Dundee Utd 1
Celtic 2
Scottish Cup (Final)

Match Report

A milestone was reached in Scottish football in 1985 when Hampden Park hosted the 100th Scottish Cup Final. Although the first final had taken place in 1874 the competition had not been played during the First and Second World Wars. This was United's third Scottish Cup final, having knocked out the holders Aberdeen in the semi-final replay at Tynecastle. Both managers had kept their teamsheets a closely guarded secret until shortly before kick-off, but when they were revealed there were no real surprises.

The first half was a determined affair, with every 50-50 ball contested. United had the first chance after just two minutes, Maurice Malpas swung a free-kick up to Davie Dodds, who knocked down into the path of Eamonn Bannon who sent in a shot that Bonner held comfortably. Celtic replied in the seventh minute, with Davie Provan's free-kick was knocked over the bar by Maurice Johnston from eight yards. Tommy Burns brought Hamish McAlpine in to the action with a shot from 20 yards, but Scotland's Player of the Year held easily. There was little goal mouth action in the first half, with neither Bonner or McAlpine having to make a save of note.

The second half started in similar fashion, but United took the lead in the 54th minute. Eamonn Bannon passed to David Dodds who controlled the ball whilst holding off a challenge, then slipped the ball to Stuart Beedie who sneaked in between two Celtic defenders to fire a low shot past Bonner's left hand into the corner of the goal from around 13 yards out. The Tannadice side were looking in complete control until the 77th minute, when referee Brian McGinlay awarded Celtic a foul 20 yards from goal, and Davie Provan fired an impressive free-kick into the top corner for the equaliser. Provan's goal completely changed the game, with Celtic now on the attack. The match looked to be heading for extra-time, but with five minutes to go Aitken charged down the right and swung over a cross for Frank McGarvey to head home the winner for the Glasgow side.