cappielow

att: 1849

scorer(s): David Rowson, Kris Doolan

 

 

THE LAST OF THE ROWSON SCREAMERS

 

^ ^ David Rowson playing against Morton. He might just have scored his screamer!

 

The Build-Up: There is a saying in football that you should never return to a club for a second spell, especially if your first spell was quite successful. The player in which today’s Jaggy Advent revolves around had two spells at Thistle, but rather than being a disaster in his second spell, he was even better in his second spell. His name? David Rowson.

 

David Rowson started his career with Aberdeen having emerged through the youth ranks at Pittodrie. His undoubted highlight with the Dons was reaching the Scottish Cup Final in 2000. David played the full 90 minutes as Rangers won 4-0, a result that could have been different if Jim Leighton hadn’t been injured after just 3 minutes (there was no goalkeeper on the Aberdeen bench due to the rules of the time which only permitted 3 players on the substitute’s bench). In the summer of 2001, David moved south to Stoke City hoping to push on with his career and make an impact in the English leagues. Sadly, this wasn’t to happen as injuries blighted his time down at Stoke restricting him to less than 20 appearances. In January 2003, David Rowson became one of John Lambie’s last ever signings. Signed on the 17^th January 2003, alongside Kevin McGowne and Ian Ross, David was immediately thrust into the team for the next league game and went on to make 13 appearances in the second half of the 2002/03 season. It was in the last of these, a 3-2 win at Easter Road, that he scored the first of his Thistle goals. In June 2003 David penned a year’s contract as he became part of Gerry Collin’s plans to build and consolidate in the SPL. As a consequence, David’s shirt number moved down from 37 to 11, and he played almost 40 games for Thistle that season scoring 3 goals, including an absolute screamer against Dundee.

 

In the summer of 2004 David was out of contract again, and with Thistle relegated to the First Division, he chose to leave. Despite rumoured interest from Aberdeen, he went back down South signing for Northampton before later signing a deal with Darlington. In the summer of 2007, with Ian McCall having just taken over at Firhill, David was tempted back for another spell. He was in consistently excellent form that season playing almost every game for Thistle. His form was noticed in the stands as he swept the supporter’s Player of the Year awards that season. He continued to dominate First Division midfields throughout the country, while occasionally popping up with a screamer. In May 2011, just days after his dad had passed away, David found the courage to pull on the Thistle jersey for the final time that season in our season ending game against Raith Rovers. As the minutes ticked down, David popped up with a wonderful top corner 20 yard screamer to bring the curtain down on the season, scoring his first goal in over 20 months.

 

Season 2011/12 was a campaign full of highs and lows. Jackie McNamara had been appointed as manager and David found himself, once again, as a key part in midfield. On November 19^th, Thistle suffered what many regard to be their most humiliating result, a 1-1 draw away to Culter. Thistle won the replay 4-0 but pride had been dashed. Thistle drew 0-0 away to Ayr United, before defeating Livingston 2-1 to signify the start of a recovery from the Culter debacle. In a typically tight First Division, Thistle travelled down to Greenock hoping to continue their recovery.

 

 

The Match: Thistle started with the same side that defeated Livingston, reward for the previous performance and result. Thistle started the half well with Cairney and Dargo both coming close with efforts. David Rowson had an effort deflected wide, but Cervi managed to grab Cairneys corner before it caused any trouble. Morton responded with a good period of pressure but efficient defending from Balatoni and O’Donnell kept them at bay before Thistle went ahead just before half time. Craig Dargos shot was well saved by Cervi, resulting in a Thistle corner. Cervi denied Dargo again forcing it out for a second corner in quick succession. It was taken short and found its way to Rowson who took aim from 25 yards and rifled it into the net. Morton started the second half strongly and soon responded with an excellent goal of their own, McGeoch drilling a shot past Fox from just outside the box. Both sides went looking for the game-winning goal with Taylor-Sinclairs effort skidding off the pitch into the goalkeepers arm before O’Brien wasted a good chance for Morton. With a few minutes remaining though, Thistle took the lead again. Taylor-Sinclairs cross from the left found its way to Doolan, who slammed the ball home for the game winner.

 

Thistle Team: Fox, Paton, Taylor-Sinclair, Hutton, Balatoni, Archibald, Cairney, Rowson, Dargo(Erskine 72), Elliott(Doolan 82), O’Donnell

 

The Aftermath: The goal against Morton was David Rowsons 12th, and final, strike for Thistle. He remained a vital part of the midfield for the remainder of the 2011/12. During the summer of 2012, heading into the final year of his contract with Thistle, he sustained a back injury disrupting his progress to fitness. With Thistle starting the year so well, it was hard for him to break back into the squad and he only made 2 substitute appearances, against Cove Rangers and Livingston, prior to January 2013. In January 2013 he went out on loan to Stenhousemuir to gain match sharpness. When Jackie McNamara left to join Dundee United later that month, fans were gutted at the news unsure how the team would move forward. There was to be more devastation for Jags fans as, later that day, it was announced the David Rowson had chosen to move on too. David made over 250 appearances for Thistle (many of which had the rest of his team strapped on his back!), and scored 12 goals for us. There are too many highlights from his Jags career to mention here but I’m sure the crossbar at Broadwood is still bouncing!

 

David, unsurprisingly, signed for Stenhousemuir a club where he remains today, starting their loss against East Fife last Saturday. Off the field David has been training as an Independent Financial Adviser, working as a trainee with Johnston Carmichael Wealth. He stated in an interview in June 2011, that he hopes to, one day, transfer his skills and contacts into his own advice practice aimed at helping footballers better manage their finances. The word legend is bandied about too frequently in footballing circles these days, but Rowser is certainly worthy being classed as one.

 

Highlights of the Morton game are available by clicking on the link below:

 

http://ptfc.co.uk/me...greenock_morton

 

Other results on 10th December:

 

 

 

Sat-10-Dec-2011 Greenock Morton [a] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Cappielow, att: 1849, scorer(s): David Rowson, Kris Doolan

Sat-10-Dec-2005 Stenhousemuir [a] W4-1 (Scottish Cup 2nd Round)

venue: Ochilview, att: 1273, scorer(s): Ricky Gillies, Scott McCulloch, Jukka Santala, Stephen McConalogue

Sat-10-Dec-1988 Meadowbank Thistle [a] W2-0 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Meadowbank Stadium, att: 800, scorer(s): Jim Kerr, Gerry McCoy

Sat-10-Dec-1983 Clydebank [a] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Kilbowie, att: 1951, scorer(s): -

Sat-10-Dec-1977 Celtic [a] L0-3 (SFL Premier Division - game 16)

venue: Celtic Park, att: 25392, scorer(s): -

Sat-10-Dec-1966 Airdrieonians [a] L1-3 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Broomfield, att: 3500, scorer(s): Davie McParland

Sat-10-Dec-1960 Third Lanark [h] W2-1 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 12000, scorer(s): Tommy Ewing, Neil Duffy

Sat-10-Dec-1955 Airdrieonians [h] L1-3 (SFL First Division - game 13)

venue: Firhill, att: 9000, scorer(s): Willie Sharp

Sat-10-Dec-1949 Third Lanark [h] W5-1 (SFL Division A - game 13)

venue: Firhill, att: 15000, scorer(s): Alex Stott (2), Hugh Brown (3)

Sat-10-Dec-1938 Arbroath [h] W3-1 (SFL First Division - game 20)

venue: Firhill, att: 8000, scorer(s): John Wallace (2), Peter McKennan

Sat-10-Dec-1932 St Mirren [h] W3-1 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): John Torbet, George Boardman (2)

Sat-10-Dec-1927 Bo'ness [a] W4-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Newton Park, att: 4000, scorer(s): Alex Lambie, Robert Grove, Harry Gibson (2)

Sat-10-Dec-1921 Airdrieonians [a] W1-0 (SFL First Division - game 20)

venue: Broomfield, att: 5000, scorer(s): Robert McFarlane

Sat-10-Dec-1910 Airdrieonians [a] L0-2 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Broomfield, att: 4000, scorer(s): -

Sat-10-Dec-1904 Kilmarnock [h] W2-0 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Meadowside, att: 4000, scorer(s): Sam Kennedy, Robert Gray

Sat-10-Dec-1898 Hibernian [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Easter Road, att: 5000, scorer(s): James Kirkland

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[Willjag]

"I’m sure the crossbar at Broadwood is still bouncing!" When I seen this thread, I was going to ask that! Still reckon it was the hardest shot I've ever seen, if it had hit the net, it would have ripped it off.

[The Sunnylaw Jag]

Didn't Rowser have the distinction among his 12 goals score the last in season 2010-11 and the first competitive goal in 2011-12

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

11th December

 

===========

TODAY'S GAME

===========

Tue-11-Dec-1928

Rangers [n] W2-0

Glasgow Dental Cup Final

venue: Hampden Park

att: 8000

scorer(s): Davie Ness, John Torbet

 

 

THISTLE REGISTER PERFECT DENTAL RECORD

 

^ Captain Alex Lambie with the Dental Cup. The first Thistle team to k/o the Old Firm en route to a Hampden Cup Final success!

Back - Sandy Lister (trainer), Jimmy Richmond, Dennis O'Hare, John Jackson, Robert Paton, Harry Gibson, Eddie McLeod

Front - Davie Ness, George Boardman, Alex Lambie, John Ballantyne, John Torbet

 

 

The build up: As the 1920s progressed, Glasgow’s population was fast approaching the one million mark and the pressing need for a dedicated, state of the art Dental Hospital had been firmly identified. With governmental funding being limited at that time (nothing new there then) a range of initiatives were put in place to help with “The Building Fund”. In the summer of 1928 there was a “Grand Historical Pageant”, held in the Garscube Estate from the 23rd to 29th June 1928. In his book “History of the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School 1879-1979”, Tom Brown Henderson refers to this event: “A willing army of seven thousand performers, singers, and dancers was enlisted. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales promised to attend one of the performances and there were high hopes that the Building Fund would benefit by a very large sum. An indication of the expectations of the Committee can be gleaned from the fact that the organiser was to be paid 4 per cent, on profits up to £15,000 and 31/2 per cent, on profits over that amount. Alas, rain fell heavily and almost continuously throughout the week of the Pageant and even the presence of His Royal Highness could not avert a disastrous financial result. The Building Fund received nothing.” Undaunted, the Hospital Building Committee pressed on. In another of their high profile fund raising attempts, the ever charitable senior football institutions of Glasgow were called upon for their help. To a club, they all stepped up to the mark.

 

Celtic, Clyde, Partick Thistle, Queen’s Park, Rangers and Third Lanark all took part in the fundraising initiative via their participation in the one-off tournament which was to be officially known, rather unsurprisingly, as the Glasgow Dental Hospital Cup. With regards to its purpose, the five tournament games could only muster up combined attendances of under 20,000 people, and the organizers, once again, must have been left somewhat disappointed with gate receipt totals which would, undoubtedly, have been rather less than they were hoping for from the football mad citizens in the second city of the Empire. One can only conclude that the Glaswegian punters could not be tempted away from their coal fires for these midweek games, all of which were played in the cold, wintery evenings of 1928. All of this, however, is of little concern to the Partick Thistle fan in the here and now. What matters most to us today is the glory of the look back buzz, and the fact that, for the first time, the Partick Thistle had managed to defeat both the Celtic and the Rangers en route to winning a trophy!

 

In early November, a single goal from the prolific John Simpson was enough to secure our First Round victory as Third Lanark were knocked out at Firhill. On the last Wednesday in November, a trip to neutral Hampden Park and a meeting with the Celtic was our Semi Final destiny. We rarely have too much trouble in overcoming Celtic at Hampden Park but, to be fair to them, they made a game of it that day and even managed to take us into extra time, with the scores being level at one apiece. Two goals in the first half of extra time knocked the stuffing out of them however and Jags ran out 3-1 winners in the end. This match was played in the days before floodlights became an integral part of the football stadium, and trivia buffs may be interested to learn that, due to the descending darkness, the referee blew his final whistle after just 21 minutes of extra time. Some might say this was natural justice for the fact that Celtic’s late equalizer, as reported in at least two newspaper accounts, was “well offside”. Divine intervention and no little skill had set us up nicely for the grand final at Hampden Park where, once again, our old rivals from Govan lay in wait. In recent times we had trounced them 6-3 at Hampden in the Glasgow Charity Cup Final of 1927. Could we defeat the current Scottish champions again? You bet we could!

 

The match: “Keenly contested, the game was the best of the series. In the event of neither side scoring, or being equal in goals at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, it was agreed that corner kicks, counted from the start, should decide the issue. From the kick off the exchanges were exceptionally fast and of an exciting character. Partick Thistle, with the wind in their favour, were the first to settle, and after eight minutes Ness, from a long pass by Torbet, headed into the net to give them the lead. Continuing to have the better of the play, they added to their lead, Torbet converting a penalty kick three minutes from the interval. In addition Partick Thistle had been credited with three corner kicks, Rangers having failed to score even a minor point. After crossing over, Rangers were the more aggressive side, but though they had several good scoring chances they failed to locate the net. They succeeded, however, in forcing five corner kicks, but against that the Thistle had two similar awards. Partick Thistle not only combined better, but finished stronger and on the day’s play were worthy winners. Jackson kept a good goal, while O’Hare and Paton gave a sound defensive display. Lambie was the best of the three half backs, while Ness and Torbet, the latter until he went lame, the best of a clever forward line. Rangers, while keen, were inclined to be too individualistic. Archibald and Cunningham were their most dangerous forwards, and Meiklejohn the best of the middle line. Hamilton, Gray and Purdon were not so impressive as in the Semi Final tie against Clyde.” ~ Glasgow Herald, December 12th 1928.

 

Thistle team: Jackson, O’Hare, Paton, Richmond, Lambie, E McLeod, Ness, Boardman, Gibson, Ballantyne, Torbet

 

The aftermath: At the close, Preceptor Duncan Graham, in the absence of Lord Provost Mason, who was confined to the house with a chill, handed over the trophy which was accepted by Mr W. Ward on behalf of Partick Thistle. The players all received handsome badges described as “well worth winning”. From thereon, the trophy became the permanent property of the club and is proudly on display, complete with a wee bash, in the trophy cabinet today. Mr. Robin, chairman of the Dental Hospital Building Committee, thanked the Glasgow clubs for the efforts they had made to assist the funds. It was intimated the sum ingathered from the five games amounted to £819. They accomplished their goal in the end and the impressive art deco building at 203-217 Renfrew Street was finally completed in 1931. The Hospital opened in 1932 and contained treatment rooms, laboratories and a Dental School within its 4 floors. These days the listed building, which was extended onto Sauchiehall Street in 1970, remains in use as a teaching hospital for the profession, and if you’re brave enough you can even volunteer yourself for some freebie treatment! While you’re in there you can remark with some pride “Partick Thistle helped build this place you know…”

 

This victory marked the first time that Thistle had beaten both Rangers and Celtic en route to winning a Cup Final, but it was certainly not the last. We’ve now performed this wonderful little party trick on five occasions, all told. The Jaggy Advent can exclusively reveal that no other Football Club in the world has ever matched this feat! Our run of Old Firm “double knockout” Cup victories started with the Glasgow Dental Cup in 1928-29, was repeated via the Glasgow Charity Cup success of 1948-49 and was most recently achieved in the winning Glasgow Cup routes of 1950-51, 1954-55 and 1980-81. And who was the Thistle manager for the three Cup successes of the 40s and 50s? None other than David Meiklejohn, who had played at the heart of the Rangers side in the Dental Cup Final of 1928. It’s a funny old game innit?

 

Smile if you like the Dental Cup!

 

Other results on 11th December:

 

 

 

Sat-11-Dec-2010 Ross County [h] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 1509, scorer(s): Chris Erskine

Sat-11-Dec-2004 Clyde [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Broadwood, att: 1800, scorer(s): Andy Wilkinson

Sat-11-Dec-1982 Raith Rovers [a] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Starks Park, att: 1800, scorer(s): Maurice Johnston, Ian Jardine

Sat-11-Dec-1971 Motherwell [h] W8-3 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 7000, scorer(s): Frank Coulston (2), Jimmy Bone (2), Alex Rae, Denis McQuade (2), Alex Forsyth

Sat-11-Dec-1954 Dundee [a] L1-3 (SFL Division A - game 14)

venue: Dens Park, att: 16000, scorer(s): George Smith

Sat-11-Dec-1948 Third Lanark [a] W2-1 (SFL Division A - game 14)

venue: Cathkin Park, att: 12000, scorer(s): Jimmy Walker (2)

Sat-11-Dec-1943 Rangers [h] L1-2 (Southern League - game 17)

venue: Firhill, att: 12000, scorer(s): Bill Shankly

Tue-11-Dec-1928 Rangers [n] W2-0 (Glasgow Dental Cup Final)

venue: Hampden Park, att: 8000, scorer(s): Davie Ness, John Torbet

Sat-11-Dec-1926 Dundee United [h] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): Sandy Hair, John Torbet

Sat-11-Dec-1920 Celtic [a] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 21)

venue: Celtic Park, att: 30000, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1915 Dumbarton [a] L0-2 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Boghead, att: 2000, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1909 Aberdeen [h] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 18000, scorer(s): Sydney Smith

Sat-11-Dec-1897 Celtic [h] L3-6 (SFL First Division - game 13)

venue: Meadowside, att: 8000, scorer(s): Willie Paul (2), Fred McDiarmid

Sat-11-Dec-1886 Rangers [a] D0-0 (Friendly)

venue: Kinning Park, att: ?, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1880 Helensburgh Victoria [a] W1-0 (Friendly)

venue: ?, att: ?, scorer(s): ?

 

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[Alan Hansen]

Thistle Register Perfect Dental Record, Old Firm Toothless

11th December 1928.

 

 

^ Captain Alex Lambie with the Dental Cup. The first Thistle team to k/o the Old Firm en route to a Hampden Cup Final success!

Back - Sandy Lister (trainer), Jimmy Richmond, Dennis O'Hare, John Jackson, Robert Paton, Harry Gibson, Eddie McLeod

Front - Davie Ness, George Boardman, Alex Lambie, John Ballantyne, John Torbet

 

 

The build up: As the 1920s progressed, Glasgow’s population was fast approaching the one million mark and the pressing need for a dedicated, state of the art Dental Hospital had been firmly identified. With governmental funding being limited at that time (nothing new there then) a range of initiatives were put in place to help with “The Building Fund”. In the summer of 1928 there was a “Grand Historical Pageant”, held in the Garscube Estate from the 23rd to 29th June 1928. In his book “History of the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School 1879-1979”, Tom Brown Henderson refers to this event: “A willing army of seven thousand performers, singers, and dancers was enlisted. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales promised to attend one of the performances and there were high hopes that the Building Fund would benefit by a very large sum. An indication of the expectations of the Committee can be gleaned from the fact that the organiser was to be paid 4 per cent, on profits up to £15,000 and 31/2 per cent, on profits over that amount. Alas, rain fell heavily and almost continuously throughout the week of the Pageant and even the presence of His Royal Highness could not avert a disastrous financial result. The Building Fund received nothing.” Undaunted, the Hospital Building Committee pressed on. In another of their high profile fund raising attempts, the ever charitable senior football institutions of Glasgow were called upon for their help. To a club, they all stepped up to the mark.

 

Celtic, Clyde, Partick Thistle, Queen’s Park, Rangers and Third Lanark all took part in the fundraising initiative via their participation in the one-off tournament which was to be officially known, rather unsurprisingly, as the Glasgow Dental Hospital Cup. With regards to its purpose, the five tournament games could only muster up combined attendances of under 20,000 people, and the organizers, once again, must have been left somewhat disappointed with gate receipt totals which would, undoubtedly, have been rather less than they were hoping for from the football mad citizens in the second city of the Empire. One can only conclude that the Glaswegian punters could not be tempted away from their coal fires for these midweek games, all of which were played in the cold, wintery evenings of 1928. All of this, however, is of little concern to the Partick Thistle fan in the here and now. What matters most to us today is the glory of the look back buzz, and the fact that, for the first time, the Partick Thistle had managed to defeat both the Celtic and the Rangers en route to winning a trophy!

 

In early November, a single goal from the prolific John Simpson was enough to secure our First Round victory as Third Lanark were knocked out at Firhill. On the last Wednesday in November, a trip to neutral Hampden Park and a meeting with the Celtic was our Semi Final destiny. We rarely have too much trouble in overcoming Celtic at Hampden Park but, to be fair to them, they made a game of it that day and even managed to take us into extra time, with the scores being level at one apiece. Two goals in the first half of extra time knocked the stuffing out of them however and Jags ran out 3-1 winners in the end. This match was played in the days before floodlights became an integral part of the football stadium, and trivia buffs may be interested to learn that, due to the descending darkness, the referee blew his final whistle after just 21 minutes of extra time. Some might say this was natural justice for the fact that Celtic’s late equalizer, as reported in at least two newspaper accounts, was “well offside”. Divine intervention and no little skill had set us up nicely for the grand final at Hampden Park where, once again, our old rivals from Govan lay in wait. In recent times we had trounced them 6-3 at Hampden in the Glasgow Charity Cup Final of 1927. Could we defeat the current Scottish champions again? You bet we could!

 

The match: “Keenly contested, the game was the best of the series. In the event of neither side scoring, or being equal in goals at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, it was agreed that corner kicks, counted from the start, should decide the issue. From the kick off the exchanges were exceptionally fast and of an exciting character. Partick Thistle, with the wind in their favour, were the first to settle, and after eight minutes Ness, from a long pass by Torbet, headed into the net to give them the lead. Continuing to have the better of the play, they added to their lead, Torbet converting a penalty kick three minutes from the interval. In addition Partick Thistle had been credited with three corner kicks, Rangers having failed to score even a minor point. After crossing over, Rangers were the more aggressive side, but though they had several good scoring chances they failed to locate the net. They succeeded, however, in forcing five corner kicks, but against that the Thistle had two similar awards. Partick Thistle not only combined better, but finished stronger and on the day’s play were worthy winners. Jackson kept a good goal, while O’Hare and Paton gave a sound defensive display. Lambie was the best of the three half backs, while Ness and Torbet, the latter until he went lame, the best of a clever forward line. Rangers, while keen, were inclined to be too individualistic. Archibald and Cunningham were their most dangerous forwards, and Meiklejohn the best of the middle line. Hamilton, Gray and Purdon were not so impressive as in the Semi Final tie against Clyde.” ~ Glasgow Herald, December 12th 1928.

 

Thistle team: Jackson, O’Hare, Paton, Richmond, Lambie, E McLeod, Ness, Boardman, Gibson, Ballantyne, Torbet

 

The aftermath: At the close, Preceptor Duncan Graham, in the absence of Lord Provost Mason, who was confined to the house with a chill, handed over the trophy which was accepted by Mr W. Ward on behalf of Partick Thistle. The players all received handsome badges described as “well worth winning”. From thereon, the trophy became the permanent property of the club and is proudly on display, complete with a wee bash, in the trophy cabinet today. Mr. Robin, chairman of the Dental Hospital Building Committee, thanked the Glasgow clubs for the efforts they had made to assist the funds. It was intimated the sum ingathered from the five games amounted to £819. They accomplished their goal in the end and the impressive art deco building at 203-217 Renfrew Street was finally completed in 1931. The Hospital opened in 1932 and contained treatment rooms, laboratories and a Dental School within its 4 floors. These days the listed building, which was extended onto Sauchiehall Street in 1970, remains in use as a teaching hospital for the profession, and if you’re brave enough you can even volunteer yourself for some freebie treatment! While you’re in there you can remark with some pride “Partick Thistle helped build this place you know…”

 

This victory marked the first time that Thistle had beaten both Rangers and Celtic en route to winning a Cup Final, but it was certainly not the last. We’ve now performed this wonderful little party trick on five occasions, all told. The Jaggy Advent can exclusively reveal that no other Football Club in the world has ever matched this feat! Our run of Old Firm “double knockout” Cup victories started with the Glasgow Dental Cup in 1928-29, was repeated via the Glasgow Charity Cup success of 1948-49 and was most recently achieved in the winning Glasgow Cup routes of 1950-51, 1954-55 and 1980-81. And who was the Thistle manager for the three Cup successes of the 40s and 50s? None other than David Meiklejohn, who had played at the heart of the Rangers side in the Dental Cup Final of 1928. It’s a funny old game innit?

 

Smile if you like the Dental Cup!

 

Other results on 11th December:

 

 

 

Sat-11-Dec-2010 Ross County [h] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 1509, scorer(s): Chris Erskine

Sat-11-Dec-2004 Clyde [a] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Broadwood, att: 1800, scorer(s): Andy Wilkinson

Sat-11-Dec-1982 Raith Rovers [a] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Starks Park, att: 1800, scorer(s): Maurice Johnston, Ian Jardine

Sat-11-Dec-1971 Motherwell [h] W8-3 (SFL First Division - game 15)

venue: Firhill, att: 7000, scorer(s): Frank Coulston (2), Jimmy Bone (2), Alex Rae, Denis McQuade (2), Alex Forsyth

Sat-11-Dec-1954 Dundee [a] L1-3 (SFL Division A - game 14)

venue: Dens Park, att: 16000, scorer(s): George Smith

Sat-11-Dec-1948 Third Lanark [a] W2-1 (SFL Division A - game 14)

venue: Cathkin Park, att: 12000, scorer(s): Jimmy Walker (2)

Sat-11-Dec-1943 Rangers [h] L1-2 (Southern League - game 17)

venue: Firhill, att: 12000, scorer(s): Bill Shankly

Tue-11-Dec-1928 Rangers [n] W2-0 (Glasgow Dental Cup Final)

venue: Hampden Park, att: 8000, scorer(s): Davie Ness, John Torbet

Sat-11-Dec-1926 Dundee United [h] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 18)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): Sandy Hair, John Torbet

Sat-11-Dec-1920 Celtic [a] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 21)

venue: Celtic Park, att: 30000, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1915 Dumbarton [a] L0-2 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Boghead, att: 2000, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1909 Aberdeen [h] D1-1 (SFL First Division - game 14)

venue: Firhill, att: 18000, scorer(s): Sydney Smith

Sat-11-Dec-1897 Celtic [h] L3-6 (SFL First Division - game 13)

venue: Meadowside, att: 8000, scorer(s): Willie Paul (2), Fred McDiarmid

Sat-11-Dec-1886 Rangers [a] D0-0 (Friendly)

venue: Kinning Park, att: ?, scorer(s): -

Sat-11-Dec-1880 Helensburgh Victoria [a] W1-0 (Friendly)

venue: ?, att: ?, scorer(s): ?

 

 

Thanks for this and others really enjoying this keep up the good work

[Jaggernaut]

Brilliant stuff. Love the information about the corner kicks!

[jagfox]

It seems beating the old firm has been bringing a toothy grin to Thistle faces for many a year.

 

Excellent thread, keep up the good work

[Dark Passenger]

Didn't Rowser have the distinction among his 12 goals score the last in season 2010-11 and the first competitive goal in 2011-12

 

Yes. Home goals against Raith and Stenny.

[The Sunnylaw Jag]

Hey hurry up I'm like a eight year old child I can't wait to open up my advent calendar this morning. Hurry hurry hurry.

[jagscast]

Hey hurry up I'm like a eight year old child I can't wait to open up my advent calendar this morning. Hurry hurry hurry.

 

Just in from work. Your wish is my command....

[jagscast]

Jaggy Advent

 

12th December

 

===========

TODAY'S GAME

===========

Sat-12-Dec-1953

Airdrieonians [h] W9-0

SFL Division A - game 12

venue: Firhill

att: 12000

scorer(s): Bobby Howitt (3), Joe McInnes (2), Alex Wright (2), John Harvey (2)

 

THISTLE POST OUR BIGGEST TOP FLIGHT WIN

 

^ ^ ^ Bobby Howitt. Hat-trick hero against Airdrie!

 

The Build Up: When assessing the matches possible for the Jaggy Advent on 12^th December, there were several that stood out but the obvious choice was the match against Airdrieonians in 1953. In a year where we recorded our 1,000th top flight victory, it felt appropriate to pay tribute to the biggest winning margin. Thistle had approached season 1953/54 in confident mood. The nucleus of the team was the same as the team who comfortably finished mid-table the season before. The Glasgow Cup had been won and mood around Firhill was generally positive. The League Cup opened the season, as it did throughout the 1950s and Thistle rallied to win their last 3 group games to secure a quarter Final tie, against Kilmarnock. Before it could be played Thistle had lost their defence of the Glasgow Cup losing to Third Lanark before a heavy opening League defeat to Rangers to begin the campaign.

 

The first leg of the Quarter Final was played at Rugby Park and Killie edged a thrilling encounter 4-3. A few days later when we were back at Firhill was a different story and Thistle blew them away winning 4-0 on the day and 7-4 on aggregate. This set up a Semi Final against Rangers on October the 10^th? Could we gain revenge for the opening day defeat against the team we beat to secure the Glasgow Cup? You bet we could!

 

Thistle despatched Rangers 2-0 to set up a final against East Fife, the semi final coming amongst a 3 game losing league streak. The final was played on 24^th October, with the Fifers being a real power in the land. Thistle conceded two early goals through defensive blunders and went in a half time 2-0 down. Whatever was said at half time worked as they got an instant goal back from Jimmy Walker. Johnny McKenzie grabbed an equaliser for Thistle and the Jags were dominant as we went searching for the cup victory. East Fife’s Frank Christie picked the ball around 30 yards from goal and fired a cracked into the back of the net. Thistle supporters were stunned and as the referee blew the whistle for full time the tears shed down many faces. It’s regarded as many Jags fans worst memory of Thistle.

 

The team bounced back from the cup final shock winning 4 in a row, before back to back defeats against Celtic and East Fife had us languishing in the lower half of the league. Airdrie were next to town in a relegation crunch with both teams being amongst the lowest scorers in the league…

 

 

The match: Thistle made two changes to the team, Ledgerwood returned in goal, while Harvey took the place of Crawford at right half with the old schoolboy moving forward to partner McInnes on the left wing. “The game was barely two minutes old when Howitt electrified the dismal atmosphere with a wonderful goal. A fruitless McKenzie corner was played back to the winger. Getting little room to cross, he managed to lift the ball over to Howitt and, whizz, the roof of the net shook above the helpless Fraser’s head. Indeed, no goalkeeper could possibly have stopped the 15-yard “Howitizer” special. The game had suddenly wakened up now and the pace on the greasy surface was certainly a cracker. The attendance was now around the 12,000 mark. Thistle were gradually taking control and McCulloch and his mates were having a really busy spell from the eager Thistle forwards. In 15 minutes McInnes had really hard luck when he fired a great try inches over the bar, with Fraser again beaten. These Thistle boys were out to make amends for recent lapses and all were on their toes. So much were Airdrie on the defensive that very little was seen of their forward play, and it would have caused no surprise if another Howitt cross shot had gone under instead of inches over the bar. McKenzie should have made no mistake when Wright sent him clear. The winger’s weak left-footer was a mere “kepper” for Fraser. Try as they did Thistle just could not translate their undoubted superiority into goals, although no blame could be put on McInnes who was having a most inspired game. Thistle increased their lead in 32 minutes. Howitt passed forward to Wright who looked suspiciously offside, but the referee told him to carry on. Cutting in from the wing he neatly passed to McInnes. The left winger’s job was dead easy to pilot the ball past Fraser. With barely six minutes to go Airdrie had a glorious chance to reduce the arrears but, oh, Ian McMillan, surely you know not to stop until the whistle blows. To the consternation of all the Airdrie man, right through and only five yards from goal, suddenly stopped dead and trailed the ball back for offside. With a “smog” slowly but surely casting its shadow over the pitch the referee cut the interval to five minutes, and right away the Jags took up the running. Then McKenzie, making ground down the right, centred and Wright smashed in an unsaveable shot. Time, five minutes. This was the prelude to a Thistle goal spree. Two minutes later Harvey met another McKenzie cross and his goalward try was diverted past by an Airdrie defender. In two minutes Wright duly obliged when he headed home a McInnes free-kick from the by line. In other two minutes McInnes made the total six, and barely a minute was played when Howitt completed the debacle to make the total seven. All this within the space of 10 minutes. Thistle had netted five goals, surely a record and one for the Firhill anuals. Airdrie were just powerless now to avert further disaster. The defence, completely overrun, had gone to pieces and the front line was offering little relief. Sixteen minutes from time, Howitt finished off a mazy left wing movement by scoring the eighth and his own third goal of the day.” – Evening Times 12^th December 1953

 

What isn’t mentioned in the match report is the 9^th Thistle goal, scored by Harvey, and the fact that Ledgerwood saved a penalty as well

 

Thistle Team: Ledgerwood, McGowan, Gibb, Harvey, Davidson, Mathers, McKenzie, Howitt, Wright, Crawford, McInnes

 

 

The aftermath: Thistle, typically, followed up this high scoring victory with a 1-0 defeat at home to Rangers. We would return to goalscoring form throughout the season, including a spell in January when we scored 5 or more goals in 3 of 4 league games. We progressed to the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup, including a 9-1 Second Round demolition of Tarff Rovers, being put out by Motherwell. But it was in the league that Thistle really shined. We rallied to win 5 of our last 7 games, including another 9 goal game against Airdrie this time a 6-3 victory, and finish 3^rd in the league for the first time since 1947/48. It was also the first season where Thistle finished above Rangers, edging them by a single point.

 

The side of 1953/54 was a squad that was so wonderfully Thistle. Full of such highs as a 3^rd place finish in the league whilst being top goalscorers, to agonising lows as experience in the cup final where we lost despite being so dominant late on. It was a season where we scored, at least, 7 hat-tricks giving Jags fans plenty to cheer.

 

Other results on 12th December:

 

 

 

Sat-12-Dec-2009 Airdrie United [a] W5-2 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: New Broomfield, att: 1321, scorer(s): Simon Donnelly, Stephen McKeown, Steve Lovell (2), Paul Cairney

Sat-12-Dec-1998 Queen of the South [a] D0-0 (SFL Second Division - game 18)

venue: Palmerston, att: 1731, scorer(s): -

Sat-12-Dec-1992 Hibernian [a] L0-1 (SFL Premier Division - game 22)

venue: Easter Road, att: 6078, scorer(s): -

Sat-12-Dec-1987 Hamilton Academical [a] L0-1 (SFL First Division - game 25)

venue: Douglas Park, att: 2356, scorer(s): -

Sat-12-Dec-1970 Montrose [h] W3-2 (SFL Second Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 2583, scorer(s): Frank Coulston, Denis McQuade, Ronnie Glavin

Sat-12-Dec-1964 Celtic [h] L2-4 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 15000, scorer(s): Tommy Ewing, o.g.

Sat-12-Dec-1959 St Mirren [h] W4-2 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 12000, scorer(s): W. Simpson, Davie McParland, Frank Donlevy, W. Devine

Sat-12-Dec-1953 Airdrieonians [h] W9-0 (SFL Division A - game 12)

venue: Firhill, att: 12000, scorer(s): Bobby Howitt (3), Joe McInnes (2), Alex Wright (2), John Harvey (2)

Sat-12-Dec-1942 Queen's Park [h] W2-1 (Southern League - game 18)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): Maurice Candlin, Thomas Mooney

Sat-12-Dec-1936 Hibernian [a] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 20)

venue: Easter Road, att: 9000, scorer(s): Stewart Calderwood, John Wallace

Sat-12-Dec-1931 Dundee [a] L1-3 (SFL First Division - game 21)

venue: Dens Park, att: 3000, scorer(s): John McGourty

Sat-12-Dec-1925 Aberdeen [h] D2-2 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Firhill, att: 8000, scorer(s): Jimmy Kinloch, John Miller

Tue-12-Dec-1922 St Mirren [h] W4-1 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Firhill, att: 15000, scorer(s): Alex Lambie, John Blair (2), John Ballantyne

Sat-12-Dec-1914 Aberdeen [h] W3-0 (SFL First Division - game 16)

venue: Firhill, att: 6000, scorer(s): Willie Whittle (2), John McTavish

Sat-12-Dec-1908 Motherwell [h] L0-2 (SFL First Division - game 17)

venue: Ibrox, att: 2000, scorer(s): -

Sat-12-Dec-1903 East Stirlingshire [a] W1-0 (Friendly)

venue: Merchiston Park, att: 1500, scorer(s): W. Hamilton

Sat-12-Dec-1896 Leith Athletic [a] L1-3 (SFL Second Division - game 9)

venue: Beechwood Park, att: 2000, scorer(s): ?

Sat-12-Dec-1891 Northern [a] L4-9 (Scottish Alliance - game 11)

venue: Hyde Park, att: 1000, scorer(s): John Gilchrist, J. Bennett, ?, ?

Sat-12-Dec-1885 Rangers [a] L0-5 (Friendly)

venue: Kinning Park, att: ?, scorer(s): -

Edited December 17, 2013 by jagscast

[The Sunnylaw Jag]

Ahhh. Thank you, now I can go have a wee lie down.

[The Jukebox Rebel]

Nae bother to the Top Flight top scorers