Never Rover til it’s over Perth legend Paul Cherry reflects on how Saints saved their cup run in 1990 with superb fightback victory at Cliftonhill...
It was a remarkable comeback which still puts a smile on the face of St Johnstone legend Paul Cherry.
History buffs have been scouring through the archives as the Perth club’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie with Albion Rovers approaches.
And one particular game in March 1990 stands out from the rest — an afternoon at Cliftonhill that epitomised the pull of the beautiful game.
Alex Totten’s men appeared down and out after trailing by two goals with only 20 minutes remaining. But Perth players had other ideas.
Cherry, who now lives in the Murcia region of Spain, got the revival rolling before, incredibly, Saints went on to win the Division One match 5-2.
Doubles from Sammy Johnston and Roddy Grant – four goals in eight minutes – completed a stunning turnaround to leave home and away fans in shock.
“We were trailing 2-0 but we still believed we could make the comeback as we were a confident team and had a never-say-die attitude,” Cherry reminisced.
“Once we had scored the first goal the whole team got a lift and we knew we could win. Our support was superb that day and they really pushed us on vocally.
“I remember the pitch being very heavy – Cliftonhill is not the San Siro – but, as I said, we had a great team spirit which enabled us to work together to get the result.
“For my goal I remember Roddy passing the ball through to me and I just hit it straight away.
“As soon as it hit the net there were
Cliftonhill holds good memories for Saints icon Cherry (main) no celebrations as we still had to get these games at Albion Rovers with the game started as soon as possible great importance. He was great so we could try to get the equaliser. inspiration to the younger players.”
“It really was an unbelievable Even now Cherry knows a trip to game as Albion Rovers caved in and Cliftonhill on Saturday next week will every time we attacked we scored. be no walk in the park. But he hopes But, again, that was all down to the the current crop can show the same team spirit. determination as the squad of 1990.
“We did not stop when we went He said: “Cliftonhill is always a 3-2 up, we just wanted more goals to difficult place to visit and it was not make sure we went home with the a place players used to enjoy going to. three points.” “It certainly has no luxuries and I
Playing in that Perth team of 1990 remember going to the toilets to be alongside the likes of Dougie Barron, greeted with rat poison – not a good Mark Treanor and Roddy Grant was sign. a privilege for Cherry. “Grounds such as Cliftonhill are
He said: “There were no superstars the ones you have to win at to get in the team and everyone had a great the chance of progressing into the work ethic. It was an honour to be part limelight. And if Saints are prepared of the team. for a battle and start with the right
“It was a manager’s dream as Alex attitude then they will progress. Totten knew every time he sent us “I always look out for the Saints out he would get 110 per cent effort. results and hope that they can
“We had the pace of Allan Moore, progress into the next round and give who always caused teams problems. the Perth public a team to be proud of. We also had Roddy with no pace - but “In reality the cup is the only he could score goals for fun. chance that a club the stature of St
“And It was a privilege to play with Johnstone have of winning silverware. Paul Hegarty who, although having “Winning at a place like Cliftonhill played at the highest level, still treated is the start of the journey.”
Wining at a place like Cliftonhill is the start of the journey