Davie Robb etched his name into club history when he came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 1976 League Cup final against Celtic.

A major cup success seemed well beyond Aberdeen following their troubled conclusion to their first season in the Premier League in 1975.76. Avoiding a possible relegation, and only just, on the final day suggested a time of consolidation. However with manager Ally MacLeod around, he was determined to keep his promise to take a major trophy to Pittodrie in his first year with the Dons.

SECTION 2

Aberdeen manager Ally MacLeod had strengthened his side considerably in the close season. At the end of the season he brought back Aberdeen legend Joe Harper in a £50,000 deal from Hibernian. Also arriving were Stuart Kennedy from Falkirk (£25,000), Dom Sullivan from Clyde (£25,000) as well as back up keeper Ally McLean.

Aberdeen were drawn in Section 2 along with St Mirren, Ayr United and Kilmarnock in what would involve lengthy away trips to all three opponents. Ayr and Kilmarnock were both Premier League sides while St Mirren were an emerging side with a young Alex Ferguson at the helm as they were preparing for a place in the top flight.

Aberdeen opened with a home meeting with Kilmarnock. Joe Harper had been unable to play for the first team in the closing weeks of the previous season after he was signed beyond the 31st March deadline. Harper was made captain for the day and he celebrated his return by opening the scoring after only four minutes. His neat header deceived Kilmarnock keeper Jim Stewart. Arthur Graham scored for the Dons after 27 minutes as Aberdeen dominated proceedings. New Aberdeen keeper Ally MacLean was rarely tested as he was a shock choice ahead of Dons long serving keeper Bobby Clark.

Four days later Aberdeen were down at Paisley to take on Fergie’s young St Mirren side. With St Mirren losing their opening tie, another defeat would have effectively ended their qualification hopes. In the misty conditions, Ian Fleming opened the scoring after 14 minutes before St Mirren levelled through a Borthwick penalty in 24 minutes. Just before half time Fleming put the Dons ahead before he limped off to be replaced by Drew Jarvie. Joe Harper made it 3-1 in 53 minutes as Aberdeen took control. Despite a goal from Hislop on the hour, the Dons ran out comfortable winners to top the group after two matches.

Next up for the Dons was a Pittodrie clash against Ayr United who were also the Dons nearest challengers in the group. Once again Joe Harper proved his worth by scoring the only goal of the game after 63 minutes. Harper scored after McDonald handled in the box, to put Aberdeen clear at the top of the group. The return match with St Mirren at Pittodrie effectively confirmed Aberdeen as group winners. Bobby Clark was restored as first choice keeper. The Dons won 4-0 with Harper again among the goals. Harper scored from the spot after he was tripped in the box by Reid, and Joe was again on the mark just before half time. Two goals from Billy Williamson handed out a harsh lesson to Ferguson’s young side.

Aberdeen dropped their first point on the 28th August when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Ayr. The Dons had already qualified and they went behind to a Phillips goal in two minutes. It was that man again Joe Harper who levelled after 79 minutes when Fillippi missed a cross and Harper was on hand to score. The Dons completed their group with what was their only defeat; a 2-1 loss at Kilmarnock. Goals from Smith and Welsh had the Rugby Park club on top. Aberdeen were well off the pace and manager MacLeod was far from happy despite his team having qualified with plenty to spare. Joe Harper continued his remarkable sequence by scoring in every League Cup tie when his late goal completed the group stages of the competition. Aberdeen led the way with nine points ahead of Ayr United on six.

THE QUARTER FINAL

The general belief was that Aberdeen were given a favourable draw when they came up against lowly Stirling Albion in the quarter finals.

With two matches to play, Aberdeen were overwhelming favourites to reach the last four. In the first leg at Pittodrie it was Aberdeen who dominated possession against a side that defended in depth. The visitors made things as difficult as they could with a slow pace to the game and with no appetite to attack, it was a long and frustrating evening for the Dons and their support. Eventually Aberdeen did make a breakthrough in 65 minutes and Joe Harper once again was the Aberdeen scorer. Harper latched on to knock down from Ian Fleming in the box and he scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Late on the Dons should have added to their tally as the visitors tired but wasteful finishing and bad luck meant that the tie was far from over.

The return leg at Annfield was a difficult night for the Dons.

Scotland boss Willie Ormond took in the tie but he would have been disappointed in an Aberdeen side that failed to adapt to the horrendous weather conditions as a heavy rainstorm proved a great leveller on the night. Aberdeen went behind in 50 minutes when Gray headed a Duffin free kick past Bobby Clark. A further 30 minutes extra time could not decide a winner so the tie would go to a third game, at neutral Dens Park in Dundee.

Future Aberdeen Manager Alex Smith was the Albion boss at the time and he would take his side to the Second Division title some months later. The third meeting proved a more comfortable night for the Dons as they eased through to the last four following a 2-0 win in Dundee. Jocky Scott opened the scoring after nine minutes after he converted a cross from Harper. Joe Smith’s low shot deceived several players and keeper Young after 40 minutes to put Aberdeen into a commanding position.

THE SEMI FINAL

Jocky Scott emerged as the Aberdeen hero on the night as he perhaps played his finest hour for the club as Aberdeen hammered Rangers 5-1 in what was one of the Ibrox clubs worst defeats since the Dons trounced them 6-0 in a Scottish Cup semi final at the same venue in 1954. Back then it was big Joe O’Neil who was the Aberdeen hat trick hero.

In 1976 it was former Dundee and Scotland international Jocky Scott who was the Rangers tormentor in chief. Aberdeen born Scott was a £25,000 buy from Dundee in 1975 and he was a regular under MacLeod as the Dons had a real cutting edge in forward areas. Aberdeen dominated this semi final from the kick off and they got off to the perfect start when Scott scored his first in two minutes.

A great run by Dom Sullivan down the right set up Jocky to gleefully slam the ball past Rangers keeper Stewart Kennedy. Aberdeen continued to press and were rewarded in 14 minutes when Scott struck again. Arthur Graham cleverly slipped the ball through two Rangers defenders and gave Scott an easy chance to score the Dons second.

Rangers keeper Kennedy was livid with his defenders but Rangers hit back a minute later to give them hope when Alex McDonald brought the Ibrox side back into the tie. Rangers then threw everything they had at Aberdeen to get back into the tie but the Dons defence was rarely troubled and Arthur Graham should have made it three when he led a quick break by the Dons. There was a blow for the Dons when Joe Smith was injured after a hefty challenge as Rangers efforts increased by any means possible.

Smith had to be replaced by seasoned campaigner Eddie Thomson who was brought on to combat the physical approach from the Ibrox side. In 64 minutes Jocky Scott turned provider when he set up Joe Harper who lashed the ball past Kennedy to put Aberdeen 3-1 ahead. It was at that point that Aberdeen really turned on the style and set about embarrassing Rangers with some slick passing that almost cut through the Ibrox defence at will. Two minutes later Drew Jarvie got in on the act and he scored a sensational goal a half volley from inside the box that flew high past Rangers keeper Kennedy. Rangers were reeling and their night of misery was complete when man-of-the-match Scott scored his third and the Dons fifth in the 73rd minute.

Job done, Aberdeen continued to dominate possession and long before referee Anderson brought an end to Rangers nightmare.

Ally MacLeod embraced coach George Murray at full time as they celebrated a great win over their old rivals. MacLeod said; “We proved to the West of Scotland just how good a team we are. I thought all of our goals were superb, particularly the last one as that came from the training ground. Our players responded to the challenge like I hoped they would. We knew that coming to Glasgow and winning was the only way we can gain credibility these days. I think we showed the country just exactly how good we are. The final can’t come quick enough for us.”

Jocky Scott was ecstatic and was delighted to receive the plaudits after the game; “I am absolutely chuffed after that. However it was the whole team that made it all possible. I was in the right place at the right time and it all came off for me on the night. Our confidence was high going into the game although they were favourites and we knew if we could get ahead we would be difficult to beat. Rangers were not that bad on the night, it was just that we were superb. As an Aberdeen player for just over a year, I think that was the best we had played in that time.

It all clicked for me against Rangers and we knew they would never give up the fight but to be honest the game was finished when I made it 3-1. You always had that feeling that they would never give up and they caused a fright when they got back into the game at 2-1 but we were confident that we could get back at them and we did that with some style.” Rangers boss Jock Wallace was stunned at the power and pace of Aberdeen yet typically was reluctant to heap praise on his victors; “Aberdeen took their chances, it was as simple as that, we never looked like breaking them down and that was disappointing.”

THE FINAL

There was great excitement in Aberdeen leading up to the final. The Dons were in great form and having already beaten Celtic at Pittodrie in the league, hopes were high that Aberdeen would end their 21-year wait to lift the League Cup. It was six years since Aberdeen had reached a major final and there was a strange irony ahead of the 1976 clash with Celtic. In March 1970 the Dons paid Dundee a record £50,000 for Steve Murray after they had beaten Kilmarnock to reach the cup final. Murray had played in the other semi final for Dundee against Celtic so he was cup-tied for the final. Fast forward six years and Aberdeen’s Jim Shirra was in a similar position.

Aberdeen paid £25,000 to Falkirk for the midfielder in October 1976. Having played for Falkirk in an earlier round he had to sit out the big day, after making a big impression since he came into the side. The irony did not stop there. In 1970 Martin Buchan was the 21-year-old new captain of the Dons only weeks before the final. In 1976 Willie Miller, also 21, was installed as the new Dons skipper. Both were also seen as young prospects in that ‘sweeper’ role.

Miller was desperate to lead the Dons to success but admitted the league title was the one he wanted; “That’s the one I really want. To win the league means that a team has had to show their mettle over a whole season and also win most of their matches. That is what I want for Aberdeen. Celtic and Rangers are not as strong as they were while we have improved a lot. It is important to take each match as it comes, and win it. Hopefully that will bring us the rewards we feel we can achieve. I am confident we can beat Celtic, sure it will be tough as they are a great side but we won’t be overawed and will play with no fear. We have a young side but that can work in our favour as they can express themselves in the proper way.” Willie was asked if there were any additional pressures on him; “I gave out some complimentary tickets before the game and I pick up the cup after it, that’s’ about it.”

Aberdeen were in great form ahead of the final although they did have to play Motherwell in a league match in midweek four days before the Hampden showdown. Motherwell and Scotland striker Willie Pettigrew thought that the Dons were on course for victory; “I thought Aberdeen were brilliant when we played them at Pittodrie. They are a team on form and their confidence must be sky high. I think they will beat Celtic.” Lord Provost Robert Lennox was of the same opinion; “Aberdeen’s last four games have been an inspiration. If they can maintain that standard there should be no doubt about the result.”

The referee for the final was John Paterson who had taken over from Bobby Davidson as the top whistler in Scotland. He had recently officiated at the AC Milan v Bucharest UEFA Cup tie in the San Siro and was known to let the game flow.

Aberdeen travelled down well in advance of the Final to prepare for the big day. With Jim Shirra cup-tied, and Eddie Thomson injured, the side almost picked itself as the Dons were bang in form. An estimated 20,000 of the Red Army would make the trip to Hampden and they turned up in confident mood.

The game kicked off five minutes late. Aberdeen began the stronger and immediately put pressure on Celtic which seemed to knock them out of their stride. Jocky Scott was first to show after being set up by Joe Smith but his early shot went high over the bar. Dom Sullivan was next to try his luck but his effort was saved by Peter Latchford. Glavin responded with Celtic’s first effort but Bobby Clark was untroubled. Arthur Graham was seen as the Dons most effective player and he was fouled by Glavin as he sped past the Celtic midfielder. Aberdeen produced a great move, Jocky Scott had the ball in the net but the Dons joy was cut short after a linesman flagged for offside.

In 11 minutes against the run of play Celtic took the lead. The ball was played into the box and Drew Jarvie was behind Celtic pin up Kenny Dalglish. The Celtic man seemed to go down easy and to the disgust of the Aberdeen players referee Paterson pointed to the spot. Protests done, Dalglish scored to give Celtic the lead. Aberdeen’s Joe Harper was involved in a spat with Dalglish following the goal and both were reprimanded by the referee.

That setback seemed to spur Aberdeen on and they hit back and went in search for an equaliser. McGrain was booked for dreadful foul on Jocky Scott in 18 minutes. Arthur Graham then sent in a low cross that Joe Harper just failed to connect with as the Dons kept up the pressure. Aberdeen were on the end of some fierce treatment from Celtic and Sullivan was next to be brought down from behind.

Joe Harper retaliated when he went in hard and was also booked. In 24 minutes the Dons got back on level terms. Arthur Graham set the goal up on the right and his deep cross found Joe Harper at the back post. Harper headed the ball back across goal and Drew Jarvie ghosted in to head home.

It was no more than Aberdeen deserved and they gained in confidence after going behind. Stuart Kennedy had to go off for treatment after a clash with Doyle. Aberdeen continued to press and the Dons fans were claiming for a penalty after Graham clashed with Glavin in the box. Once again Aberdeen felt aggrieved as there seemed little difference between Graham’s clash and the penalty that Celtic were awarded. Willie Miller was imperious at the back and he rescued the Dons with a great block after a slip by Willie Garner. As half time arrived the Dons were more than holding their own although the teams went in level at one goal apiece.

Aberdeen carried on where they left off and took the game to Celtic in the second half. Tommy Burns committed three fouls in as many minutes but went unpunished before Aberdeen squandered a couple of opportunities. Lynch had an effort for Celtic after the ball fell favourably for him but his shot went wide.

In 54 minutes Roy Aitken was cautioned after a dreadful challenge on Graham. Another Dons penalty appeal was turned down when McDonald clashed with Dom Sullivan. Lynch was then booked for another foul on Sullivan after 57 minutes. Aberdeen were handling the robust tactics from Celtic but in the closing stages it was Celtic who were pushing for a winner. Willie Miller again came to the rescue when a last ditch tackle on Bobby Lennox took the game into an extra time period.

Dave Robb who had replaced Drew Jarvie late in the game went on to make an immediate impact in the extra time period. Arthur Graham went on one of his trademark cross field runs that left four Celtic players trailing. Graham set up Joe Harper whose low cross fell for Dave Robb who slipped the ball under Latchford to put Aberdeen ahead.

The closing stages were frantic as Celtic laid siege on the Dons, taking risks by throwing players forward. Bobby Clark was the Dons hero as he made some crucial saves. Joe Harper almost put the Dons in dreamland when a classic Aberdeen break ended with Harper hitting the post. In the last moments Clark tipped a Wilson shot over the bar. As the seconds counted down the Dons kept possession as they wound the clock down.

When full time was blown the Aberdeen players danced a jig of joy on the Hampden pitch. Manager Ally MacLeod joined in on the celebrations as the dejected Celtic players were left in dismay. MacLeod also made sure he went round every Celtic player to shake their hand. Willie Miller led his team up the stairs as he was presented with the League Cup; the first in a series of successes for the Dons legend.

THE HOMECOMING

In scenes similar to what was seen in 1970, the sun was out as the Aberdeen squad returned to the city on the Sunday after the final. The Aberdeen team made the traditional open top bus ride through the city and down Union Street to a civic reception at the Town House. With a full house also filling Pittodrie it was an historic journey for the players and officials.

Dons keeper Bobby Clark revealed that he had dreamt that Davie Robb would score the winner; “I told Davie and the manager about a dream I had before the Final. I imagined Davie coming off the bench and going on to score the winner. It was incredible really, but it seemed so right, after all I had seen it before!”

Last word from manager Ally MacLeod; “We were Magic!”

RedTV | footage from the 1976 cup run