The Build-up:

Following the first round victory, the Pars next league match was away to Ayr United, where, despite taking the lead through an Alex Smith goal in the 21st minute, the Pars lost 4-1. Hardly an ideal preparation for the long trip further down the A77 to Stranraer.

Meticulous as always, Pars manager Jock Stein prepared the team for Stranraer`s tight Stair Park pitch, by training on small pitches.

The Dunfermline Press looking ahead to the game, highlighted the good record the Pars had against Stranraer, and anticipated that come 5 o`clock, it would be the Athletic who would be waiting to find out their third round opponents. The Press did warn however, that there could be up to 6,000 home supporters giving their team full vocal encouragement.

For the match, manager Jock Stein brought Jackie Williamson back to centre-half, and re-introduced Harry Melrose to the exclusion of Dan McLindon who had played in the First Round.

The Match:

1961 SCOTTISH CUP PROGRAMME STRANRAER v DUNFERMLINE
Dunfermline survived a fairly tough battle against an enthusiastic Stranraer at Stair Park. Although the Second Division team lacked finesse, they worked hard at bringing Dunfermline down to their own level. With the bumpy Stair Park pitch, it was very difficult for the Athletic to play their normal brand of smooth football. However Stranraer did not have enough guile or ability in attack, and their kick and rush tactics made little impression on the Pars defence. One player who stood out for Stranraer was their neat little ball player Hamish McMillan.

Stranraer forced a corner in the first minute and with a terrific shot, King just touched the bar. Whilst the Pars defence soon got the measure of the Stranraer attack, the Pars forwards made little impression on the home goal. After 6 minutes, Melrose netted, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

A black dog ran on to the pitch, and Referee Bobby Davidson waited until it had toddled off before resuming play.

Melrose then found the net again with a header, but was penalised for pushing. A Dickson shot forced Anton to save, before Melrose netted, only to find that for the third time his effort had been disallowed - again for an offside decision.

In 35 minutes, Harry Melrose scored after prodding home a McDonald corner. This time it counted. Just before the interval, Jim Herriot missed a high ball, and had to thank John Sweeney for clearing.

Into the second half, and a Melrose shot hit the bar. With Stranraer becoming more physical, their centre-half injured himself and was reduced to limping along the right wing for the rest of the game. With 58 minutes gone, Charlie Dickson scored for the Pars with a shot that Anton got his hands to, but could only watch as it rolled over the line. Five minutes later Tommy McDonald cut in from the wing and was tripped in the box. Ron Mailer then had the chance to finish the game from the spot, but Anton brought off a good save.

Anton was again in action to block three close range shots, before Stranraer scored in 66 minutes. Beaton from well out, tried his luck and his swerving, dipping shot hit the inside of the post to give Stranraer a chance. Three minutes later, Quinn hit the same post, but the ball stayed out this time.

With just one minute remaining, Dunfermline got the safety goal they had been seeking. Dickson and Smith came through on the right wing, and it was Dickson`s square pass that made it easy for Tommy McDonald to pick his spot.

STRANRAER: Anton, Elliot, Brown, King, Smith, McMillan, Fyfe, Logan, Beaton, Stalker, Quinn
SCORER: Beaton (66)

DUNFERMLINE: Jim Herriot; Willie Cunningham, John Sweeney, Ron Mailer, Jackie Williamson, George Miller, Tommy McDonald, Alex Smith, Charlie Dickson, Harry Melrose, George Peebles.
SCORERS: Melrose (35), Dickson (58), McDonald (89).

REFEREE: R.H. Davidson (Airdrie)

Postscript: With gate receipts of just £280, the Dunfermline Press complained that `there had been no gold in either the Berwick or Stranraer ties"

1961 Scottish Cup First Round:
Berwick Rangers 1 Dunfermline 4

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