The recent feature in The Courier Weekend magazine about the centenary of St Andrews United Football Club and the forthcoming 60th anniversary of their ‘greatest day’ win over Greenock Juniors in the 1960 Scottish Junior Cup Final, has thrown up memories of regular ‘glamour’ friendly matches between St Andrews United and Dundee United at Recreation Park in the 1980s.
St Andrews man John Stewart got in touch with photos of one such game in 1985 when various stars of Jim McLean’s great Dundee United team of the 1980s took part.
“Without doubt the highlight of St Andrews history – the entire town, that is! – was Dave Narey at the Rec in 1985,” said John whose late father, who came from Greenock, was at the 1960 Junior Cup Final won by St Andrews.
“I went to three St Andrews United v Dundee United friendlies in a row, but the Dundee United side got progressively younger with each year.
“The first one was the high point. That game had Narey, Bannon, Sturrock, and Malpas playing – that side would beat anyone in the Premier League today!
“The game ended 5-1 and I think I got photographs of four of the goals. Different discipline in those days, with only 24 frames for the entire match!”
Regarding the 1960 Junior Cup Final which St Andrews won 3-1 against Greenock Juniors, John said he remembers his father saying that result was a “big upset”.
“Greenock Juniors were considered better than Morton at the time,” said John, “and I think they were unbeaten that season – although I might have that wrong.
“That final was at the same period as the Real-Eintracht European Cup Final when the crowds were gigantic!”
