1966: Dunfermline 2 Kilmarnock 1

Above: League Table on day of the cup tie

Memorable Match #91
Scottish Cup Quarter Final
East End Park
Saturday 5th March 1966

The draw for the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup in the 1965-66 season paired the strongest provincial clubs in the country. Kilmarnock where the reigning league champions and had finished runners up in four of the previous five seasons while the Pars had lift in the cup in 1961 and were aiming for a third successive semi-final appearance.

Earlier in the season the league fixture between the clubs at East End attracted a very respectable crowd of 12,000 but this time with the prize a semi final appearance, there was enormous interest in this clash. This was reflected with a remarkable attendance of 19,363, one of the highest ever at East End Park for a match that didn’t involve either of the Old Firm.

At this time games against Kilmarnock were usually tight and this one proved no different. The Pars created most of the play and kept pushing forward while their defence had the visitors attack almost completely under wraps. Even in the early stages it look like Killie were content to defend in depth but the Athletic squander their chances, notably when Hugh Robertson shot wide weakly from 12 yards after being set up by Bert Paton.

A Jim Fleming free kick brought out a good save out of Killie’s international keeper, Bobby Ferguson and then, in the 38 minute, the Pars were stunned by a breakaway goal. A clearance found Bertie Black at halfway and he touched the ball into the path of McINALLY. With the defence caught flat footed the big inside forward ran on to sidestep Eric Martin and score comfortably. 0-1

Until then Kilmarnock have barely been seen in attack but they then came close to adding a second when McInally beat Martin to a high ball only to head over. A shaken Dunfermline where grateful for the half-time whistle but restarted showing even greater determination.

Above: excerpt from the match programme, note Fergie to marry Cathy the following Saturday and then turn out for Dunfermline against Hamilton Accies in the afternoon!

The Pars attacked constantly with both Alex Smith and Alex Ferguson missing good opportunities. Then midway through the second half Robertson flashed a low cross and PATON got onto it before the veteran Frank Beattie. On the half turn, he hooked a great shot past Ferguson for the equaliser 1-1.

The Pars went all out for the winner, trying to crack the Killie rearguard with tactical and positional changes.

John Lunn came forward to hit an angle drive wide and Robertson shot straight at the keeper when Smith’s effort was deflected to him. When Smith shot wildly over from close range after great play from Callaghan it looked as if Dunfermline’s last chance had gone.

With two minutes remaining and most contemplating a replay Rugby Park, Smith played a ball through to Alex Edwards. There seemed no real danger but a moment‘s hesitation from Jackie McGrory gave the winger enough room to work his way across goal, eluding the opposition. Cutting in closer EDWARDS drew the keeper, skipped around him and knocked the ball home from about 10 yards despite a defender’s desperate lunge.

The home supporters were jubilant with the sensational winner and celebrated a place in the semi-final for the third successive year.

Dunfermline played Celtic at Ibrox in the semi final but lost 2-0.

DUNFERMLINE: Eric Martin: Willie Callaghan, John Lunn, Alex Smith, Jim MacLean, Jim Thomson, Alex Edwards, Bert Paton, Jim Fleming, Alex Ferguson, Hugh Robertson.
SCORERS: Paton (67), Edwards (89)

KILMARNOCK: Bobby Ferguson: Andy King, Jim McFadzean, Eric Murray, Jackie McGrory, Frank Beattie: Tommy McLean, Jackie McInally, Bertie Black, Tommy Queen, David Sneddon.
SCORER: McInally (38)

REFEREE: T Wharton
ATTENDANCE: 19,363

Related Stories

• 1961: Aberdeen 3 Dunfermline 6
• 1966: Dunfermline 4 Celtic 5
• 2005: Dunfermline 3 Rangers 3
• 2013: Morton 0 Dunfermline 1
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