The next set of limited edition prints, by renowned football artist Paul Town, in the ‘Those European Nights’ series feature Real Zaragoza of Spain and Gwardia Warsaw of Poland.
Dunfermline Athletic Vs Real Zaragoza
On March 16, 1966, the quarter-finals of the European Fairs Cup saw Dunfermline Athletic host Real Zaragoza at East End Park. Zaragoza, who had won the trophy in 1964, boasted notable players including Spanish internationals Marcellino and Lapetra, as well as Brazilian Canario, a former Real Madrid player and European Cup winner.
Dunfermline’s lineup for the match was: Martin, Callaghan, Lunn, Smith, McLean, Thomson, Edwards, Paton, Fleming, Ferguson, and Robertson.
Zaragoza displayed a well-organized performance, limiting Dunfermline’s chances and looking dangerous on the counter-attack. As the home fans were starting to leave, Willie Callaghan was fouled while joining an attack. He quickly took the free-kick, passing to Alex Edwards on the wing. Edwards delivered a fast cross that Bert Paton met with a superb header, giving Dunfermline a 1-0 lead with just three minutes remaining. French referee Robert Lacoste commented: “It was not a hard game to handle. Both sides played fast, direct football.”
The return leg took place in Spain on March 30, 1966, and proved to be a dramatic encounter. At this time, the away goals rule had not yet been introduced. For Dunfermline, Tom Callaghan and George Peebles replaced Jim Fleming and Hugh Robertson.
An early goal by Santos leveled the aggregate score. Zaragoza controlled much of the game, but Dunfermline’s defense held firm. With only a few minutes remaining, Zaragoza scored again, seeming to seal the tie. However, Alex Ferguson scored a late goal for Dunfermline, making it 2-1 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate, forcing the match into extra time.
In extra time, Zaragoza scored almost immediately, but Ferguson netted another goal to make it 3-3. With just three minutes left, Villa scored the decisive goal for Zaragoza, who won 4-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. The introduction of the away goals rule in the following season would have seen Dunfermline advance.
Dunfermline Athletic Vs Gwardia Warsaw
Dunfermline Athletic played Gwardia Warsaw of Poland on 5 November 1969 in the second round of the European Fairs Cup at East End Park. Dunfermline Athletic were sitting top of the Scottish League at the time.
The team was Martin, Callaghan, Lunn, McGarty, Baillie, Renton, Mitchell, McKimmie, Edwards, Gardner, McLean.
A tight game was only just won by the Pars, who failed to capitalise on an early goal from George McLean. With Bent Martin in goal playing well, the defence seemed to be coping although the forward line was not firing on all cylinders. It was therefore a disappointment when the Poles equalised in 63 minutes with a goal from Marczak. This persuaded Manager George Farm to replace McKimmie with Robertson, and move Gardner to a striker role. Paddy Gardner scored the winner in the 73rd minute.
For the away leg in Warsaw, Bert Paton returned to the team in the place of McKimmie.
It was to prove a superb rear-guard action by Dunfermline who scored at the very start of the match with a spectacular long range shot from Renton. Both Doug Baillie and Bent Martin were stand-outs for the Pars who survived attack after attack without conceding. It ended 1-0 to Dunfermline on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.
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