‘Dunfermline win would top Coca-Cola Cup shock’
STEVIE Crawford has urged his Dunfermline underdogs to make themselves legends by ending Celtic’s domestic dominance – 25 years on from writing his own name in Scottish football folklore against the Parkhead side.
A fresh-faced Crawford led the line for Raith Rovers in 1994 when they stunned Celtic to lift the Coca-Cola Cup, even notching the Fifers’ opening goal during the Ibrox showpiece.
Jason Dair, who is now Crawford’s No.2 at East End Park, also lined up for Rovers as they played out a breathless 2-2 draw after extra-time before prevailing on spot-kicks.
Crawford now finds himself in charge of Rovers’ fiercest rivals – and reckons it would be an even bigger shock if the Pars can defeat a Celtic side which has won the last nine domestic trophies.
“With Raith Rovers, we had competed in the Premier League, been relegated back to the old First Division and gained a lot of experience through that journey,” recalled Crawford. “So we didn’t go into that game completely raw, like many of our players will.
“People have come up to me plenty of times over the years to say what a great day that was – and we have the opportunity to create one of those moments.
“How many teams have won at Celtic Park in recent years? Before Cluj on Tuesday night, it was Valencia [in February]. So clubs like Aberdeen, Hearts, Rangers, Hibs have all tried and failed – that’s how big the achievement would be.
“That’s why Dunfermline fans have bought more than 1000 tickets; because you just never know what could happen.
“You go into a boxing ring, you give it your best. You’ll take a few on the chin and it’ll hurt – but we’re going there to fight back.”
With many preparing for their first experience of Parkhead, Crawford has even warned his charges not to expect any favours from the officials.
He added: “What I did pass on was: when you go to Glasgow, it’s always difficult to get a 50/50 decision. If you then feel sorry for yourself, you are just playing into the hands of the opposition.”