May 1985
Euro Door Still Open for Dundee
Dundee's first ever Premier League win at Parkhead on Saturday has kept the European door open for them. Still trailing St. Mirren by one point, the Dark Blues have to defeat United in this week's derby and hope Hearts are able to assist them by not losing at Love Street.
A Game to Fit the Occasion?
Dundee United head of the 100th Scottish Cup final at Hampden tomorrow with a unique away record against Celtic. The Tangerines have not lost to the Parkhead side in Glasgow since David Hay became their manager two years ago.
A statistic which cancels out any misconception that Jim McLean's team are unable of doing anything beyond the boundaries of Tayside. And the win against cup favourites Aberdeen in the semi-final has convinced United players this is their year to win the trophy.
Celtic's route to the final has certainly been a scramble. A goal down to Hamilton before scraping though 2-1, David Hay's men then walloped Highland league side Inverness Thistle 6-0. They needed two games to get through against Dundee, followed by another double with First Division Motherwell to reach the final. So why are the Glasgow club favourites on Saturday?
Celtic have collected the Scottish Cup more often than any other club in the competition's history. Hampden Park is a second home to then and their huge following is also a benefit in the final. The Celtic players are aware, too, that failure against Dundee United would mean another season with out a major trophy in the Parkhead boardroom.
David Hay anticipates an open game, which, in his opinion, will be won by the side who adapt better to the atmosphere rendered even more intense by the historical significance of the 100th final. It certainly has the makings of a classic contest with some many skilled players involved.
Both teams have men to excite the fans. United's Eammon Bannon, Paul Sturrock and Ralph Milne can light up any game as can Tommy Burns, Paul McStay and Davie Provan for the green and whites. Add them to the scoring threat of Davie Dodds and Mo Johnston plus the power of Richard Gough, John Holt, Roy Aitken and Murdo McLeod.
So it is no surprise the punters can't wait for referee Brian McGinlay to get the final underway. Nerves play a part in a final and in the past this was a problem for the Tannadice lads, but after the European Cup visits to hotbeds like Old Trafford and Milan, they should be equipped to handle the pressures of Hampden.
Saturday's clash could be one for the purist. Both Jim McLean and David Hay put a high importance on the skill factor and if the players perform to their full potential the 100th Scottish Cup final could provide a game befitting such historical occasion.
Best Wishes from the Lord Provost
Dundee United will have a very special supporter at the final. Lord Provost Tom Mitchell will be there as guest of the S.F.A.
The civic head, regular attender at both Tannadice and Dens, is looking forward to his visit to Hampden. "This is the 100th Scottish Cup Final which makes it an even more important occasion", says the Provost.
"It has not been a favourite competition for the city clubs, with Dundee our only winners of the trophy and that was 75 years ago. The trophy is long overdue a return to Tayside. I am confident Dundee United will do the city proud on Saturday and I wish them all the best. I'm looking forward to welcoming them with the Scottish Cup, on Sunday, in the City Chambers".
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Week's in Brief
The Black Watch represented the army in the tri-service guard of honour at Wednesday's official VE Day commemorative service in Westminster Abbey. Memories were stirred by the involvement of the regimental pipes and drums led by Pipe Major Joe Rafferty from Ballingry and Drum Major Peter Robson, Dysart. Leading the Black Watch contingent, almost exclusively of men from Tayside and Fife, was Captain Ronnie Bradford from Deeside.
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Eyes turned skywards in Dundee after 4pm on Tuesday when 10 Wessex helicopters made a spectacular fly-past in tight formation. The helicopters form a squadron visiting the Royal Marines Base, Condor, at Arbroath for two weeks training.
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There was a heavy police presence in Dundee City centre and Broughty Ferry on Monday after skirmishes between rival gangs of mods and skinheads. Police received calls from residents when a large group gathered shortly after mid-day. There were some minor incidents and one person was taken into custody.
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Holiday Monday in Dundee got off to a slow start as would-be day travellers seemed reluctant to venture out while the skies remained threateningly overcast. By midday, however, when the mist lifted and the sun broke through, the day tour buses which lined North Lindsey Street were eventually filled and off to various beauty spot destinations around the country. All seats on the special trains from Arbroath and Dundee to Kyle of Lochalsh were taken, and the 11.15am train to London was very busy.
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Bright Tips
Rough Elbows - Hollowed lemon halves soften and whiten rough elbows. Pop your elbows on a table in the halves for 15 minutes. Mrs Wark, Brechin.
Add Salt - When boiling eggs add salt to the water, if the shells crack this prevents the inside from oozing out. - Mr Duff, Ellon.
Scuffed Shoes - Rub scuffed leather shoes with raw potato before polishing. - Mrs Bremner, Buckie.
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