1972–73 Dumbarton F.C. season

December 2018 February 2020 January 2015 Dumbarton 1972–1973 Jackie Stewart/ Alex Wright Boghead Park, Dumbarton Scottish League Division 1 16th Scottish Cup Fourth round Scottish League Cup Second Round Roy McCormack (11) Roy McCormack (12) 15,000 3,000 5,765 1971–72 1973–74 The 1972–73 season was Dumbarton's official centenary year and the 89th 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 Drybrough Cup and the Stirlingshire Cup. Story of the season Players The first season back in the 'big time' for over 50 years began with very few changes to the playing staff. All the first XI from the Second Division winning side had been retained, including Britain's top scorer for the past two seasons, Kenny Wilson. There were just three acquisitions made during the close season to bolster the defence– Willie Whigham came from Middlesbrough as back up for Lawrie Williams 'between the sticks', Denis Ruddy from neighbours Clydebank and most significantly former Celtic full back John Cushley from Dunfermline Athletic . July The season opened on 29 July with the two top scoring sides in Scotland from the previous season meeting at Parkhead in a Drybrough Cup tie with Celtic just squeezing past Dumbarton 2–1 in front of 28,000 fans.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36042 Celtic 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Dryborough Cup (29/07/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2537 Celtic 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, July 29th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 August On 7 August touring English Second Division side Carlisle United visited Boghead and after an entertaining game Dumbarton ran out 3–2 winners. The League Cup campaign began on 12 August and saw Dumbarton drawn against fellow First Division sides Hearts and Airdrie together with Second Division Berwick Rangers. With the top two qualifying from each section hopes were high that progress could be made and these hopes were enhanced when Hearts were defeated 1–0 at Boghead.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17422 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Hearts, League Cup (12/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2529 Dumbarton 1 - 0 Hearts, Saturday, August 12th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 Despite losing to Berwick Rangers midweek at Sheilfield by the same score,https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36038 Berwick Rangers 1 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (16/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2530 Berwick Rangers 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, August 16th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 a 4–1 home win over Airdrie on 19 Augusthttps://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36039 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Airdrie, League Cup (19/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2531 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Airdrie, Saturday, August 19th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 put things back on track. The win was not without its issues as new signing John Cushley suffered a broken cheekbone, which would keep him out for a number of weeks, with Roy McCormack joining him on the injury list with a bruised ankle. Nonetheless, two draws were subsequently earned – 2–2 against Berwick at homehttps://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36040 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Berwick Rangers, League Cup (23/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2532 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Berwick Rangers, Wednesday, August 23rd 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 and 1–1 against Hearts at Tynecastlehttps://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17426 Hearts 1 - 1 Dumbarton, League Cup (26/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2533 Hearts 1 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, August 26th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 – and although the final qualifying tie against Airdrie at Broomfield on 30 August was lost 2–1,https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36041 Airdrie 2 - 1 Dumbarton, League Cup (30/08/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2534 Airdrie 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Wednesday, August 30th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 the 6 points gained was sufficient to go forward to the knock out stages. September 2 September marked Dumbarton's first league game in the top division for 50 years, but it was not to be a happy return. Partick Thistle at Firhill proved to be a tough team to crack and Dumbarton left having been defeated 4–1.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36016 Partick Thistle 4 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (02/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2492 Partick Thistle 4 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, September 2nd 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 A week later at Boghead, Falkirk were the visitors and with both sets of forwards goal shy the game ended in a tame 0–0 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36017 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Falkirk, Scottish League (09/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2493 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Falkirk, Saturday, September 9th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 16 September it was back to Tynecastle to meet Hearts, but this time on league business – and it was the home team who claimed the 2 points in a 1–0 win.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17394 Hearts 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (16/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2494 Hearts 1 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, September 2nd 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 Four days later Dumbarton entertained Dundee in the first leg of the second round in the League cup, and with the return of Cushley, the problems in front of goal over the past few weeks were forgotten as Dumbarton strolled to a 3–0 victory.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13720 Dumbarton 3 - 0 Dundee, League Cup (20/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2535 Dumbarton 3 - 0 Dundee, Wednesday, September 20th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 The following Saturday Boghead was again the venue, with Aberdeen visiting on league duty. The new confidence appeared to be continuing as Dumbarton led 1–0 at halftime, but a second half fight back meant the Dons left with both points after a 2–1 win.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=1911 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Aberdeen, Scottish League (23/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2495 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Aberdeen, Saturday, September 23rd 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The bad news continued through the weekend as it was announced that ace striker Kenny Wilson had been transferred to Carlisle United for a club record fee of £40,000. Kenny had signed from St Johnstone on a free transfer in July 1970 and had scored 87 goals in 101 appearances – his departure created a huge void which would be difficult to fill. And that was only too evident in the following league match on 30 September against Arbroath where the lack of an effective front man meant Dumbarton could only manage a 0–0 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36108 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Arbroath, Scottish League (30/09/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2496 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Arbroath, Saturday, September 30th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The top of the league at the end of September looked busy with no fewer than four teams with 8 points – Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United. Dumbarton had yet to win and were in 15th place with 2 points. October The departure of Kenny Wilson ensured that the Dumbarton management team were on the search for a suitable replacement, and an offer was made to Crystal Palace for the former Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace. While Wallace considered matters, Dumbarton played Dundee in the return leg of the second round in the League Cup. Unfortunately the Sons were unable to hold back a rampant Dundee who chalked up a 4–0 victory, to win the tie 4–3 on aggregate.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13721 Dundee 4 - 0 Dumbarton, League Cup (04/10/1972) Fitbastats.com 17 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2536 Dundee 4 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, October 4th 1972 The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 On 7 October, Dumbarton made the journey to Muirton Park to play St Johnstone in the league. New boy Tom McAdam stepped up from the reserves and was one of the scorers in a 2–0 win – the first for Dumbarton in the league.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=25157 St Johnstone 0 - 2 Dumbarton, Scottish League (07/10/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2497 St Johnstone 0 - 2 Dumbarton, Saturday, October 7th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The following week, Dumbarton entertained Dundee at Boghead. Willie Wallace had now joined and played a superb game on the wing, while teenager McAdam notched his second goal in two games in a 2–2 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13684 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Dundee, Scottish League (14/10/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2498 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Dundee, Saturday, October 14th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 21 October, it was a trip to Broomfield in a league game against Airdrie, and it was '3-for-3' for young McAdam together with a Roy McCormack double that snatched both points in a 3–2 win.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36019 Airdrie 2 - 3 Dumbarton, Scottish League (21/10/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2499 Airdrie 2 - 3 Dumbarton, Saturday, October 21st 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 In the final league game of October, Dumbarton attempted to get that elusive first league win at Boghead but a goal three minutes from time rescued a point for Hibernian in a 2–2 draw. Nevertheless, Tom McAdam kept his 'goal a game' run going.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36020 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Hibernian, Scottish League (28/10/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2500 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Hibernian, Saturday, October 28th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 30 October Dumbarton played Alloa in a Stirlingshire Cup tie and won easily 4-2 – with that man McAdam notching his fifth goal in five games. So the league at the end of October saw Celtic on top with 15 points, one ahead of Dundee United. Dumbarton had climbed to 13th with 8 points. November The first weekend in November saw Dumbarton visit Methil for a league game against East Fife. Unfortunately two uncharacteristic lapses by Lawrie Williams cost the Sons dearly and despite an 87th-minute goal from McAdam Dumbarton slipped to a 2–1 defeat.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36021 East Fife 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (04/11/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2501 East Fife 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, November 4th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 11 November it was a trip to Rugby park to play Kilmarnock, and after an eventless first half the home side looked to have wrapped up the points with two quick fire goals at the start of the second half, but McCormack and then McAdam scored to earn Dumbarton a point.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=21833 Kilmarnock 2 - 2 Dumbarton, Scottish League (11/11/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2502 Kilmarnock 2 - 2 Dumbarton, Saturday, November 11th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 A week later Dumbarton looked to break their winless league streak at home with a game against Morton, and despite two goals from Tom McAdam (9 goals in 8 games) the Sons had to settle for a 2–2 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36022 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Morton, Scottish League (18/11/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2503 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Morton, Saturday, November 18th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The final league game of November was a visit to Ibrox where despite a McCormack equaliser 15 minutes into the second half, Rangers stamina proved too much as the game went on and they eventually won 3–1.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36023 Rangers 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (25/11/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2504 Rangers 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, November 25th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 So at the end of the month Celtic still were ahead on 23 points but pulling ahead – 4 points now in front of Hibernian. Dumbarton maintained 13th place with 10 points. December A week after the Rangers game, Dumbarton faced the other half of the Old Firm at Boghead, but this time there was no question as to the outcome as Celtic outclassed the Sons from the start and ran out 6–1 victors.http://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36024 Dumbarton 1 - 6 Celtic, Scottish League (02/12/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2505 Dumbarton 1 - 6 Celtic, Saturday, December 2nd 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 9 December Dumbarton appeared to be suffering from a hang over from the previous week and never got going against Ayr United at Somerset Park, losing out 2–0.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36025 Ayr United 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (09/12/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2506 Ayr United 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, December 9th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The following week Motherwell visited Boghead and in a game which turned into a pantomime due to the state of the pitch, skills were at a premium and a 0–0 draw was probably a fair result.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=6099 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Motherwell, Scottish League (16/12/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2507 Dumbarton 0 - 0 Motherwell, Saturday, December 16th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On the day before Christmas Eve, it was a visit to Tannadice and at half time Dundee United appeared to be giving their presents early as Dumbarton led by 2 own goals to 1. However, they were not to make the same mistakes in the second half, and eventually it was the home side who were to win 3–2.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=10368 Dundee United 3 - 2 Dumbarton, Scottish League (09/12/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2508 Dundee United 3 - 2 Dumbarton, Saturday, December 23rd 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The final league game of 1972, and of Dumbarton's centenary year, was played out at Boghead against Partick Thistle. A home victory in the league was still proving elusive and at half time it looked like the wait may have to go on as the Jags led 2–1. However 3 goals in the second half brought the year to a satisfactory end with a 4–2 win.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36026 Dumbarton 4 - 2 Partick Thistle, Scottish League (30/12/1972) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2509 Dumbarton 4 - 2 Partick Thistle, Saturday, December 30th 1972 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 So as 1972 came to an end Celtic still headed the league with 28 points, but their lead over Hibernian had been cut to 2 points. Dumbarton had dropped to 14th place with 13 points, but importantly 6 points clear of relegation. January The first game of 1973 saw the visit of Hearts to Boghead, but there was to be no continuation of home success as Dumbarrton suffered a 2–0 defeat.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=17407 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Hearts, Scottish League (06/01/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2510 Dumbarton 0 - 2 Hearts, Saturday, January 6th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The team were to be hit with further bad news as it was announced that manager Jackie Stewart had agreed to take over at rivals St Johnstone. However assistant manager Alex Wright (formerly boss at St Mirren and Dunfermline) was the obvious choice to take over the reins. On 20 January Dumbarton visited Gayfield to face Arbroath in the league and in a game spoiled by the blustery wing it was the home team who came out on top 2–1.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36027 Arbroath 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (20/01/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2511 Arbroath 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, January 20th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The final game of January saw the return of Jackie Stewart to Boghead with his new team St Johnstone and despite having most of the play Dumbarton could only manage a 1–1 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=25166 Dumbarton 1 - 1 St Johnstone, Scottish League (27/01/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2512 Dumbarton 1 - 1 St Johnstone, Saturday, January 27th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 In fact it could have been worse had St Johnstone scored from a soft penalty awarded 16 minutes from time. So as January came to a close Rangers had taken over at the top with 35 points, 3 points ahead of Celtic but with 3 more games played. Dumbarton had now slipped to 16th with 14 points – perilously close to the relegation places just 2 ahead of Kilmarnock. February The first game of February was a Scottish Cup third round tie against Cowdenbeath at Boghead. A 4–1 victory was recorded but it was not as comfortable as it looked as at 2–1 Cowdenbeath were still in the game until the 3rd and 4th goals were scored in the final 6 minutes.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=32902 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Cowdenbeath, Scottish Cup (03/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 13 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2526 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Cowdenbeath, Saturday, February 3rd 1973 The Sons Archive 13 May 2020 A midweek league tie was next on 6 February against Falkirk at Brockville, and in a game where defences were on top it was Falkirk who claimed a 2–0 victory.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36028 Falkirk 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (06/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2513 Falkirk 2 - 0 Dumbarton, Tuesday, February 6th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 10 February Dundee was the destination on league business, and in a game which looked destined to finish 0–0 Dundee scored twice in 2 minutes with just 10 minutes left. Davie Wilson's 86th minute counter was not enough to save a point.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=13697 Dundee 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (10/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2514 Dundee 2 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, February 10th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 With relegation worries prominent, Dumbarton made a double signing on 15 February, with Ross Mathie coming from Kilmarnock and Brian Heron from Motherwell for an estimated total fee of £25,000. The new signings played in a midweek match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on 20 February. Aberdeen won 6–0.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=1931 Aberdeen 6 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (20/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2515 Aberdeen 6 - 0 Dumbarton, Tuesday, February 20th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The club remained in a position for relegation. It was Scottish Cup fourth round business the following weekend with the visit of Partick Thistle to Boghead. Despite the gift of an own goal in the first minute, Dumbarton had to rely on an 81st-minute goal from Charlie Gallagher to salvage a 2–2 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36036 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Partick Thistle, Scottish Cup (24/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 13 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2527 Dumbarton 2 - 2 Partick Thistle, Saturday, February 24th 1973 The Sons Archive 13 May 2020 Four days later the replay took place at Firhill and it was the home team who eased into the next round with a 3–1 win.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36037 Partick Thistle 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish Cup (28/02/1973) Fitbastats.com 13 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2528 Partick Thistle 3 - 1 Dumbarton, Wednesday, February 28th 1973 The Sons Archive 13 May 2020 The league at the end of February still saw Rangers on top with 39 points, with Celtic just 1 behind with a game in hand, while Dumbarton remained in 16th but only 1 point in front of Kilmarnock. March As Alex Wright officially took over the manager's position, next up on 3 March was Hibernian at Easter Road in the league and the home team made no mistake handing out a 5–0 thrashing.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36029 Hibernian 5 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (03/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2516 Hibernian 5 - 0 Dumbarton, Saturday, March 3rd 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The midweek game that followed took on great significance as it was against fellow strugglers Airdrie. A win would take Dumbarton out of the relegation places above Kilmarnock. However, the home frailties that had plagued most of the season returned, with Airdrie leaving with both points after a 5–3 victory.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36030 Dumbarton 3 - 5 Airdrie, Scottish League (07/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2517 Dumbarton 3 - 5 Airdrie, Wednesday, March 7th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 There was a further chance to ease relegation worries with a game against East Fife on 10 March. Dumbaton had all the play but a magnificent performance from the Fifers goalkeeper meant that just a 0–0 draw was achieved.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36031 Dumbarton 0 - 0 East Fife, Scottish League (10/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2518 Dumbarton 0 - 0 East Fife, Saturday, March 10th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The next game saw Kilmarnock visit Dumbarton with anything but a win almost closing the door on any chances of survival – but with new signings Mathie and Heron scoring two goals each, Dumbarton produced a superb performance to leapfrog Kilmarnock out of the relegation spots.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=21845 Dumbarton 4 - 2 Kilmarnock, Scottish League (17/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2519 Dumbarton 4 - 2 Kilmarnock, Saturday, March 17th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 On 20 March the league concerns were put to one side as Dumbarton gave a number of the second string players a chance against a strong Falkirk side in the semi-final of the Stirlingshire Cup, eventually coming out on top 2–1 – a young schoolboy signing John Bourke scoring one of the goals. Four days later Dumbarton were at Cappielow to play Morton in the league and with a brave second half comeback managed to secure a vital point in a 1–1 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36032 Morton 1 - 1 Dumbarton, Scottish League (24/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2520 Morton 1 - 1 Dumbarton, Saturday, March 24th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The final game of March on the final day of the month brought Rangers to Boghead, who were involved in their own tussle at the top of the league against Celtic. Three goals in the first 22 minutes were enough to see Rangers win the tie 2-1 – but with the effort put in during the second half Dumbarton deserved better.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36033 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Rangers, Scottish League (31/03/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2521 Dumbarton 1 - 2 Rangers, Saturday, March 31st 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 As the league reached its final stages Rangers unbeaten run since December saw them on 49 points, now 2 ahead of Celtic with a game more played. Dumbarton remained in 16th place with 18 points, now ahead of Kilmarnock on just goal difference. April The first game of April was played against Ayr United on 14 April at Boghead. A Roy McCormack strike in the 13th minute was looking good enough to take both points, but a harmless-looking chip from Ayr substitute Campbell slipped through Willie Whigham's fingers, and Dumbarton had to settle for a point.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36034 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Ayr United, Scottish League (14/04/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2522 Dumbarton 1 - 1 Ayr United, Saturday, April 14th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The following midweek involved a visit to Celtic Park, and the champions elect were in no mood to take matters easy – brushing Dumbarton aside easily 5–0.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=36035 Celtic 5 - 0 Dumbarton, Scottish League (18/04/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2523 Celtic 5 - 0 Dumbarton, Wednesday, April 18th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 The penultimate league game on 21 April was against Motherwell at Fir Park, and Dumbarton knew that by trailing Kilmarnock by 2 points, something had to be taken from the game. A battling performance resulted in a 2–0 win and kept alive their First Division hopes.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=6116 Motherwell 0 - 2 Dumbarton, Scottish League (21/04/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2524 Motherwell 0 - 2 Dumbarton, Saturday, April 21st 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 Another midweek game took place on two days later with a game at Boghead against East Stirling in the Stirlingshire Cup final. Tom McAdam was the hero with four goals in a 6–0 rout. So it was that Dumbarton entered into the final league match on 28 April at Boghead against Dundee United knowing that they had to better any result gained by Kilmarnock. At half time things looked bleak as while Dumbarton led 2–1, Kilmarnock were beating Falkirk 2–0. However, a further two second-half goals, giving Dumbarton a superb 4–1 win, was enough to push Kilmarnock into relegation as they could only manage a 2–2 draw.https://www.fitbastats.com/dumbarton/game.php?gameid=10383 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Dundee United, Scottish League (28/04/1973) Fitbastats.com 18 May 2020http://www.sonsarchive.com/matchdetails.php?id=2525 Dumbarton 4 - 1 Dundee United, Saturday, April 28th 1973 The Sons Archive 18 May 2020 At the other end of the table, Celtic won their eighth title in a row, pipping Rangers by a single point. May On 9 May Davie Wilson retired from playing and took up the position of assistant manager at the club. A number of player milestones were reached during the season. Johnny Graham made his 200th appearance for Dumbarton (on 4 October against Dundee) In addition no fewer than 5 players made their 'century' of appearances in a Dumbarton shirt, as follows: Laurie Williams v Hearts on 26 August. Kenny Wilson v Dundee on 20 September. Peter Coleman v Arbroath on 30 September. Allan McKay v Arbroath on 20 January. Jack Bolton v St Johnstone on 27 January. Results Scottish First Division 1972–73 Scottish Football League L 2 September 1972 Scottish Division 1 4–1 Partick Thistle Dumbarton Coulston 4Lawrie 27Galvin 70 72 Gallagher 65 pen Firhill 9,000 B Padden D 9 September 1972 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Dumbarton Falkirk Boghead Park 6,000 D Syme L 16 September 1972 Scottish Division 1 1–0 Hearts Dumbarton Lynch 23 Tynecastle Stadium 7,000 J R Grant L 23 September 1972 Scottish Division 1 1–2 Dumbarton Aberdeen Wilson, D 31 Jarvie 49Harper 52 Boghead Park 5,000 R D Henderson D 30 September 1972 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Dumbarton Arbroath Boghead Park 3,000 J W Paterson W 7 October 1972 Scottish Division 1 0–2 St Johnstone Dumbarton McAdam, T 14McCormack 52 Muirton Park 3,500 J Callaghan D 14 October 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–2 Dumbarton Dundee McAdam, T 6McCormack 71 Cushley 46 OGWallace 69 Boghead Park 4,000 E H Pringle W 21 October 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–3 Airdrie Dumbarton Busby 41 80 McCormack 44 79McAdam, T 87 Broomfield Park 4,500 J Callaghan D 28 October 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–2 Dumbarton Hibernian McAdam, T 59Wallace 73 Duncan 4Gordon 87 Boghead Park 4,000 E H Pringle L 4 November 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–1 East Fife Dumbarton Hegarty 26mcPhee 54 McAdam, T 87 Bayview Park, Methil 3,000 R Marshall D 11 November 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–2 Kilmarnock Dumbarton Morrison 46Cook 47 McCormack 56McAdam, T 74 Rugby Park 2,500 T Kellock D 18 November 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–2 Dumbarton Morton McAdam, T 35 70 Gillies 62Anderson 81 Boghead Park 5,000 C H Hutton L 11 November 1972 Scottish Division 1 3–1 Rangers Dumbarton Young 41Conn 70Parlane 80 McCormack 59 Ibrox Park 12,000 B Padden L 2 December 1972 Scottish Division 1 1–6 Dumbarton Celtic Wallace 84 Hood 4McCluskey 15 36 78Johnstone 23Cushley 74 OG Boghead Park 15,000 A F McDonald L 9 December 1972 Scottish Division 1 2–0 Ayr United Dumbarton McCulloch 8Ingram 48 Somerset Park 4,500 R C Greenlees D 16 December 1972 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Dumbarton Motherwell Boghead Park 3,000 W Anderson L 23 December 1972 Scottish Division 1 3–2 Dundee United Dumbarton Gardner 16Rolland 50Smith 85 pen Markland 28 OGMcAlpine 42 OG Tannadice Park 3,500 J R Grant W 30 December 1972 Scottish Division 1 4–2 Dumbarton Partick Thistle Wallace 30 60McCormack 72Graham 87 McQuade 35Craig 39 Boghead Park 5,000 R H Davidson L 6 January 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–2 Dumbarton Hearts Renton 13Menmuir 87 Boghead Park 4,500 A Paterson L 20 January 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–1 Arbroath Dumbarton Pirie 59Payne 63 Wallace 90 Gayfield Park 1,771 J W Paterson D 27 January 1973 Scottish Division 1 1–1 Dumbarton St Johnstone Kidd 10 Hall 38 Boghead Park 3,500 E H Pringle L 6 February 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–0 Falkirk Dumbarton Somner 41 85 Brockville Park 4,000 J McRoberts L 10 February 1973 Scottish Division 1 2–1 Dundee Dumbarton Scott 82Wallace 84 Wilson 86 Dens Park 4,500 E Thomson L 20 February 1973 Scottish Division 1 6–0 Aberdeen Dumbarton Purdie 9 66Forrest 35Jenkins 67 OGVarga 80Jarvie 89 Pittodrie Park 8,000 R C Greenlees L 3 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 5–0 Hibernian Dumbarton Gordon 20Duncan 31Cropley 43 55Hamilton 49 Easter Road 12,417 J M D Foote L 7 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 3–5 Dumbarton Airdrie Mathie 15 53mcCormack 85 Hulston 27Walker 35Busby 36 61 86 Boghead Park 3,000 J Callaghan D 10 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–0 Dumbarton East Fife Boghead Park 3,500 A K McCririck W 17 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 4–2 Dumbarton Kilmarnock Mathie 7 88Heron 63 71 McSherry 43Morrison 44 Boghead Park 4,000 T R Kyle D 24 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 1–1 Morton Dumbarton Osborne 25 McCormack 63 Cappielow Park 4,500 R Gordon L 31 March 1973 Scottish Division 1 1–2 Dumbarton Rangers Mathie 22 Young 13Parlane 20 Boghead Park 13,000 J W Paterson D 14 April 1973 Scottish Division 1 1–1 Dumbarton Ayr United McCormack 13 Campbell 53 Boghead Park 4,000 A McKenzie L 19 April 1973 Scottish Division 1 5–0 Celtic Dumbarton Deans 12 69 84Callaghan 20Dalgleish 38 Celtic Park 27,000 T Marshall W 21 April 1973 Scottish Division 1 0–2 Motherwell Dumbarton Mathie 53McCormack 88 Fir Park 3,000 D F T Syme W 28 April 1973 Scottish Division 1 4–1 Dumbarton Dundee United Wallace 29Mathie 42McAdam, T 62 72 Fleming 11 Boghead Park 6,000 T Kellock Scottish Cup 1972–73 Scottish Cup W 2 February 1973 Cup round 3 4–1 Dumbarton Cowdenbeath Wallace 29McAdam 60Mackay 84Graham 89 Ross 67 Boghead Park 3,539 W Anderson D 24 February 1973 Cup round 4 2–2 Dumbarton Partick Thistle Hansen 1 OGGallacher 81 Lawrie 46Wilkinson 52 OG Boghead Park 7,875 E Thomson L 28 February 1973 Cup round 4R 3–1 Partick Thistle Dumbarton Galvin 10 79 penCraig 51 Gallacher 56 pen Firhill Park 8,796 E Thomson Scottish League Cup 1972–73 Scottish League Cup W 11 August 1972 Group 6 1–0 Dumbarton Hearts McCormack 75 Boghead Park 7,000 B Padden L 16 August 1972 Group 6 1–0 Berwick Rangers Dumbarton Hall 75 Shielfield Park 500 G B Smith W 19 August 1972 Group 6 4–1 Dumbarton Airdrie Wilson, K 40 84Kidd 60Gallacher 74 Busby 90 Boghead Park 4,000 I M D Foote D 23 August 1972 Group 6 2–2 Dumbarton Berwick Rangers Gallacher 75 89 pen Coyne 25 44 Boghead Park 1,000 J Callaghan D 26 August 1972 Group 6 1–1 Hearts Dumbarton Murray 18 Jenkins 62 Tynecastle Stadium 8,000 R Marshall L 30 August 1972 Group 6 2–1 Airdrie Dumbarton Fury 9Whiteford 36 Kidd 46 Broomfield Park 5,000 A R McCririck W 20 September 1972 Round 2(1) 3–0 Dumbarton Dundee Graham 28Wilson, D 33Wilson, K 78 Boghead Park 4,000 W Anderson L 4 October 1972 Round 2(2) 4–0 Dundee Dumbarton Scott 37Wallace 50 72Duncan 85 Dens Park 9,000 W Anderson Drybrough Cup L 29 July 1972 Quarter-final 2–1 Celtic Dumbarton Callaghan 3McNeill 52 Wilson, K 34 Celtic Park 28,000 E H Pringle Stirlingshire Cup W 31 October 1972 First round 4–2 Dumbarton Alloa Athletic McCormack Graham Coleman McAdam 80 Low 20McCulloch 88 pen Boghead Park 700 W 20 March 1973 Semi-final 2–1 Dumbarton Falkirk Kidd 40Bourke 65 Cushley 83 OG Boghead Park W 23 April 1973 Final 6–0 Dumbarton East Stirling McAdam, T 10 58 67 89Wallace 50Simpson 77 OG Boghead Park A Webster Friendly W 7 August 1972 3–2 Friendly Dumbarton ENGCarlisle United Gallacher 52 pen 60Wilson, K 67 Martin 6Owen 75 Boghead Park 5,000 Player statistics Squad First Division Scottish Cup League Cup Drybrough Cup Bruce Livingstonehttp://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=482 Bruce Livingstone - Player Statistics The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 21 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190321024640/http://sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=482 dead GK SCO 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Willie Whigham GK SCO 6 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Laurie Williams GK SCO 26 0 3 0 7 0 0 0 Colin McAdam DF SCO 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Allan McKay DF SCO 11 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 Billy Wilkinson DF SCO 30 0 3 0 8 0 1 0 Jack Bolton MF SCO 27 0 1 0 8 0 1 0 John Cushley MF SCO 28 0 3 0 5 0 1 0 Johnny Graham MF SCO 33 1 3 1 8 1 1 0 Kenny Jenkins MF SCO 23 0 2 0 8 1 1 0 Gordon Menzies MF SCO 28+1 0 0 0 3 0 0+1 0 Denis Ruddy MF SCO 0+1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 Peter Coleman FW SCO 21+4 0 2+1 0 6 0 1 0 Iain Fearn FW SCO 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 Charlie Gallagher FW SCO 6 1 3 2 5+1 3 1 0 Brian Heron FW SCO 9+1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ronnie Kiddhttp://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=461 Ronnie Kidd - Player Statistics The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 21 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190321105731/http://sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=461 dead FW SCO 3+2 1 0 0 2+1 2 0 0 Ross Mathie FW SCO 10+1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tom McAdam FW SCO 14+2 10 2+1 1 0+1 0 0 0 Roy McCormack FW SCO 32 11 2 0 6 1 1 0 John Patersonhttp://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=466 John Paterson - Player Statistics The Sons Archive 17 May 2020 24 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200924050510/http://www.sonsarchive.com/player.php?id=466 dead FW SCO 0+3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Willie Wallace FW SCO 24+2 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 Davie Wilson FW SCO 31+3 2 3 0 8 1 1 0 Kenny Wilson FW SCO 4 0 0 0 7 3 1 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 John Cushley SCO Dunfermline Ath 29 Jun 1972 SCO Denis Ruddy SCO Clydebank 30 Jun 1972 SCO Willie Whigham ENG Middlesbrough 17 Jul 1972 SCO Willie Wallace ENG Crystal Palace 10 Oct 1972 SCO John Bourke SCO Dumbarton United 11 Jan 1973 SCO Brian Heron SCO Motherwell 15 Feb 1973 SCO Ross Mathie SCO Kilmarnock 15 Feb 1973 Players out PlayerToDate SCO Brian Gallagher SCO Beith 7 Aug 1972 SCO Kenny Wilson ENG Carlisle Utd 26 Sep 1972 SCO Charlie Gallagher SCO Retired 30 Apr 1973 SCO Jack Bolton SCO Freed 30 Apr 1973 SCO Davie Wilson SCO Assistant Manager 7 May 1973 Source: Litster John Record of Post-War Scottish League Players PM Publications Norwich Reserve team Dumbarton competed in the Scottish Reserve League, and with 9 wins and 10 draws from 34 matches, finished 12th of 18. For the first time in a decade, Dumbarton also entered the Scottish Second XI Cup, and reached the third round before losing out to Dundee by the only goal. References Category:Dumbarton F.C. seasons Category:Scottish football clubs 1972–73 season