Kilmarnock 3 Hearts 2
(Scot Division 1,
Rugby Park, Dec 2nd 1967)
Kilmarnock fans have had to wait since September 9th
for a home league victory, but the goal that made this one possible was
worth waiting all season to see!
It
was a goal worthy of an international triumph or a cup final. And it
signaled the arrival of Killie’s young centre Eddie Morrison who
was pitchforked into the big team a few weeks ago.
It could be the turning point in the Ayrshire team’s fierce struggle to
regain the hard-hitting confidence of early season.
Morrison couldn’t have struck at a more opportune moment, just as Killie
hovered on the brinkof yet another slip up before their home crowd.
Killie had lost a 2 goal lead. Their confidence was fading fast, when
Morrison collected a pass from Kenny Cameron on the left-wing. He sped
past Alan Anderson and Ian Sneddon then cut back inside instead of
crossing. He twisted his way round centre-half Arthur Thomson and
crashed a great shot past Cruickshank.
A glorious goal that completely stole the show, and capped a
hard-running, never-say-die game by the Killie youngster. No wonder his
mates nearly suffocated him with their congratulations.
I
t
was Morrison who started Killie off on their comeback. He cracked a shot
against the post and Gerry Queen got the rebound to score.
Morrison snatched a wonderful second
goal taking a side flick pass from Cameron and thundering
the ball past Cruickshank.
Just as Killie looked back at their peak in stepped Hearts
hero Alan Anderson. He headed one goaland got a freak
equalizer eight mins later with a shot that sneaked through
a maze of defenders and finally through Sandy McLaughlin’s
legs into the net. That goal was like a time fuse blasting
off a chain reaction of tough incidents that gave referee
Wilson lots of anxious moments.
Before the half time whistle had gone two goal hero Anderson
was booked for a foul on Sinclair. Hearts other hero
Norwegian Raold Jensen almost got another equaliser when he
thumped a raking drive against the bar. Then he too fell
from grace with an impetuous tackle on young Killie
right-back Robin Arthur and was sent off.
Even with 10 men Hearts continued to carry the fight to
Killie, and gave them lots of worry.
The Edinburgh men all through the game moved more sweetly
than the Ayrshire team. But nothing will wipe out the memory
of that wonderful winning goal, just what the doctor ordered
for Killie.
Kilmarnock: McLaughlin, Arthur, McFadzean, Murray,
McGrory, Beattie, McLean, Queen, Morrison, Sinclair &
Cameron.
Sub: McInally (2nd half sub for
Beattie).
Crowd: 5,558
