NOTES FROM HISTORY

By Fraser Clyne

1901-1902

Memorable Cup clashes with Stenhousemuir and Celtic were the highlights of season 1901-02

A stirring Scottish Qualifying Cup campaign which ended with a narrow semi final defeat by Stenhousemuir and an exhilarating Scottish Cup tie with Celtic were the highlights of season 1901-02.

   Arbroath opened the Qualifying Cup tournament with a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Dundee Wanderers at Gayfield. The visitors, playing with a strong wind at their backs, led 1-0 at the interval. But a second half double from Dave Willocks, combined with a Robert Middleton counter, put the Lichties through to face Lochee United at Dundee in the second round.

   Arbroath totally dominated the Lochee game, racing into a 4-0 half-time lead and eventually running out 5-1 victors. Willocks grabbed another two while Harris (og), Dilly and Milne were also on the mark. The third round saw Dunblane visit Gayfield and the maroon goal machine was again in full swing with Dilly (3), Middleton (2), McGlashan, Willocks and Clark all on the scoresheet in an 8-2 win.

   That earned Arbroath a trip to Inverness for a tussle with Caledonian. The Angus men returned from the Highland capital with a 0-0 draw, then won the replay 3-0 at Gayfield with Willocks, Middleton and Ferguson grabbing the decisive goals.

   Over 1000 Lichties fans boarded a special train for the short trip to Station Park for the quarter final clash with Forfar Athletic. The Lichties were once again in peak form, easing to a 4-1 success. Willocks added a further two goals to his tally while Milne and Black also scored.

   And so, to the semi final against the Qualifying Cup holders, Stenhousemuir. The first game, at Larbert, was evenly matched until Willocks fired Arbroath ahead in the 70^th minute and a shock seemed on the cards until Alec McNair grabbed a late equalizer for the Warriors.

   A huge crowd, “the biggest ever at Gayfield” according to contemporary reports, gathered for the replay. But another hard fought encounter again ended in deadlock. A Clark penalty after 80 minutes seemed to have given the home side a place in the final, but Tom Baird equalized with just three minutes remaining to save Stenny.  

   The SFA ordered a second replay to be played at the Recreation Grounds, Perth, and this time the fans were treated to a nine-goal thriller which went into extra-time before an outcome was achieved. Bob McGlashan gave Arbroath an early lead but Stenny soon equalized. The Lichties again nosed ahead before ‘Muir' hit two of their own to edge in front. The pendulum tilted in Arbroath’s favour again when a Black double put the Angus side back into the lead. But back came Stenny to tie things at 4-4 after 90 minutes.

   The Lichties were unable to raise their game in the extra period and the Larbert side went on to clinch a place in the Final with Clarkson grabbing the fifth and decisive goal. (Stenny subsequently defeated Motherwell 2-1 to retain the trophy).

   The Lichties progressed into the Scottish Cup, defeating Kilwinning Eglinton 3-2 at Gayfield in the first round, Middleton (2) and Clark getting the goals. That earned a home tie with First Division Celtic which proved to be one of the most exciting games witnessed at Gayfield.

Celtic arrived as First Division league leaders and, with eight full internationals in their line-up, were expected to easily defeat their Northern League opponents. But the visitors were stunned after just five minutes when Dilly fired Arbroath into the lead. Campbell soon equalized but Black put the Lichties ahead once more with a curling shot which delighted the home fans in the 6,000 crowd. . Celtic leveled again before the interval before a second half strike from Marshall edged them in front for the first time. Tremendous Arbroath pressure over the final ten minutes failed to produce an equaliser, but there’s no doubt the Parkhead side had been given an almighty scare. The teams were:- Arbroath – McKenzie, Carrie, Clark, McGlashan, Cargill, Ferguson, Black, Middleton, Axford, Willocks, Dilly. Celtic – Mcfarlane, Watson, Battles, Loney, Marshall, Orr, McOustra, Livingstone, Campbell, McMahon, Quinn. Celtic went on to reach the Final but lost 1-0 to Hibs. And Rangers pipped them in the race for the First Division title.

   Arbroath defeated Forfar Athletic 5-1 in the semi final of the Forfarshire Cup but lost 3-2 (Willocks and Milne) in the final to Dundee Wanderers in front of a 6,000 crowd at Dens Park. And the Lichties finished a lowly eight in the Northern League.

© Copyright – Fraser Clyne 2005