This was not a patch on 1971, and all that
On the day Partick Thistle celebrated the 50th anniversary of their famous 4-1 victory over Celtic in the 1971 League Cup Final, the legendary team were guests of the club, but only witnessed a stalemate.
At the time, Jock Stein’s Celtic were one of the greatest sides in Europe, and it was one of the biggest shocks in the history of Scottish football.
To mark the occasion, the 1971 players paraded around the pitch pre-match to rapturous applause, while the 2021 team adorned replica strips of those worn by the League Cup winners.
Jags head coach Ian Mccall said: “It was a big day for the club and I wish we could have got a win for them.
“We had chances we should have scored, and I just don’t like not scoring goals. ”
The Jags are top scorers in the Championship with 23 goals in nine outings, with the strike partnership of Brian Graham and Zak Rudden being particularly fruitful.
And they almost added to that tally in 19 minutes when Scott Tiffoney drove forward from midfield and unleashed a ferocious 20-yard shot which Pars keeper Owain Fon Williams did well to beat away.
Thistle almost edged in front three minutes from the break when a Stuart Bannigan free-kick from the left picked out Kevin Holt, but his flashing header went just over.
Peter Grant’s shot-shy Dunfermline, with a dismal three League Cup wins to show for their efforts in 16 outings in all competitions this campaign, created precious little in the first period.
Two minutes after the restart Fon Williams was drawn into action when Holt tried his luck from 18 yards, but the Pars keeper was equal to his effort.
But he could have done nothing a minute later when Graham hooked over from eight yards out.
The Jags piled on the pressure and skipper Ross Docherty was denied in 51 minutes when Fon Williams somehow managed to turn over his 18-yard curling shot.
The Pars should have snatched an ill-deserved winner in 67 minutes when a horrific defensive blunder by Tunji Akinola let in Craig Wighton, but Thistle keeper Jamie Sneddon raced from his line to block.
Pars boss Grant said: “It was a really tough game. If we keep showing that commitment and desire. they will get that win they so desperately desire.”