Wednesday 1st March, 2017 at 8:20am
I’m aware I have already made reference to this fixture. Nevertheless, it fully deserves further mention. The teams had drawn 1-1 at Firhill on 26th January, and the experts predicted a home victory in the replay. Thistle had, however, other ideas and put in a spirited performance which thoroughly merited victory. The Dens Park crowd witnessed a genuine candidate for “goal of the season”, or any other season for that matter. If you are familiar with the geography of Dens Park, this remarkable strike occurred at the top end, away from Tannadice(sorry to have mentioned that) in the 27th minute of an exciting match. The move started with an exhilarating run up the right wing by James McKinstry, otherwise known as “Banjo”. Isn’t it weird how at football clubs all sorts of nicknames are in vogue, usually created by adding the letter “y” to the surname – not very inventive, one would have to say. Anyway, the ball was played in to Gerry Britton, who from distance, found the net with a spectacular drive which beat Speroni all ends up, a magnificent finish to what had been a very good footballing move. Thistle were pegged back after 55 minutes when Dundee equalised from the penalty-spot. However, we were not to be denied victory and substitute Andy Gibson notched the winner seven minutes from the end.
The full Thistle side was as follows: – Kenny Arthur, James McKinstry, Alan Archibald, Stephen Craigan, Paddy Kelly, Paul Deas, Gerry Britton, Danny Lennon, Paul Walker, Martin Hardie, Derek Fleming. The substitutes on the night were: – Gary Gow, Jamie Dolan, Scott McLean, Andy Gibson and Willie Howie.
The highlight of the night was Gerry Britton’s wonderstrike. The match is significant for another reason, too. This was the beginning of the “King of Spain” reference. I have the explanation, but I’m keeping it to myself, in other words I am not entirely convinced. To install Gerry as King of Maryhill or King of the North West would be a way out and avoid any controversy.
Speaking of controversy, the referee in this featured match was Douglas McDonald. Do you remember the Dundee United cup-tie at Firhill and the alleged Casalinouvo hand-ball? Yes, I thought you would.
The player on the front cover is Speroni, the Dundee goalkeeper who went on to feature for Crystal Palace. The substitute goalkeeper on the night of the cup-tie was Jamie Langfield, who had a spell at Thistle and is currently at St Mirren. It’s a small world, isn’t it?
Robert R
