That was the Celtic Goal that was No.9

That was the Celtic Goal that was 

7th May 1977 - Andy Lynch



When researching some of the goals for the series, I try to pick out significant memorable moment from a match, a touch of genius or a collectors item like a European goal from Bertie Auld or a strike from Tom Boyd.      For this goal I've looked at it from more of an era defining moment, or end of era moment.



Almost 10 years to the day after the clubs greatest triumph when we defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon, Jock Stein was looking to secure his 25th major honour as Celtic boss.      Just 3 weeks earlier his 24th had been wrapped up when the league title was won with a 1-0 victory at Easter Road.



To win the league & cup double, Celtic would have to overcome the then holders of the trophy, Rangers.    The 1975/76 season had saw Rangers complete a clean sweep of domestic honours, now the '77 Cup Final was their last hope of any silverware for the season. 



A smaller than expected crowd of around 55,000 made their way through the turnstiles to watch the match.     A combination of  miserable weather & live coverage on TV meant 15,000 ticket holders decided to stay away from the showpiece final.



In a typically tight derby the match never really got going, with stoppages for free-kicks & treatment to players making up most of the opening exchanges.   Still in the opening 20 minutes Celtic won a corner which Alfie Conn crossed right footed into the box,  Roddy McDonald met the cross ball to head the ball towards goal, Edvaldsson challenged the Rangers keeper Kennedy a yard from goal & the ball bounced towards goal where it stopped on the line by the hands of Derek Johnstone.      The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, ignoring the protestations of the Rangers players & with 20 minutes gone Celtic had the chance to take the lead.



Regular penalty taker Kenny Dalglish passed up the opportunity to take it, perhaps thinking about the few penalties he had missed in previous matches that season, so the ball was given to Andy Lynch.     Andy Lynch wasn't a prolific goalscorer in his time with Celtic, but a ratio of roughly a goal every 8 games is a fabulous return for a player who eventually played at left back.     Jock Stein signed Andy from Hearts where he played as a winger.     After a number if setbacks due to injury the boss converted him to a left back using his pace to turn defence in to attack in the mould of so many great overlapping wing backs for Celtic.



Without too much fuss Andy Lynch placed the ball on the spot started his run up from the edge of the box & fired a low drive towards the keepers left hand post, the Rangers keeper guessed the right way, but the pace & accuracy of the penalty beat him as the ball passed him into the bottom corner to give Celtic the lead.



The Celtic fans soaked in the afternoon rain celebrated the goal on the slopes of Hampden and the Celtic players joined in the jubilation of Andy's perfect penalty.



Celtic would create more chances in the 2nd half, but could not score the goal that would provide breathing space.    In the closing moment Celtic & Peter Latchford  had the cross bar to thank for keeping them in the lead as a powerful shot from Rangers substitute Robertson crashed off the frame of the goal. 



As the final whilst blew Celtic players, staff & supporters celebrated the league & cup double.   Andy Lynch's goal from his first ever penalty kick had given Jock Stein his 25th & last major honour as manager of Celtic.