Happy anniversary

It is 30 years ago today that Stirling Albion hit the headlines for racking up a record-breaking 20-0 win over Selkirk in the first round of the Scottish Cup at Annfield.

Alex Smith’s side stormed to what was the biggest victory in British senior football in the 20th century, with goals from Davie Thompson (7), Willie Irvine (5), Keith Walker (2), Neil Watt (2), Scott Maxwell, Gerry McTeague, Jimmy Ormond and Rab Dawson.

On a heavy pitch, 15 of the goals were scored in the second half when we were shooting down the famous slope and the game was captured by the TV cameras, as part of a BBC feature on the Road to Hampden for what was the 100th Scottish Cup.

The match on Saturday December 8, 1984 received nationwide coverage but our journey in that season’s competition was to prove a short one – we were drawn away to Cowdenbeath in round two and lost 2-1.

The majority of the squad and backroom staff from season 1984/85 were at Forthbank on Saturday for a reunion and it was great to catch up with those who played their part in a such special day in the club’s history.

The team
1 Andy Graham
2 Rab Dawson
3 Tom Spence
4 Jimmy Sinclair
5 Gerry McTeague
6 Scott Maxwell
7 Davie Thompson
8 Keith Walker
9 Willie Irvine
10 Bernie Grant
11 Jimmy Ormond

Subs (both used):
Neil Watt
Charlie McNeil

How the goals rained in
1-0 Willie Irvine – 5 mins
2-0 Scott Maxwell – 12 mins
3-0 Jimmy Ormond – 26 mins
4-0 Davie Thompson – 34 mins
5-0 Rab Dawson – 36 mins
6-0 Keith Walker – 47 mins
7-0 Willie Irvine – 48 mins
8-0 Davie Thompson – 49 mins
9-0 Davie Thompson – 59 mins
10-0 Davie Thompson – 60 mins
11-0 Gerry McTeague – 70 mins
12-0 Davie Thompson – 71 mins
13-0 Keith Walker – 73 mins
14-0 Willie Irvine – 76 mins
15-0 Davie Thompson – 78 mins
16-0 Davie Thompson – 79 mins
17-0 Willie Irvine – 82 mins
18-0 Neil Watt – 84 mins
19-0 Neil Watt – 85 mins
20-0 Willie Irvine – 89 mins

Stirling Albion squad 1984/85