ONE of the greatest days in Partick Thistle's history. On Saturday, October 23, 1971, Davie McParland’s side inflicted a 4-1 defeat on the favourites, Celtic, in the League Cup final at Hampden, goals from Alex Rae, Bobby Lawrie, Denis McQuade and Jimmy Bone giving the club their first major trophy in 50 years. The Glasgow Herald said the Jags had “outplayed and thoroughly beaten” Celtic.

Afterwards, 200 ecstatic fans waited outside Firhill to greet the team when it returned from Hampden. “As the world knows,” says club historian, honorary vice-president and associate director Robert Reid, “no-one seemed at first to have the key to the premises, but the key miraculously appeared, and all was well.”

He adds: “It’s hard to believe it’s coming up for 50 years now. We remember all the stories beforehand, such as Sam Leitch on the BBC at lunchtime allegedly saying, ‘Of course, Partick Thistle have no chance.’ And, a few hours later, Frank Bough reputedly told viewers, ‘The half-time score from Hampden Park and the Scottish League Cup final is Partick Thistle four, Celtic nil - but as soon as we have the correct, amended score, we will let you have it.’ That’s how much of a surprise our win was.”