Larkhall Thistle had a good cup run in 1977, a time that was dominated by the big Ayrshire teams of the day.
8th January 1977
Scottish Cup Third Round
Larkhall Thistle 3 Arniston Rangers 2
22nd January 1977
Scottish Cup Fourth Round
Linlithgow Rose 2 Larkhall Thistle 3
This was an outstanding result for the Jags and one of the most famous victories in their history as they beat the East league giants on their own park. Larkhall’s hero on the day was Alistair Duff who scored all three of the goals.
12th February 1977
Scottish Cup Fifth Round
Kirkintilloch Rob Roy 4 Larkhall Thistle 1
Thistle travelled to play Roy Roy in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup, a game that the Jags lost 4-1. The home team had themselves lost 4-1 in their previous game to lowly Carluke in the Dryburgh Cup, a major shock at the time and Thistle looked to be going into the game with every chance of winning. The game was marred by crowd trouble which caused a six minute hold up in the second half. See photo
Scorers for Rob Roy were Frew 2, Ward and Lochrie, Thistle’s goal was scored by Duff.
uncle danny is in this old photo I think. maybe uncle Robert too.
Hi Fay,
You don’t say what photo it is and who your uncles are?
Fay Anderson · Larkhall
uncle danny is in this old photo I think.maybe uncle Robert too.
I have mixed memories of playing in these 1977 Junior Cup fixtures. From the highs of scoring when we beat Aberdeen Parkvale and Bellshill (after a replay) and Arniston Also Alistair Duffs hat trick V Linlithgow Rose to the defeat by Rob Roy.I thought I was a good poacher/goalscorer until I met and started playing alongside Alistair Duff! The Thistle treated us well in that cup run and it was a pity we did not perform at Adamslie Pk I remember that game for the wrong reasons. Bobby Stillie leaving the pitch and jumping into the crowd when trouble broke out. Or am I exaggerating? When I was about to restart the KO after the ref took us off for 6 minutes there were a few stragglers still on the pitch. One wag said to me " just give us a shout big man and we will get this game stopped " Given the end result it's a pity I didn't! I have bumped into Tam Clark and Bobby`s uncle in The Accies Vaults and the debacle is still talked about. Met Alan Sneddon in Bar West and shared some happy memories. Of the day when Arthur Whiteside didn't get away from work in time for the Evening Times final V EK Thistle. Alan and I were sent out of the dressing room whilst the committee reshuffled the team. I was given the nod and partnered Alistair Duff up front in what was my first competitive game. Alan Duff was moved back to Centre Back and did really well. In fact I recollect in ET that had Johnny Blackwood squared a ball to me or Alistair instead of going for glory we would surely have scored and gone on to have won instead of losing 4 – 3! Ifs and buts!
Hi John
I remember well the evening Times final think it was at Shettleston? I was gutted that I couldn’t get away in time from work and don’t think the committee ever forgave me as they put me on transfer list at the end of that season! hey ho
regards
Arthur
Can’t remember you being put on transfer list nowadays very few transfer deals between clubs Bosman has a lot to answer for. You still selling cars.
Hi Arthur,
Yes you’re right it was down at Shettleston. As was a game against KELLO ROVERS the midweek or so before. I had just signed and went to watch it with my dad. Half way through the game he remarked I’d signed for a good team.
I think this may have been a WEST OF SCOTLAND semi final cup tie.
Thistle contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and ended up losing by 4 – 3 as I recall. I had not been introduced to the players so don’t know if you played in that game.
Yes I remember you being given a transfer soon after I signed. I quickly realised there’s no sentiment in junior football. You were the club captain as I remember!!
Hope you’re well. Cheers John.