In 1968 Larkhall Thistle had their best run in the Scottish Cup since winning the cup twice at the beginning of the century, when they went all the way to the semi final – beating some of the biggest names in Scottish junior football along the way.
The run to the semi was as follows:
First Round: Bye
Second Round: Darvel home, won 3-2 came back from 2-0 down
Third Round: Irvine Meadow, won 3-1
Fourth Round: Bo’ness United home, won 2-0
Fifth Round: Inverurie Locos away, won 5-1
Sixth Round: Lochore Welfare away, won 2-1
Semi-final: Glenrothes (East End Park, Dunfermline), lost 4-0
The semi-final at Dunfermline was virtually a home game for the Fife team but if it had not been for the huge travelling support from Larkhall the gate would have been a disaster. Unfortunately the open spaces of East End Park did not suit us and we were well beaten on the day.
The Jags team that played in the semi-final was:
Dave McGavin, Martin Mulhearn, John Dingwall, Mick Lyons, Hugh Kirkland, Bobby Mitchell, Jacky Balloch, Andy Campbell, Rab Brown, Bert Steel, Jim Allen
Veteran Thistle supporter Hugh Kerr reports that, “A lot of tears were shed that day by a lot of grown men after getting so close, because for a club like ours who knows when we would get so close again to the final (which at that time was played at Hampden). Great memories indeed”.
Of these guys Andy Campbell and Jim Allen were capped for Scotland. Tam Armstrong was a regular in the team at the time but unfortunately he was injured for the game and was replaced on the day by John Dingwall.
great to see the photos,john dingwall came in for jackie balloch 1968
Good to hear from you jim John Dingwall actually came in for Tam Armstrong in the semi at Dunfermilne. Did you get capped for junior Scotland that year I think you did after a outstanding display at Inverurie in the 5th. Rd.
Hi, are there any items or photos of late 50s-.60s onwards?
That’s all the photos we’ve got at the moment, we’re always looking for people to submit new stuff so please check back again
i’ve been in sa 40 years now and getting goose bumps at the memories well done. 68 trainer was john brannon also viewpark man good luck.
i got two caps in 68 wales at irvine meadow and ireland in belfast
Who was the trainer back in the 60s I believe he came from wishaw juniors ,i think his name was Bob something
Can anyone remember the Larkhall thistle team that played against Arthurlie at home .. it was a Quarter final Scottish cup tie…I played in the match but I was looking to get full team line up. 1998 I’m sure it was . Thanks Fraser church .
Can’t help you with the line up Fraser but I do remember there were highlights on the Sunday football show at the time, probably Scotsport I think. They went through the whole clip without mentioning Larkhall Thistle once, they never even said who Arthurlie were playing just that they went through.
Remember game well Fraser will check back and get details . Danny Hanley was in goals and Stevie Scott scored our goal . Huge crowd at game will check records and see what I can find
Thanks Hugh . Yes Danny and B Sheldon and Joe Dickson I remember. Was the current Stirling Albion manager Kevin playing in midfield that day . Any info or pictures would be good . I came across a few recently.
Hi Fraser will see what I can find but to be honest we had some periods where some photographs etc. have been misplaced.
Hi Hugh
Thanks for that . Any information would be great
Cheers Fraser