1963-02-22: Morton 1-1 Celtic, Friendly

Match Pictures | Matches: 19621963 | 1962-63 Pictures

Trivia

  • The end of January/ start February 1963 were the crucial period in the departure of Pat Crerand from Celtic. Following his argument with Sean Fallon in the Ne'erday game he had found himself dropped – for over 4 weeks! This was a player at the top of his form, and a full and regular Scotland international. On the 29th January he had allegedly submitted a letter asking for a transfer south. On the 4th February the £50,000 deal with Manchester Utd came to light with Matt Busby and a delegation at Celtic Park and the ball was firmly in Pat's court. On the 6th February Pat signed for Manchester Utd and was gone.
  • Following the milder weather which allowed the Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk to be played, the wintry conditions set in again and locked down hard. Few games were played throughout the country north and south of the border. Celtic were due to play Hearts in the Scottish Cup on the 2nd February – icy pitch but Crerand knew he had been dropped still. They tried on the 4th – iced; 6th – snow and ice; a slight thaw and it looked like the League game against Motherwell on the 9th would go ahead – off frozen again; and so on…. It didn't matter the number of times the fixtures were re-arranged when the ground was still frozen solid and ice covered.
  • This was Celtic's first 'competitive' game since the January 28th Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk after severe winter weather throughout Scotland and England – the worst winter conditions since 1947. The match was played in Dalymount Park, Dublin on a Friday night. Both teams agreed to allow substitutions to give rusty players match time.
  • Legendary ex Celt Bobby Evans plays for Morton.
  • Celtic and Morton are glad to get a game under their belts. Celtic haven't played since 28 January.
  • Game played at Dalymount Park in Dublin as Celtic and Morton attempt to beat the freezing weather in Scotland by getting a game played.
  • Teams agree that substitutes can be played.
  • Game played on a Friday night.

Review

Celtic looked rusty after a lengthy break and Morton were said to have the better of the chances. Celtic rumoured to be interested in Morton's Irish player Paddy Turner.

Teams

Morton:
Brown; Boyd, Caldwell; Evans, Kiernan, Cowie; Anderson, Turner, McLaughlin, McGraw, Wilson .
Scorer: McGraw (10)

Celtic:
Haffey; Young, Gemmell (Kennedy, 45); McNamee, McNeill, Price; Gallacher (Chalmers, 45), Craig, Hughes, Divers, Murdoch (Brogan, 45).
Scorer: Craig (47)

Referee: T Cannon (Dublin)
Attendance: 2,000

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

Articles

Morton v Celtic, Friendly 22/2/63, Glasgow Herald