1968: Dunfermline 2 St Johnstone 1

Memorable Match #15
Scottish Cup Semi Final Replay
Wednesday 3rd April 1968

With four clubs remaining in the 1967-68 Scottish Cup, Dunfermline were evens favourites to lift the trophy. The Pars in fourth were the highest in league placing of the semi finalists, their opponents St Johnstone sat 17th while ninth placed Hearts would play sixth placed Morton. Dunfermline had disposed of Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle en route while Saints, managed by Willie Ormond, had overcome Hawick Royal Albert, Queen of the South and Airdrie.

Both semi finals ended in draws with Dunfermline putting in a well below par performance in drawing 1-1 at Tynecastle in the first game. They had suffered an early set back when 21 year old Kenny Wilson headed home in just the fourth minute.

Above: Wilson puts St Johnstone ahead in first semi final match

A bit of a freak goal from Pat Gardner had levelled the match eight minutes into the second half. The Fifers survived a claim for a penalty after Roy Barry had appeared to have held Alex McDonald and so the teams met again on the following Wednesday night. The replay would return to Tynecastle.

A great goal by Dunfermline substitute Ian Lister after 28 minutes of extra time dumped St Johnstone out of the Scottish Cup in the semi final replay.

In contrast to the previous Saturday’s performance this was a brilliant Fife team that fought back after losing the first goal, and then missing a penalty kick only six minutes from time.

The extra 30 minutes proved Dunfermline’s vital edge in experience and finish. This was hero Lister’s first cup goal for Dunfermline, and only his second since joining them from Raith Rovers earlier in the season.

Dunfermline went forward to face Hearts in their third Scottish Cup final in seven years. The Fifers however had to be vastly relieved for they will never be as lucky. They showed once again their Saturday nerves and allowed St Johnstone to dominate the midfield. There was no score at half time although Saints had a goal disallowed in the first half when McDonald had found the net.

Programme editor guessed the Dunfermline team correctly, St Johnstone played Alex Gordon in preference to Gordon Whitelaw

Ian McPhee was outstanding and linked well with Alex McDonald, this double act had the Pars defence reeling. There was no great surprise when in 65 minutes McDONALD put the finishing touches to a wonderful Coburn- Aitken move to crash his side into the lead. 1-0

It looked like George Farm’s team were going out but with skipper Roy Barry urging them on and Willie Callaghan overlapping brilliantly down the right St Johnstone were pinned back. Within seven minutes of going behind an equaliser followed. Gardner took the ball down the right and crossed for Bert PATON to find the net off the base of the left upright. 1-1

Immediately on came Ian Lister to replace Tom Callaghan and when the Pars were awarded an 84 minute penalty when right back Finlay McGillvray brought down the substitute in the box, it looked like the final was beckoning. Saints goalkeeper Derek Robertson however pulled off a brilliant save to deny Hugh Robertson from the penalty spot and then saved Paton’s follow-up.

The Fifers luck looked right out when in the 10th minute of extra time Robertson beat Rooney, Coburn and the keeper but swept the ball past. But then came LISTER’s great winner two minutes from the end.

Dunfermline would play Hearts in the Hampden Final on 27th April 1968.

DUNFERMLINE: Bent Martin: Willie Callaghan, John Lunn, Jim Fraser, Roy Barry (c), Jim Thomson, Alex Edwards, Bert Paton, Pat Gardner, Tommy Callaghan (Ian Lister 72), Hugh Robertson.
SCORERS: Paton (72), Lister (118)

ST JOHNSTONE: Derek Robertson: Finlay McGillvray, Jackie Coburn, George Miller, Benny Rooney, Ian McPhee, Alex McDonald, Alex Gordon, Kenny Wilson, Bill McCarry, Fred Aitken
12th Man: Gordon Whitelaw
SCORER: McDonald (65)

REFEREE: T Wharton, Glasgow
ATTENDANCE: 9845

Related Stories

• 1965: Dunfermline 1 St Johnstone 1
• 2011: Dunfermline 2 Raith Rovers 1
• 2014: Dunfermline 1 Rangers 1
• 2007: Dunfermline 1 BK Hacken 1
• The 1968 Scottish Cup winners