Relichtie

Memorable matches No. 6

   April 20 1968                          Arbroath 2-0 Ayr United                Scottish League Division 2

" Arbroath to play in the 1st Division ". 

  After being pipped by a point the previous season, this was the match that clinched promotion, the first time I had seen it. 

As the tannoy played " Congratulations "- UK's european entry, the fans, me included invaded the park to celebrate, for next season the lichties would face Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs etc. in the 1st Division.

On the previous Wednesday, the lichties had travelled to St Mirren., who would be champs, and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw. A goal by Dennis Bruce had secured a precious point, and with two games to go, both at home the maroons could only throw it away.

Goals from " the terrible twins ", the aforementioned Bruce in 8 mins, and his "twin " Jimmy Jack, saw off the honest men and ensured that their faithful fans were rewarded.

It had been a notable season, with two high scoring wins, 8-1 v Brechin, And 8-0 v Stenny, but the cups had been disastrous, when after defeating Ayr away in the 3rd round, Arbroath fell to non-league, ( then ) Elgin City.  0-2 at Borough Briggs. This after failing to qualify from their league cup section. But all was forgotten now.

Arbroath - Williamson, Cameron, Hughes, Cargill, Stirling, Kennedy, Sellars, Cant, Jack, Bruce, Wilkie.

Ayr Utd - Stewart, McPherson, Murphy, Walker ( Aitken ), Monan, McAnespie, Weams, Hawkshaw, Ingram, Mitchell, Barrowman. 

Attendance 2776.

 Ayr Utd Stats

April 27 1968                                          Arbroath 3-2 Alloa Ath.              Scottish League 2nd Division

Alloa applauded Arbroath on to the park, and then for half an hour played them off it, racing to a two nil  lead with goals in 5 and 26 mins. Arbroath fought back and a 25 yard effort from Dennis Bruce went in off the post to reduce the leeway before half time.

Second half goals from Bruce, from a Wilkie corner in 52 mins, and Jack in 80 mins secured a last win of the season and sent the fans home happy.

Division 2 Top of Table  at end of season.

Back                                      Alloa Ath. Stats