1973–74 Dumbarton F.C. season

January 2015 January 2015 Dumbarton 1973–1974 Alex Wright Boghead Park, Dumbarton Scottish League Division 1 10th Scottish Cup Fourth round Scottish League Cup Second Round Brian Heron (8) Brian Heron (9) 1972–73 1974–75 The 1973–74 season was the 90th football season in which Dumbarton competed at a Scottish national level, entering the Scottish Football League, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. In addition Dumbarton played in the Stirlingshire Cup. Story of the Season Players Following the last day escape from relegation in the previous season, it was hoped that this season would show a vast improvement, and to this end Davy Wilson gave up his playing boots to become assistant to manager Alex Wright. Missing from the first XI was Charlie Gallagher who retired after 3 seasons at Boghead with 96 appearances and 40 goals. In addition Jake Bolton was given a free transfer after 3 successful seasons and 111 appearances in a Dumbarton shirt. Amongst those joining up were goalkeeper John Taylor from Queen's Park, and full backs Peter McQuade and Don Watt from East Fife and Celtic respectively. August The first game of season 1973-74 saw Dumbarton host a first round Stirlingshire Cup tie against Clydebank and easily triumphed 3–0. The next day a 16-man squad left for a training camp in Spain – the first trip abroad for the club since 1922. During the trip they played a friendly match on 7 August against Spanish regional side LLloret de Mar, winning 5–1. Upon returning Dumbarton entered the League Cup group stage alongside Ayr United, Morton and Hibernian. The team secured one point from their opening four matches. This came from a 1–1 home draw against Mortonhttp://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36009 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Morton, League Cup (15/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2602 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Morton, Wednesday, August 15th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 The remaining three away games resulted in defeats:2-0 against Ayr United,http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36008 Ayr United 2 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (11/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2601 Ayr United 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, August 11th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 1-0 against Hibernianhttp://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36010 Hibernian 1 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (18/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2603 Hibernian 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, August 18th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 and 1–0 against Morton.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36011 Morton 1 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (22/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2604 Morton 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, August 22nd 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 Meanwhile, Dumbarton accepted a £40,000 offer from Dundee for Tom McAdam, but left it up to the young striker to decide as to his future. On 25 August Dumbarton played the return League Cup tie against Hibernian at Boghead, crushing the Easter Road side 4-1http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36012 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Hibernian, League Cup (25/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2605 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Hibernian, Saturday, August 25th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 and leaving the door still open for qualification to the next round. The subsequent 1–0 home win against Ayr United four days laterhttp://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36013 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Ayr United, League Cup (29/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2606 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Ayr United, Wednesday, August 29th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 confirmed this and a lucrative second round tie against Rangers. The good news continued as McAdam decided to remain at Boghead. September The new league season commenced on 1 September with a home tie against Dundee United, but despite having the visitors under siege for most of the match, Dundee United won the match 2–1.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=10309 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Dundee United, Scottish League (01/09/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2566 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Dundee United, Saturday, September 1st 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The following weekend it was a trip to Brockville to play Falkirk but this time the Dumbarton pressure was converted into goals with a 3–2 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35985 Falkirk 2 - 3 Dumbarton, Scottish League (08/09/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2567 Falkirk 2 - 3 Dumbarton, Saturday, September 8th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On 12 September the first leg of the second round League Cup tie was played against Rangers at Ibrox. Dumbarton were missing John Cushley and Brian Heron, and the previous season's Scottish Cup winning side easily brushed the Sons aside 6–0.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36014 Rangers 6 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (22/08/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2607 Rangers 6 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, September 12th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 Roy McCormack joined Cushley and Heron on the injury list when Ayr United came to Boghead for the league fixture on 15 September and in a disappointing game the home side lost 2–0.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35986 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Ayr United, Scottish League (15/09/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2568 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Ayr United, Saturday, September 15th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The bad results continued a week later at Gayfield when a one-goal advantage and barrowloads of other chances were thrown away to lose 2–1 to Arbroath.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35987 Arbroath 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (22/09/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2569 Arbroath 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, September 22nd 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The final game of September however saw Dumbarton pick up their first home league win of the season with a deserved 2–0 win over Partick Thistle.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35988 Dumbarton 2 - 0 Partick Thistle, Scottish League (29/09/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2570 Dumbarton 2 - 0 Partick Thistle, Saturday, September 29th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On the same day Dumbarton signed teenager Iain Wallace from junior side Yoker Athletic – a player from whom much would be heard from in the future. So at the end of the month Hearts led the way in the league with 8 points, a point ahead of Motherwell. Dumbarton were in 13th place on 4 points. October On 6 October Dumbarton visited Bayview and Dumbarton came away with both points after an 88th minute Paterson goals secured a 1-0 league win over East Fife.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35989 East Fife 0 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (06/10/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2571 East Fife 0 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, October 6th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Four days later, Rangers cruised through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup by following up their first leg 6–0 win with a 2–1 victory at Boghead.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36015 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Rangers, League Cup (10/10/1973) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2608 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Rangers, Wednesday, October 10th 1973 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 The following weekend it was Aberdeen who came to Dumbarton in the league and after a closely contested game it was the visitors who left with the points after a Drew Jarvie goal was enough to complete a 1–0 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=1864 Dumbarton 0 - 1 Aberdeen, Scottish League (13/10/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2572 Dumbarton 0 - 1 Aberdeen, Saturday, October 13th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Unbeaten Hearts hosted Dumbarton on 20 October. Hearts were frustrated by a Dumbarton defensive line up and the match ended in a 0–0 drawhttp://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17358 Hearts 0 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (20/10/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2573 Hearts 0 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, October 20th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 – although things could have been worse for Hearts as in the last 10 minutes a penalty claim was turned down as Roy McCormack was upended in the area and an unmarked Willie Wallace missed the target from eight yards. A week later the Sons travelled to Shawfield in the league to play Clyde and in a fast flowing attacking game Dumbarton achieved a comfortable 3–0 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35990 Clyde 0 - 3 Dumbarton, Scottish League (27/10/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2574 Clyde 0 - 3 Dumbarton, Saturday, October 27th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 After the game Alex Wright's position as manager was made full time. At the end of October Celtic and Hearts led the way in the league with 13 points, while Dumbarton had climbed to 8th with 9 points. November Dumbarton celebrated Alex Wright's first game as full time manager on 3 November with a second successive 3–0 win this time against Motherwell at Boghead – and at the same time moved into 6th place in the league.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=6047 Dumbarton 3 - 0 Motherwell, Scottish League (03/11/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2575 Dumbarton 3 - 0 Motherwell, Saturday, November 3rd 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 However the unbeaten run came to an end a week later when Dundee held on to record a 2–1 win against the Sons at Dens Park.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13641 Dundee 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (10/11/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2576 Dundee 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, November 10th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On 17 November Dumbarton were back in winning ways when they came back from a half time 1–0 deficit to beat St Johnstone 2–1 at Boghead with two Brian Heron goals.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=25132 Dumbarton 2 - 1 St Johnstone, Scottish League (17/11/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2577 Dumbarton 2 - 1 St Johnstone, Saturday, November 17th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The following weekend saw Celtic visit a muddy Boghead and while silky football was little in evidence, goals from Kenny Dalglish and Bobby Lennox were enough for the visitors to see off the Sons.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35991 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Celtic, Scottish League (24/11/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2578 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Celtic, Saturday, November 24th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 This meant Celtic headed the league at the end of the month with 21 points from 12 games – 3 points ahead of Hearts. Dumbarton were in 13th place with 13 points. December Bad weather caused postponements for a number of weeks meaning the next game took place on 15 December at Cappielow against Morton. A goal in the first half put Dumbarton ahead but two goals in quick succession early in the second half followed by the ordering off of a player from each sides turned the match on its head and eventually Morton finished as 3–1 victors.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35992 Morton 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (15/12/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2579 Morton 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, December 15th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The following week Dumbarton entertained Rangers at Boghead and a powerful display by the visitors in the first half was enough to earn both points in a 2–0 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35993 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Rangers, Scottish League (22/12/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2580 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Rangers, Saturday, December 22nd 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On 29 December Dumbarton were on the road again this time to Tannadice to face off against Dundee United and in a superb display topped off by four goals from teenager Andy Gray, the home team devastated the Sons by 6–0.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=10321 Dundee United 6 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (29/12/1973) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2581 Dundee United 6 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, December 29th 1973 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The same weekend long term utility player Kenny Jenkins announced his intention to emigrate to Australia. Over five seasons Jenkins had played 175 matches for Dumbarton and had scored 22 goals. So 1973 ended with Celtic pulling further ahead in the league with 27 points from 16 matches played – 6 ahead of Rangers, while Dumbarton had slipped to 13th still with 13 points. January The first game of 1974 brought winless Falkirk to Boghead, but it was to be Dumbarton who would suffer their fifth straight defeat with the Bairns breaking their duck in handsome fashion, 5–1.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35994 Dumbarton 1 - 5 Falkirk, Scottish League (02/01/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2582 Dumbarton 1 - 5 Falkirk, Wednesday, January 2nd 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On 5 January Dumbarton visited Somerset Park to play Ayr United and the plan to stem the leaky defence appeared to work as a Ross Mathie goal was sufficient to take both points.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35995 Ayr United 0 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (05/01/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2583 Ayr United 0 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, January 5th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 A week later Arbroath came to Boghead and in the first half it looked as if the previous defensive frailties had returned as the visitors led 2–0. However a freak goal by Colin McAdam where a free kick taken 5 yards inside his own half bounced on the penalty spot and over the goalkeeper followed by a Willie Wallace strike changed the whole complexion of the game. Thereafter it was all Dumbarton and a Ross Mathie hat-trick completed an amazing 5–2 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35996 Dumbarton 5 - 2 Arbroath, Scottish League (12/01/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2584 Dumbarton 5 - 2 Arbroath, Saturday, January 12th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Away from the domestic scene, Scotland had qualified for the World Cup finals and Dumbarton made an amazing offer to one of Scotland's future opponents Zaire to play a friendly. Current SFA rules prohibited club sides from meeting international teams but the plan was to play a select XI. As it was the proposal never came off. On 19 January Dumbarton travelled to Firhill to play Partick Thistle but despite both teams playing attacking games the game finished in a 0–0 draw.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35997 Partick Thistle 0 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (19/01/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2585 Partick Thistle 0 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, January 19th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Three days later Dumbarton paid a nominal fee to Norwich City for the transfer of Alan Black who had in fact left Dumbarton 11 years earlier on a free transfer. The following week Dumbarton headed north to Arbroath in the third round of the Scottish Cup. It was not however to be a repeat of the fine win a fortnight earlier as the home side recorded a 1–0 victory to advance to the next round.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36007 Arbroath 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish Cup (26/01/1974) Fitbastats.com 20 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2600 Arbroath 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, January 26th 1974 The Sons Archive 13 May 2020 The top of the league at the end of January had Celtic still in front with 34 points from 19 games played – but it was now Hibernian who were the nearest challengers, 6 points behind. Dumbarton were in 11th with 18 points from 20 matches. February After a free week Dumbarton travelled to Pittodrie to play Aberdeen in the league, While the game ended in a 3–0 defeat it was overshadowed by bad injuries to two players. During the game Dons young striker Bobby Street broke his leg and Sons goalkeeper Lawrie Williams suffered a fractured cheekbone.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=1878 Aberdeen 3 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (09/02/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2586 Aberdeen 3 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, February 9th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 On 16 February East Fife were the visitors to Boghead and not for the first time this season the name of the ground was playing true to its name. Appropriately the goals were scored from headers and finished in a 1–1 draw.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35998 Dumbarton 1 - 1 East Fife, Scottish League (16/02/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2587 Dumbarton 1 - 1 East Fife, Saturday, February 16th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The following weekend Hearts arrived on league business and while the playing surface continued to cause problems the visitors managed to leave with both points after a 1–0 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17368 Dumbarton 0 - 1 Hearts, Scottish League (23/02/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2588 Dumbarton 0 - 1 Hearts, Saturday, February 23rd 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 At the end of February Celtic continued at the top of the league with 36 points from 22 games played, still being chased by Hibernian, now 5 points behind. Dumbarton maintained 11th place with 19 points from 23 matches. March The Boghead surface continued to cause problems as Clyde arrived to play their league fixture on 9 March but it was the visitors who adapted quicker to the conditions and went into an early lead. Nevertheless, a 16-yard strike from Wallace in the second half was enough to earn Dumbarton a point.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=35999 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Clyde, Scottish League (09/03/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2589 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Clyde, Saturday, March 9th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 The next match occurred on 23 March with an away tie against St Johnstone and it looked like Dumbarton were easing towards both points with a 2–0 lead. The home team's goal on 69 minutes seemed to be only a consolation as the game moved into time added. Then St Johnstone's Muir scored a quick double which turned the match on its head - only for Colin McAdam to mount a last gasp counterattack and score the equaliser in the 93rd minute.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=25142 St Johnstone 3 - 3 Dumbarton, Scottish League (23/03/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2590 St Johnstone 3 - 3 Dumbarton, Saturday, March 23rd 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 In midweek, Dumbarton took a rest from league business to visit Firs Park in a Stirlingshire Cup semi final tie against East Stirling – only progressing on penalties after struggling to a 2–2 draw. The following weekend Dumbarton visited Celtic Park to take on the team going for their ninth title in a row – but it was the underdogs who shocked the Celtic crowd going in at half time 2–1 up. Kenny Dalglish levelled matters but back came the Sons with an 18-yard strike from Peter Coleman – only for Dixie Deans to equalise with 6 minutes to play.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36000 Celtic 3 - 3 Dumbarton, Scottish League (30/03/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2591 Celtic 3 - 3 Dumbarton, Saturday, March 30th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 April On 6 April Hibernian came to Boghead, and once again Dumbarton led the way at half time by 2–1. However Hibs fought back and were level by the 60th minute only for John Bourke to push Dumbarton ahead once more three minutes later. But for the third week in a row the result would finish as a 3–3 draw as Cropley scored a last minute goal for the visitors.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36001 Dumbarton 3 - 3 Hibernian, Scottish League (06/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2592 Dumbarton 3 - 3 Hibernian, Saturday, April 6th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Three days later Dumbarton travelled to Motherwell and despite a spirited performance it was the Sons who left pointless in a 2–0 defeat.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=6064 Motherwell 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (09/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2593 Motherwell 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Tuesday, April 9th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Dumbarton had now gone 9 league games without a win and relegation worries were not far away. On 13 April the Sons arrived at East End Park to play fellow strugglers Dunfermline, and despite taking an early 2–0 lead it was the Fifers who came back to snatch a 3–2 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36002 Dunfermline 3 - 2 Dumbarton, Scottish League (13/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2594 Dunfermline 3 - 2 Dumbarton, Saturday, April 13th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Things did not get any better four days later in a midweek match against Hibernian at Easter Road, with Hibs strolling to a comfortable 3–0 win.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36003 Hibernian 3 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (17/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2595 Hibernian 3 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, April 17th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 However, on 20 April, relegation woes were finally dispelled with a 1–0 win over Morton – the first league success since 11 January.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36004 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Morton, Scottish League (20/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2596 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Morton, Saturday, April 20th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 This was followed up with a second successive 1–0 win at Boghead on 24 April – this time against Dunfermline.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36005 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Dunfermline Athletic, Scottish League (24/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2597 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Dunfermline Athletic, Wednesday, April 24th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 In the final league game of April – and the seventh game in 3 weeks – Dumbarton travelled to Ibrox to play Rangers. The home side were easily the better side but had only a Fyfe goal to show for their superiority at half time. However two Scott goals early in the second half decided the tie, with Heron scoring a consolation goal in the 3–1 defeat.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36006 Rangers 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (27/04/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2598 Rangers 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, April 27th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 Four days later Dumbarton took on Stirling Albion at Boghead in the final of the Stirlingshire Cup, with the home side just failing to retain the trophy after losing a penalty shoot-out following a 2–2 draw. May The final game of the league campaign presented Dumbarton with the opportunity to claim 10th spot in the league and a place in next season's Texaco Cup – and first half goals from Heron and Bourke were sufficient to beat Dundee 2–0.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13660 Dumbarton 2 - 0 Dundee, Scottish League (10/05/1974) Fitbastats.com 21 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2599 Dumbarton 2 - 0 Dundee, Friday, May 10th 1974 The Sons Archive 21 May 2020 However, as it happened the qualification rules were amended and the Texaco Cup dream was not to be. Post Season Review While Celtic had scooped their record ninth title in a row, Dumbarton had their best league campaign since 1918. During the season Roy McCormack made his 300th appearance for Dumbarton (on 23 February against Hearts). In addition Billy Wilkinson made his ‘century’ of appearances in a Dumbarton shirt against East Fife on 6 October. Results Scottish First Division 1973–74 Scottish Football League L 1 September 1973 Scottish Division 1 1–2 Dumbarton Dundee United Borland 83 Fleming 64Gray 70 Boghead Park 4,500 A Paterson W 8 September 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–3 Falkirk Dumbarton Somner 43Young 62 McAdam, T 8McCormack 11 35 Brockville Park 3,000 D Ramsay L 15 September 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–2 Dumbarton Ayr United Ferguson 25 82 Boghead Park 3,500 R Gordon L 22 September 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–1 Arbroath Dumbarton Sellars 60Pirie 81 Wallace 22 pen Gayfield Park 2,623 W Anderson W 29 September 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–0 Dumbarton Partick Thistle Patterson 39McAdam 82 Boghead Park 4,000 R C Greenlees W 6 October 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–1 East Fife Dumbarton Patterson 88 Bayview Park, Methil 2,622 G R Smith L 13 October 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–1 Dumbarton Aberdeen Jarvie 60 Boghead Park 4,000 T Muirhead D 20 October 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Hearts Dumbarton Tynecastle Stadium 10,500 C Hutton W 27 October 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–3 Clyde Dumbarton McCormack 26Heron 50Coleman 71 Shawfield Stadium 2,000 R O Valentine W 3 November 1973 Scottish Division 1 3–0 Dumbarton Motherwell Heron 29Bourke 58McCormack 86 Boghead Park 6,000 R H Davidson L 10 November 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–1 Dundee Dumbarton Wallace 6 29 McAdam, C 73 Dens Park 4,000 T R Kyle W 17 November 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–1 Dumbarton St Johnstone Heron 47 52 Pearson 25 Boghead Park 3,500 J Callaghan L 24 November 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–2 Dumbarton Celtic Dalglish 11Lennox 54 Pen Boghead Park 9,000 J R P Gordon L 15 December 1973 Scottish Division 1 3–1 Morton Dumbarton Osborne 55 57Murray 77 Heron 39 Cappielow Park 1,000 I Foote L 22 December 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–2 Dumbarton Rangers Parlane 14Young 31 Boghead Park 7,000 A F McDonald L 29 December 1973 Scottish Division 1 6–0 Dundee United Dumbarton Gray 18 59 65 76Traynor 32Kopel 48 Tannadice Park 3,000 R C Greenlees L 2 January 1974 Scottish Division 1 1–5 Dumbarton Falkirk Mathie 15 Wheatley 13 penWhiteford 34Lawson 48 71Hoggan 73 Boghead Park 3,000 A Paterson W 5 January 1974 Scottish Division 1 0–1 Ayr United Dumbarton Mathie 37 Somerset Park 3,500 R Gordon W 11 January 1974 Scottish Division 1 5–2 Dumbarton Arbroath McAdam, C 48Wallace 55Mathie 57 59 68 Pirie 17Fletcher 38 Boghead Park 2,000 A McCririck D 19 January 1974 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Partick Thistle Dumbarton Firhill 4,000 H Alexander L 9 February 1974 Scottish Division 2 3–0 Aberdeen Dumbarton Young 50Robb 86Jarvie 88 Pittodrie Park 4,000 B R McGinlay D 16 February 1974 Scottish Division 1 1–1 Dumbarton East Fife Mathie 53 Kinnear 58 Boghead Park 3, o00 B Ramsay L 23 February 1974 Scottish Division 1 0–1 Dumbarton Hearts Gibson 36 Boghead Park 5,000 C H Hutton D 9 March 1974 Scottish Division 1 1–1 Dumbarton Clyde Wallace 68 Ferris 3 Boghead Park 5,000 T Muirhead D 23 March 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–3 St Johnstone Dumbarton Pearson 69Muir 91 92 McAdam, T 40Heron 60McAdam, C 93 Muirton Park 2,052 W J Mullan D 30 March 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–3 Celtic Dumbarton Wilson 7Dalglish 61Deans 83 McAdam, T 9McAdam, C 35Coleman 76 Celtic Park 19,000 R D Henderson D 6 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–3 Dumbarton Hibernian McAdam, T 8McAdam, C 42Bourke 63 Duncan 7Cropley 59 pen 89 Boghead Park 4,500 j Callaghan L 9 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 2–0 Motherwell Dumbarton Pettigrew 73 75 Fir Park 3,337 W Mullen L 13 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–2 Dunfermline Athletic Dumbarton Baillie 37McCallum 61Campbell 73 McAdam, T 19Bourke 31 East End Park 4,000 R Henderson L 17 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–0 Hibernian Dumbarton Gordon 1 12 66 Easter Road 7,859 R Davidson W 20 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 1–0 Dumbarton Morton Bourke 4 Boghead Park 4,500 A McKenzie W 24 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 1–0 Dumbarton Dunfermline Athletic Bourke 69 Boghead Park 4,500 W Anderson L 27 April 1974 Scottish Division 1 3–1 Rangers Dumbarton Fyfe 8Scott 52 56 Heron 70 Ibrox Park 10,000 R C Greenlees W 10 May 1974 Scottish Division 1 2–0 Dumbarton Dundee Heron 29 penBourke 38 Boghead Park 1,000 A McDonald Scottish Cup 1973–74 Scottish Cup L 26 January 1974 Scottish Cup round 3 1–0 Arbroath Dumbarton Sellars 19 Gayfield Park 2,796 A McKenzie Scottish League Cup 1973–74 Scottish League Cup L 11 August 1973 Group 2 2–0 Ayr United Dumbarton McLean 10 68 Somerset Park 7,500 J Callaghan D 15 August 1973 Group 2 1–1 Dumbarton Morton Heron 47 pen McIlmoyle 15 Boghead Park 3,000 A McCririck L 18 August 1973 Group 2 1–0 Hibernian Dumbarton Gordon 10 Easter Road Stadium 11,318 T Kyle L 22 August 1973 Group 2 1–0 Morton Dumbarton McIlmoyle 30 Cappielow Park 2,000 R McGinlay W 26 August 1973 Group 2 4–1 Dumbarton Hibernian Wallace 4McAdam, T 31Jenkins 52McCormack 73 Gordon 67 Boghead Park 4,500 H Alexander W 29 August 1973 Group 2 1–0 Dumbarton Ayr United McCormack 68 Boghead Park 5,000 J Grant L 12 September 1973 Round 2(1) 6–0 Rangers Dumbarton Parlane 1 8 22 penYoung 12 51Greig 41 pen Ibrox Park 25,000 G B Smith L 10 October 1973 Round 2(2) 1–2 Dumbarton Rangers McCormack 76 Scott 14Fyfe 59 Boghead Park 6,000 G B Smith Stirlingshire Cup W 1 August 1973 First round 3–0 Dumbarton Clydebank Coleman 55Mathie 85 86 Boghead Park R Gordon W won 26 March 1974 Semi-final 2–2 East Stirling Dumbarton McAdam, C Mathie Firs Park L 2-4 29 April 1974 Final 2–2 Dumbarton Stirling Albion Wallace McAdam, T Boghead Park Friendly W 7 August 1973 1–5 ESPLloret Dumbarton Graham MathieBourke McAdam, T Lloret de Mar Player statistics Squad First Division Scottish Cup League Cup John Taylor GK SCO 9 0 0 0 7 0 Laurie Williams GK SCO 25 0 1 0 1 0 Alan Black DF SCO 10 0 0 0 0 0 Colin McAdam DF SCO 20+3 5 1 0 0 0 Allan McKay DF SCO 14+2 0 1 0 1 0 Peter McQuade DF SCO 4 0 0 0 7 0 Terry Mullen DF SCO 8+1 0 0 0 0 0 Don Watt DF SCO 11+1 0 0 0 7 0 Billy Wilkinson DF SCO 21 0 0 0 1 0 John Cushley MF SCO 29+1 0 1 0 7 0 Johnny Graham MF SCO 15+4 0 0 0 6+2 0 Kenny Jenkins MF SCO 3+3 0 0 0 3+3 1 Gordon Menzies MF SCO 21 0 1 0 8 0 Denis Ruddy MF SCO 29+2 0 1 0 1 0 Willie Borland FW SCO 2+1 1 0+1 0 2 0 John Bourke FW SCO 12+4 7 0 0 2 1 Peter Coleman FW SCO 23+2 2 0 0 6 0 Brian Heron FW SCO 25+2 8 1 0 4+1 1 Ross Mathie FW SCO 9+5 6 1 0 2 0 Tom McAdam FW SCO 15+3 5 0 0 5+3 1 Roy McCormack FW SCO 23 4 1 0 8 3 Jim McIntyrehttp://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=497 Jim McIntyre - Player Statistics The Sons Archive 20 May 2020 FW SCO 0+1 0 0 0 0 0 John Patersonhttp://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=466 John Paterson - Player Statistics The Sons Archive 20 May 2020 24 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200924050510/http://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=466 dead FW SCO 15+2 2 1 0 2 0 Willie Wallace FW SCO 32 3 1 0 8 1 |} Source: McAllister Jim The Sons of the Rock - The Official History of Dumbarton Football Club J&J Robertson Printers 2002 Dumbarton Transfers Players in PlayerFromDate SCO Willie Borland ENG Barrow 5 May 1973 SCO Peter McQuade SCO East Fife 12 May 1973 SCO John Taylor SCO Queen's Park 5 Jul 1973 SCO Don Watt SCO Celtic 5 Jul 1973 SCO Terry Mullen SCO Denny Schools 9 Aug 1973 SCO Stewart Pringle SCO Glasgow United 21 Sep 1973 SCO Ian Wallace SCO Yoker Athletic 29 Sep 1973 SCO Jim Brown SCO Vale of Leven 19 Nov 1973 SCO Jim McIntyre SCO St Patricks High School 19 Nov 1973 SCO Drew Checkley SCO Vale of Leven 19 Jan 1974 SCO Alan Black ENG Norwich City 23 Jan 1974 SCO Alan Mackin SCO Kilwinning Rangers 30 Mar 1974 SCO Ian McGregor SCO Kilsyth Rangers 3 Apr 1974 Players out PlayerToDate SCO Ronnie Kidd SCO Cumnock 5 Jul 1973 SCO Ken Morrison SCO Beith 1 August 1973 SCO Iain Fearn SCO Airdrie 3 August 1973 SCO Peter McQuade SCO Berwick Rangers 24 January 1974 SCO Kenny Jenkins AUS APIA SCO Alan Black SCO Retired SCO Allan McKay SCO Retired Source: Litster John Record of Post-War Scottish League Players PM Publications Norwich Reserve team Dumbarton competed in the Scottish Reserve League, and with 12 wins and 6 draws from 34 matches, finished 12th of 18 for the second successive season. Dumbarton again entered the Scottish Second XI Cup, and again reached the third round where Celtic were to prove too good on the day by four goals to none. For the first time, Dumbarton entered the Scottish Reserve League Cup, and after qualifying from their section with 4 wins and a draw from 6 games, they eventually lost out to Partick Thistle in a two-legged semi final. References Category:Dumbarton F.C. seasons Category:Scottish football clubs 1973–74 season