1969-10-08: Ayr United 3-3 Celtic, League Cup SF

Match Pictures | Matches: 19691970 | 1969-70 Pictures

Trivia

  • Celtic went into the game odds on favourites all the way round following their 7-1 win over Raith Rovers at the weekend. Nobody gave lowly part-timers Ayr Utd a chance in this game at Hampden.
  • As expected back in came John Fallon in goal. Kenny Dalglish retained his place, but the big surprise was Jimmy Johnstone out injured, or rather withdrawn before the match with an ear infection. He had been subbed by Harry Hood in the Raith game going off with an arm knock. Harry Hood took over at outside right.
  • Centre half Jacky Clark who had joined Celtic the previous season from Shamrock Rovers was released at his own request
  • Bobby Murdoch had just returned to Celtic Park having spent two weeks south of the border at a health farm in an attempt to lose weight. He made his return in a Reserve game against Queen of the South.
  • The draw came after extra time played when the teams were 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Review

Ayr were underdogs in this semi but put up a fantastic performance and were unlucky not to win.
Ally MacLeod's men were in front twice and Ingram was most impressive up front.
Ayr gave Celtic trouble with cross balls and Celtic were relieved when substitute Auld's shot earned them a replay. In truth Celtic had a lucky streak even before this when John Murphy's tackle on Willie Wallace in the 50th minute which gave rise to the penalty appeared decent to all in the ground apart from the referee.
Celtic missed Johnstone who was missing with ear trouble and young Dalglish impressed in only his second full game.

Teams

Celtic:
Fallon, Hay, Gemmell, Dalglish, McNeill, Clark, Hood (Auld), Lennox, Wallace, Callaghan, Hughes.
Scorers Hughes (41), Gemmell (pen 50), Auld (98)

Ayr United:
Stewart, Malone, Murphy, Fleming, Quinn, Mitchell, Young, Ferguson, Ingram, McCulloch, Rough Sub: Hood
Scorers Rough (32, 95), McCulloch (61)

Referee: J.R.P. Gordon (Newport-on-Tay)
Attendance: 33,110

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

Articles

Ayr Utd v Celtic, League Cup SF, 8/10/69