Chapter Four
A Tight Squeak in The Balkans
OVER and above
it’s profound psychological effect, Rangers’ 'bungle in the Borders' had
levelled out the humps considerably on the road to Hampden. With all due respect to
Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hearts, Hibs and co., the shock Ibrox demise had sharpened the
focus on Celtic’s cup prospects. Now, given reasonable luck in the draw and a
positive attitude, the men in green could anticipate a fairly comfortable run without
constantly looking over their shoulders in the direction of Govan. Stein’s priority
now was to ensure that there would be no slacking in the league.
……………………………
The Scottish Cup draw continued to favour Celtic, pairing them with
Highland Leaguers, Elgin City, at Celtic Park in the second round.
…………………………
Yet another away league fixture followed on Saturday, 25th
February, the third in a curious run of four. This time Celtic were controversially held
1-1 by Stirling Albion at Annfield. ......
With the trip to Yugoslavia for the European Cup quarter-final against
Vojvodina looming in midweek, the last thing Celtic needed was a bitter, snarling
encounter with a less-gifted bunch of desperate glory-hunters. ......
Celtic appeared to have weathered the storm to snatch a winner five
minutes from the end, when Billy McNeill powerfully headed home a Hughes corner - but the
referee had spotted some infringement not immediately obvious to anyone else, so Celtic
had to be content with sound limbs and one point. ......
So, bloodied but unbowed, Celtic headed for Novi Sad, in the province of
Vojvodina in northern Yugoslavia. Confidence was high. As probably more than one fan put
it: ‘Novi Sad? They’ll be awfy sad by the time we’ve finished wi’
them!’ Prophetic words, perhaps - but the outcome was like a golfer's scorecard,
where the numbers don’t even begin to tell the story.
This would be a prophecy fulfilled in ecstatic
agony on a torrid night of wild emotion and high drama.
Click for desired
hyperlink:
Chapter 5
Ordering Info. |