Match Pictures | Matches: 1952 – 1953 | 1952-53 Pictures
Trivia
- A largely reconstructed Celtic side took the field after the 1-0 loss to Hearts. Alec Boden returned from injury and Fallon dropped back to left back; Jimmy Duncan came in for his senior debut at outside right, John McPhail had recovered from his jaw injury and started at centre forward,. Mike Haughney, Meechan and Walsh, who was ill with ‘flu, dropped out.
Review
Pretty much all Celtic from the off with Tully, Baillie, Evans and Fernie ripping the St Mirren side apart. On 12 minutes Tully beat his man and passed to McPhail (with a hint of offside). He in turn beat Lapsley and then laid on a perfect pass for Fernie to beat Park from a few yards out. McPhail almost got a second immediately after when Park fumbled a shot. It took 25 minutes for St Mirren to get an attack together. Celtic looked faster and neater. McPhail was booked in the fiirst half for a tussle with Telfer, and then the centre required attention briefly off the field. The half back line was strong throughout. Just before half time Stewart missed a sitter for St Mirren.
The Celtic left wing continued to dominate in the second half but gradually St Mirren, under the influence of Reid came back into it. Stein through this period proved the rock at the heart of the Celtic defense breaking down and interrupting St Miren moves. Duncan’s goal came from excellent play by McPhail which saw him take the ball from Baillie then beat his man and deliver an excellent ball to Duncan who rounded the keeper to score. St Mirren scored from a penalty when Fallon was adjudged to have handled a cross from McGill.
A game that started well gradually fizzled out but McPhail and the half back line for Celtic were outstanding.
Action from Love Street as St Mirren play Celtic in front of a crowd of 38,000
Saints keeper Bob Park saves from Celtic striker John McPhail, Saints Willie Reid in the background
Teams
St Mirren:
Park; Lapsley, Ashe; Neilson, Telfer, Reid; Blyth, McGill, Stewart, Gemmell, Anderson.
Scorers: Telfer (79, pen)
Celtic:
Hunter; Boden, Fallon; Evans, Stein, Baillie; Duncan, Fernie, McPhail, Tully, Peacock.
Scorers: Fernie (13), Duncan (63)
Referee: J Walker (Aberdeen)
Attendance: 36,000
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
- Match Pictures