Killie Win Their 1st of 3 Scottish Cups

Kilmarnock 3 Albion Rovers 2
(Scottish Cup Final, Hampden Park, Apr 17th 1920)

Of all the original 1873 Scottish Cup entrants, the name of Kilmarnock Football Club was the only name missing on the trophy! That was to change on Apr 17th 1920, only fitting seeing as how Killie had contributed a pound towards the costs of the cup in the first place.

Albion Rovers were surprise finalists having beaten Rangers only after 2 replays, and subsequently were below full strength by the time the Final was to be played.

Authorities were concerned that without either of the Old Firm that a crowd of 50,000 would be tops, however they were mistaken and a crowd of over 95,000 took in the Final, with many more locked outside of Hampden.

A huge support from Ayrshire was in attendance (probably over 40,000), as Killie went into their first  Final as strong favourites.

The Final was never a classic, and the aftermath headlines were a ....."Ding Dong Struggle"

Killie fell behind to the underdogs when Watson beat Blair to put the Coatbridge men 1 up after only 4 min's.

Killie pulled even just 9 mins later when Mattha Smith put Willie Culley through to beat Short in the Rovers goal.

With the score even at 1-1 it was end to end stuff, before Killie gained an edge to the play, before the teams went even at the half.

Killie got off to a great start in the second half, as Mattha Smith again turned provider, this time for Mattha Shortt. (right) who rocketed a shot into the back of Rovers net, just 2 mins after the restart.

But, again Killie fell susceptible to Rovers "Kick & Run" and just 3 mins later they pulled the Final even through Hillhouse.

With 30 mins left Killie took the lead for good after a fine shot by J R Smith. Killie stayed on the attack for the final minutes, and ran out worthy winners over a battling Rovers side!

Kilmarnock: Blair, Hamilton, Gibson, Bagan, Shortt, Neave, McNaught,  M Smith,  J R Smith, Culley & McPhail.

Attendance: 95,000

Road to the Final: SF Morton 3-2, QF Armadale (A) 2-1, Rd 3 Queens Park (H)  4-1, Rd 2 Alloa (A) 2-0.

Other Cup Wins: 1928-29 & 1996-97