David McLare says

John,

My dad (David McLare), and 2 uncles (Danny and Walter) all played for Glenavon during this time, if i am correct my 2 uncles Danny and Walter played in the cup final my Dad was out with bad knee and also what i understand from my father during the game at Hampden Park my grandfather died in the stands during the game heart attack, and after the game they found out that Walter's mother in law died the same day as i understand. Both Danny and Walter have passed away some years ago but my Dad still lives in Strathaven, if you would like to talk to him let me know he will have a few stories for you.

Dave Mclare Jnr..

Ross McKay says

Here's the original match report from the Evening Times, which appeared on the Monday after the match... There are a lot more stories to be told about Glenavon's cup win - which I'll try to uncover and post here - if you know any of them, then let us know!

TOP TRIBUTE TO WILLIE
By Alex Baxter (Evening Times)

Strathaven had a night to remember on Saturday. When Glenavon arrived with the Amateur Cup from Hampden it was Dunfermline Athletic’s joyous experience in miniature. A seething mass of cheering crowds carried off skipper Willie Mackie, holding the cup and secretary Willie Robertson.

One fan grabbed hold of me and shouted – “See an’ say something guid about wee Wullie – he deserves it!” How right he was! Willie helped to form Glenavon after the war and he’s now the only official still actively engaged in the unpaid job that often costs him cash.

At the victory function it was a pleasure to hear president Eddie Murray add his tribute to Willie, and also to trainer-coach Jimmy Rodgers. Jimmy, a former Bo’ness United player and Lanark United coach, is completing his second season at Strathaven, and his hard-as-flint methods have certainly paid off.

Later, on walking through the town with Eddie it was really amazing to see men, without exception run forward and offer congratulations. The number included many who normally follow Lanarkshire senior teams but who went to Hampden to cheer the local side.

Rarely have I seen such gallant and sporting losers as Grangemouth Refinery. If anything I would say they were basically the better team and it was towards the end before Joe Russell’s dramatic penalty inner that the back-stage work of Willie Robertson and Jimmy Rodgers made itself apparent in the all-out effort.

Included in the shoal of good luck telegrams received by Glenavon were those from Eaglesham, Weir’s Recreation, Bearsden, Stonehouse Thistle, Muirend, Royal College of S.T. and Chatsworth (London). Another arrived from Scottish League president Archie Terris, during the celebrations.

MATCH REPORT

After continuous rain all morning, the sun came out at Hampden for the Scottish Amateur Cup final. Neither side has previously contested the final and there were no late changes.

Refinery booked the strong wind, but Glenavon were soon buzzing around Bett, who confidently held a drive from Coyle. A high, awkward ball from Young saw Allan gladly concede a corner, and although ‘early stage nerves’ were evident in mistimed passes there were glimpses of clever touches. One came in the 11th minute when MCPHERSON scored form the edge of the penalty area.

Glenavon immediately retaliated. McLeish crossed low and Bett was harassed before clearing. McPherson tried another left foot volley which Grattans just failed to reach. Refinery, now moving sweetly, faced a corner off Mackie which Grattans put behind. Being in arrears was not to the liking of the Strathaven boys, but their efforts were particularly annoying to McNee and his mates.

Russell lobbed a dangerous ball  into goal and Bett was relieved by an infringement. A bad off-side decision halted Mason just before Inglis was taken off. Nothing daunted, Glenavon stormed through and Bett did well to clutch a high cross from McLeish. Almost another for Grangemouth when Johnstone allowed Howieson to connect with a low Gratten’s cross. Only a corner accrued.

What a miss! Young manoeuvred right into the six-yard line to finish with a weak effort. Inglis returned to see Mason spoil a grand chance shooting from long range. Refinery were fortunate when Lawless deflected a McLeish rocket for a corner and at the other end Allan smartly cleared a scorcher from Rickard.

Coyle failed to equalise when right on top of Bett. Seconds later, only a wonderful save by Allan from McPherson prevented his side from being two down. Half-time – GLENAVON 0 GRANGEMOUTH REFINERY 1

SECOND HALF On resuming, Kilpatrick raced down the wing, but his cross carried too much might. McNee got Refinery out of a tough spot by intercepting McLeish’s service to Mason. A great shot by Kilpatrick had Allan beaten to go inches wide.

The standard was pleasingly high, and a man-to-man advance by Refinery ended in Allan saving from McPherson.

Glenavon’s forwards hadn’t that vital snap at close quarters and their movements suited the alert Lawless and Patrick. Brown was right on the target for Glenavon, but Bett was equal to the occasion – an amazing escape for Refinery.

Kilpatrick lofted right on the face of the bar and Allan was relieved to see danger averted. The issue was wide open. In the 63rd minute COYLE equalised from close range.

Lawless fouled Coyle in the penalty box. Joe Russell had to wait two minutes while Coyle was treated before hitting the winner in 81 minutes. Despite a frenzied last few minutes, Glenavon held on to win the cup for the first time.

GLENAVON – J. Allan; A. Johnston and W. Mackie;  J. Russell, W. McLare and N. Muldoon; H. Brown and T. Coyle; J. Mason; T. Inglis and W.McLeish.

GRANGEMOUTH REFINERY – J. Bett; W. Lawless and R. Patrick; J. Rickard, I. McNee and W. Mair; P. Grattens and A. Young; J McPherson; T. Kilpatrick and J. Howieson.

Referee – A.J. Ramsden, East Kilbride.

John Rodger says

hy dave your are right, your grandfather did die in the stand, they did not tell walter till after the game, as far as i can remember

John Rodger says

tommy ingles was comming over for a reunion as he now stayes in canada, but i have lost contact with him, and do not know what has happened

John Rodger says

have got in touch with tommy ingles and he is ok comming over in  spring 2012 and mabe get everbody together again

John Rodger says

i canot believe nobody is intreasted in stathaven's history of football and local people who played for the glens, tommy coil, joe russell are a few to metion, my dad gave blood and  sweat for a lot of years for the glens and they did the same for him, it is a shame people of strathaven dont recoise what these people did for strathaven as it is in there history