Celtic On This Day – 27th March – David Potter’s Celtic Diary

SATURDAY 27 MARCH 1920 – Joe Cassidy and Adam McLean score the goals for Celtic today as they beat Falkirk 2-1 at Brockville. Cassidy scored in the first half, then Falkirk equalised, and it looked like a draw with the strong Falkirk defence holding out against the mighty Celtic forward line of McAtee, Gallacher, McInally, Cassidy and McLean until in the very last minute Adam McLean squeezes one past the goalkeeper. Meanwhile at Celtic Park in the Scottish Cup semi-final, Albion Rovers earn a draw with Rangers.

SATURDAY 27 MARCH 1926 – A rare spoke in the wheel of the Celtic express train today as they go down to Motherwell at Fir Park 1-2. They are still ahead in the League and have games in hand, however. Tommy McInally scored Celtic’s only goal today, but the best players on the field are Bobby Ferrier of Motherwell and “Jean” McFarlane of Celtic. Celtic are missing the injured Adam McLean.

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 1957 – Serious questions are asked about the Celtic defence and about goalkeeper Dick Beattie in particular after a series of elementary errors allow Kilmarnock to beat Celtic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup semi-final replay. 76,963 fans leave Hampden puzzled and unhappy, with the integrity and honesty of several players openly called into question.

SATURDAY 27 MARCH 1965 – The Celtic Rising, under Jock Stein, have a new determination and edge to their game is proved in this Scottish Cup semi-final. Motherwell twice take the lead through Joe McBride who gives Billy McNeill a very uncomfortable afternoon, but Celtic fight back and score through Bobby Lennox and then a penalty by Bertie Auld. Then they score in the last minute through a fine move from Jimmy Johnstone and Bertie Auld, but they are flagged for offside, a decision that looks harsh. Motherwell’s star man Joe McBride has now caught the eye of Jock Stein.

SATURDAY 27 MARCH 2010 – Under the temporary charge of Neil Lennon following the inevitable sacking of Tony Mowbray, Celtic bounce back to a certain extent today with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock before a slightly disappointing crowd of 41,000 at Celtic Park. Robbie Keane scored twice and Scott Brown once. The mood is sombre, for the Scottish League has certainly now gone. But there is still some hope for a trophy in the Scottish Cup.

David Potter