Relichtie

   

Memorable matches No. 12

   February 2 1974                              Rangers 2-3 Arbroath                   Scottish League Division 1

This is a game I wish I had been at. The only time Arbroath had recorded a victory over the famous Gers, excepting the infamous " back green " victory on November 15, 1884. ( The lichties won 4-3 despite being 3-0 down after 20 mins ). After a protest, ( the Scottish Association had twice confirmed the result, but inexplicably then ordered a replay ), the result was overturned and the match replayed. An 8-1 victory for Rangers left a sour taste in the mouths of the Arbroath faithful.

There was to be no reprieve for the Glasgow club in this match.

The history makers

 

 Rangers started strongly and Marshall was called into action as the light blues went for an early goal, but the big keeper stood firm. Penman put Cant through on goal, but the inside man shot over the bar.

 Rangers did break through in the 38th min. when Scott outpaced Donald on the right, and sent over a cross which McLean hit on the half volley past Marshall.

Arbroath equalised in the 62nd min. when Penman's dipping centre was missed at the near post by Hunter, and  Fletcher nipped in to score from a few yards out. A minute later Penman slipped the ball to Donald on the lichties right, the full back sent a high ball into the middle, and Pirie rose to bullet the ball into the net.

This spurred Rangers on and when Cant tripped Parlane in the box in 68 mins., the big striker sent the resultant penalty past Marshall. 

With four minutes remaining, Arbroath got the winning goal. Fletcher chased a long ball through the middle, beating Jardine, and shot past the advancing Hunter and into the net.

Arbroath - Marshall, Donald, Rylance, Walker, Waddell, Murray, Sellars, Cant, Pirie, Penman, Fletcher. subs Cargill and Payne.

Rangers - Hunter, Jardine, Mathieson, O'Hara, Johnston, Smith, McLean, Scott, Parlane, Hamilton, Morris. subs Fyfe and Young.

Andy Penman was an ex- Ranger, and Mathieson and Smith would also grace the maroon jerseys later in their careers.

 

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