UEFA Super Cup- Part Six (Liverpool vs. Anderlecht, 1978)

The sixth edition of the UEFA Super Cup took place in the Fall of 1978, between the winner of the Champions Cup, Liverpool and the winners of the Cup Winners Cup, Anderlecht.

The English side Liverpool were the defending Super Cup Champions and had won their second straight Champions Cup after defeating Belgian side Club Brugge (1-0) at Wembley on May 10^th, 1978.

They were continuing a dynasty at the top level following UEFA Cup wins in 1973 and 1976 and the Champions Cup in 1977.

The English contingent of Clemence, Neal, Smith, Thompson, Alan and Ray Kennedy, Case, McDermott were complemented with the Scottish trio of Dalglish, Souness and Hansen

The Belgian side Anderlecht were also having their greatest era on the European Stage. They had just won their second Cup Winners Cup in three years on May 3^rd, 1978 at Paris by defeating Austria’s FK Austria Vienna (4-0).

The side contained a mix of Belgian and Dutch Internationals.

The Belgians included the likes of Ludo Coeck, Van der Elst and Vercauteren.

The Dutch stars included Rensenbrink, Haan and Geels, to name a few,

Anderlecht had won this trophy just two years prior by defeating the mighty Bayern Munich.

It was hard to pick favorites between two of the greatest teams of the decade.

The first leg was played on December 4^th, 1978 at Brussels’ Emile Versé Stadium.

For Liverpool, their veteran Captain Emlyn Hughes was not a regular by this time. He nevertheless started as Phil Thompson was injured.

As the home team, Anderlecht were intent on attacking to build up a margin. They took the lead through a header by Vercauteren in the 17^th minute after a fine cross from the right side from Resenebrink.

Just ten minutes later, Jimmy Case leveled the score from a long-range shot.

Anderlecht continued attacking and were rewarded in the 38^th minute, when Van der Elst struck home another cross from the right side.

With just minutes remaining, Rensenbrink struck a decisive third goal to make the Belgians’ cushion stronger for the second leg.

Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley was very critical of his team's performance, he said, “We threw it away, our attitude was wrong and we were careless. Anderlecht are a great team going forward, but we never attacked them as we should. Our approach seems to have gone a bit wrong and we've lost our scoring touch where earlier in the season our finishing was great."

A two-goal margin was not beyond Liverpool and there was a lot to play for in the second leg despite Anderlecht’s dominance.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 4, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Anderlecht 3- Liverpool 1)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1888, June 15, 1982

(Károly Palotai)

The Second Leg took place at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium on December 19^th, 1978.

Liverpool made a few changes from the first leg. Starting goalkeeper Ray Clemence had been injured in training. Steve Ogrizovic would deputize for him in goal.

Phil Thompson was back in the squad with Alan Kennedy making way. In attack, David Fairclough started ahead of David Johnson.

Anderlecht made two changes to their own squad.

Gilbert van Binst and Matty van Toom started ahead of Broos and Benny Nielsen.

The conditions for this return leg were farcical, as the pitch was frosty and a fog covered the entire ground.

The conditions forced the match to start 15 minutes late. Not that it made a difference as no one in the stands could see the action on the field.

Liverpool attacked from the start, as they had to make up a deficit.

They took the lead in the 13^th minute, when Emlyn Hughes knocked in a rebound after De Bree had parried Jimmy Case’s shot.

It was reported that after Liverpool’s goal, the fans chanted, "Oggy, Oggy (Ogrizovic) tell us who scored", since they could not see the action on the field.

Liverpool continued to dominate with Souness and McDermott controlling the midfield.

At halftime, Anderlecht replaced the injured Geels with Martens.

The Belgians started attacking after halftime and started creating chances.

They tied the match in the 71^st minute through Van der Elst. This more or less sealed the tie as Liverpool had to score twice more in twenty minutes just to force overtime.

Liverpool did manage to score just before the end through Fairclough but to no avail. Despite Liverpool’s (2-1) win. Anderlecht won the tie (4-3) on aggregate to win their second UEFA Super Cup in three seasons.

Photo From: Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

(December 19, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Liverpool 2-Anderlecht)

Photo From: Gazet van Antwerpen, December 20, 1978

(December 19, 1978, UEFA Super Cup, Liverpool 2-Anderlecht)

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1888, June 15, 1982

(Nicolae Rainea)

Following the match, Referee Nicolae Rainea justified his decision to play by stating, “When I went out there before kick-off I decided I could see well enough and so I decided to play. I am afraid many spectators would not get a very clear view but there was no time I had any thoughts of abandoning the game.".

In contrast Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley was very critical of Rainea’s decision to allow the match to go on, Paisley said, “You can't play football in conditions like that, it's ridiculous.”

He suggested the competition should be played in April with better weather. 

He added, "I think a match like this, between two leading team should be played in better weather, say in April. I know it's difficult, but it's farcical when good players like these have to slither about in fog and can't see each other….It was farcical playing the game in such conditions. There is no way an important game should have been played tonight….My main concern was that somebody might get hurt. Luckily nobody did. I wanted to play this match in April when it would have been a real decider between the winners of the two big European Cups. Then we would have had 40,000 here and they would have seen a good spectacle.”

Paisley’s desire in April was wishful thinking at best as the Semifinals of the European Cup Competitions regularly took place in that month.

The scheduling of this competition would be a point of contention for the upcoming decades.

December 4, 1978

Royale sporting Club Anderlechtois (Belgium) 3-Liverpool Football Club (England) 1

UEFA Super Cup- First Leg

Venue: Brussels- Emile Versé Stadium

Attendance: 35,000

Referee: Karoly Palotai (Hungary)

Goalscorers:

(Anderlecht): Franky Vercauteren 17, François Van der Elst 38. Rob Rensenbrink 87

 (Liverpool): Jimmy Case 27

Summary of goals:

1:0 (17th minute, Anderlecht): Rensenbrink’s cross from the right side was headed in by Vercauteren.

1:1 (27th minute, Liverpool): Jimmy Case scored from a long shot from outside the box.

2:1 (38th minute, Anderlecht): A loose ball in the air was one timed volleyed across from the right side by Benny Nielsen, it went across the box and Van Der Elst shot home.

3:1 (87th minute, Anderlecht): Haan sent Rensenbrink clear on the left side, he cut in and slid past Clemence.

Lineups:

RSC Anderlecht:

1-Nico de Bree (Holland), 2-François Van der Elst, 3-Hugo Broos, 4-Johnny Dusbaba (Holland), 5-Jean Thissen, 6-Franky Vercauteren, 7-Benny Nielsen (Denmark), 8-Ruud Geels (Holland), 9-Arie Haan (Holland), 10-Ludo Coeck, 11-Rob Rensenbrink (Holland)

Coach: Raymond Goethals

Booked: Jean Thissen 45 (foul on Dalglish)

Other Substitutes:

12-Jacky Munaron, 13-Ronny Martens, 14-Gilbert van Binst, 15-Matty van Toom (Holland)

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Liverpool:

1-Ray Clemence, 2-Phil Neal, 3-Alan Kennedy, 4-Emlyn Hughes, 5-Ray Kennedy, 6-Alan Hansen (Scotland), 7-Kenny Dalglish (Scotland), 8-Jimmy Case, 9-David Johnson (12-Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland) 54),10-Terry McDermott, 11-Graeme Souness (Scotland)

Coach: Bob Paisley

Other Substitutes:

13-Steve Ogrizovic, 14-David Fairclough, 15-Sammy Lee, 16-Brian Kettle

Team Captain: Kenny Dalglish

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

December 19, 1978

Liverpool Football Club (England) 2- Royale sporting Club Anderlechtois (Belgium) 1

UEFA Super Cup- Second Leg

Venue: Liverpool-Anfield Stadium

Attendance: 23,598

Referee: Nicolae Rainea (Romania)

Linesmen: Petriceanu, Dinulescu (both Romania)

Goalscorers:

(Liverpool): Emlyn Hughes 13, David Fairclough 87

(Anderlecht): François Van der Elst 71

Summary of goals:

1:0 (13th minute, Liverpool): Jimmy Case’s shot was parried by de Bree, Hughes scored from the rebound.

1:1 (71st minute, Anderlecht): In a counter attack Van der Elst combined with Rensenbrink and slid the ball past Ogrizovic from 15 yards out.

2:1 (87^th minute, Liverpol): Thompson sent a long clearance, for Dalglish who headed down for Fairclough to chip the ball in.

Lineups:

Liverpool:

1- Steve Ogrizovic, 2-Phil Neal, 3- Emlyn Hughes, 4-Phil Thompson, 5-Ray Kennedy, 6-Alan Hansen (Scotland), 7-Kenny Dalglish (Scotland), 8-Jimmy Case, 9- David Fairclough,10-Terry McDermott, 11-Graeme Souness (Scotland)

Coach: Bob Paisley

Booked: Phil Neal (impeding Rensenbrink)

Other Substitutes:

12- David Johnson, 13- Ray Clemence, 14-Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland), 15-Sammy Lee, 16-Brian Kettle

Team Captain: Kenny Dalglish

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Note: Kenny Dalglish is named as the Captain in many sources, however, in the video highlights of the match Emlyn Hughes is shown with the armband after scoring.

RSC Anderlecht:

1-Nico de Bree (Holland), 2-Gilbert van Binst, 3-Matty van Toom (Holland), 4-Johnny Dusbaba (Holland), 5-Jean Thissen, 6-Franky Vercauteren, 7-François Van der Elst, 8-Ruud Geels (Holland) (12-Ronny Martens 46), 9-Arie Haan (Holland), 10-Ludo Coeck, 11-Rob Rensenbrink (Holland)

Coach: Raymond Goethals

Booked: Johnny Dusbaba (pulling back Souness)

Other Substitutes:

-

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Liverpool Team for these matches:

Goalkeepers:

Raymond Neal Clemence (August 5, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Skengress)

Steve Ogrizovic (September 12, 1957 (age 21 years at the time),  Mansfield, Nottinghamshire)

Defenders:

Philip George Neal (February 20, 1951, (age 27 years at the time), Irchester)

Alan Kennedy (August 31, 1954 (age 24 years at the time),  Sunderland)

Philip Bernard Thompson (January 21, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Kirkby)

Emlyn Walter Hughes (August 28, 1947 (age 31 years at the time),Barrow-in-Furness-November 9, 2004, Sheffield)

Alan David Hansen (June 13, 1955 (age 23 years at the time), Sauchie)

Midfielders/Forwards:

Raymond Kennedy (July 28, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Seaton Delaval)

Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Scotland) (March 4, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Dalmarnock)

James Robert ‘Jimmy’ Case (May 18, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Liverpool)

Stephen Derek ‘Steve’ Heighway (Republic of Ireland) (November 25, 1947 (age 31 years at the time), Dublin, Republic of Ireland)

David Fairclough (January 5, 1957 (age 21 years at the time),  Liverpool)

David Edward Johnson (October 23, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Liverpool)

Terence ‘Terry’ McDermott (December 8, 1951 (age 26-27 years at the time), Liverpool)

Graeme James Souness (Scotland) (May 6, 1953 (age 25 years at the time), Edinburgh, Scotland)

Samuel ‘Sammy’ Lee (February 7, 1959 (age 19 years at the time), Liverpool)

Brian Kettle (April 22, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Prescott)

Coach: Robert ‘Bob’ Paisley (January 23, 1919 (age 69 years at the time), Hetton-le-Hole-February 14, 1996, Liverpool)

Team Captain: Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Scotland)

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: Panini England 78-79

(Liverpool Logo)

Photo Credits:

All Liverpool players and Manager from Panini England 78-79

Except:

Sammy Lee (Panini England 82-83)

Ogrizovic (Panini England 84-85)

Brian Kettle (Anfield Review)

RSC Anderlecht Team for these matches:

Goalkeepers:

Nicolaas Alphonsus Petrus ‘Nico’ de Bree (Holland) (September 16, 1944 (age 34 years at the time), Zuilen, Holland-May 6, 2016, Vienna, Austria)

Jacques ‘Jacky’ Munaron (September 8, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Namur)

Defenders:

Hugo Broos (April 10, 1952 (age 26 years at the time), Humbeek)

Johnny Dusbaba (Holland) (March 14, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), The Hague, Holland)

Jean Thissen (April 21, 1946 (age 32 years at the time), Ensival, Verviers)

Gilbert van Binst (July 7, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Machelen)

Midfielders / Forwards:

François Van der Elst (December 1, 1954 (age 24 years at the time), Opwijk, Holland-January 11, 2017, Aalst)

François ‘Franky’ Vercauteren (October 28, 1956 (age 22 years at the time), Sint-Jans-Molenbeek)

Jorgen ‘Benny’ Nielsen (Denmark) (March 7, 1951 (age 27 years at the time), Frederiksvaersk, Denmark)

Geertruida ‘Ruud’ Maria Geels (Holland) (July 28, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Haarlem, Holland)

Arend ‘Arie’ Haan (Holland) (November 16, 1948 (age 30 years at the time), Finsterwolde, Holland)

Ludo Coeck (September 25, 1955 (age 23 years at the time), Berchem-October 9, 1985, Edegem)

Pieter Robert ‘Rob’ Rensenbrink (Holland) (July 3, 1947 (age 31 years at the time), Amsterdam, Holland)

Ronny Martens (December 22, 1958 (age 19 years at the time),)

Matthijs ‘Matty’ van Toom (Holland) (December 29, 1950 (age 27 years at the time), Rotterdam, Holland-November 21, 2007, Liege, Belgium)

Coach: Raymnd Goethals (October 7 1921 (age 57 years at the time), Vorst-December 6, 2004, Brussels)

Team Captain: Rob Rensenbrink

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Belle-Vue (For these matches no shirt sponsors was used)

Note:

Some information for unused substitutes may not be available, therefore these are the players on and off the field that are verified to have been present).

Photo From: anderlecht logo Panini Belgium 1978-79

(Anderlecht logo)

Photo Credits:

All Anderlecht players and Manager from Panini Belgium 1978-79 

References;

Daily Telegraph, December 20, 1978

Gazet van Antwerpen, December 20, 1978

Official Match Programme, Liverpool v Anderlecht, 1978

The British Home Championship-Part Seven (1978)

The 1978 British Home Championship

The 1978 edition of the British Home Championship took place shortly before the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

From the Home Nations, only Scotland had qualified for the big event.

That year’s edition not only served as preparation for the Scots, it was also their send off in front of home crowd before departing.

They played all their three matches at home at Hampden Park to mark the occasion.

There were security concerns for matches at Belfast; therefore Northern Ireland played all its matches away.

The Tournament kicked off on May 13^th with Scotland hosting Northern Ireland at home and Wales hosting England.

Nottingham Forest forward John Robertson made his debut for Scotland.

Northern Ireland were hampered by the absence of the Arsenal trio of goalkeeper Pat Jennings and defenders Pat Rice and Sammy Nelson.

They nevertheless did well against the favored Scots and were able to contain Joe Jordan. Scotland struggled against a surprising good Irish side that had its fair of chances.

Martin O'Neill gave the Irish the lead in the 26^th minute. The Scots were able to equalize ten minutes later through Derek Johnstone and the score remained unchanged (1-1).

Photo From:  Shoot, June 27, 1981

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Scotland 1-Northern Ireland 1)

On the same day, Wales took on England at Cardiff on a poor and bumpy dusty field and in windy conditions.

Mick Mills captained England for the first time in Emlyn Hughes’ absence.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(Team captains, May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

For the Welsh, Gareth Davies and Philip Dwyer were earning their second caps.

England took an early lead in the 8^th minute. Mills released Trevor Brooking on the right side. He crossed to the other side for Peter Barnes on the left side. Barnes crossed into the box for Bob Latchford to head home. It was his first ever goal for England.

Photo From : World Soccer , February 1979

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From : World Soccer, July 1978

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

In the 16^th minute, England’s Trevor Cherry broke his collarbone after a fall on such a hard pitch. Tony Currie replaced him and this forced a tactical reorganization for England.

Ray Wilkins was switched to right back and Mick Mills to left back.

In the 32^nd minute (still in the first half), England were forced to make their second substitution. Latchford, the goalscorer, pulled a muscle and had to be replaced with Paul Mariner.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  Wales v England, 1980

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  Wales v England, 1980

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

In the second half, Wales pulled level through Philip Dwyer. Dwyer had scored on his International debut vs. Iran just a month before.

In the 63^rd minute, Mahoney in the center found Harris. Harris went to the right side and crossed for Dwyer to head home.

However, in the closing stages England pulled clear to win the match.

In the 82^nd minute, the substitute Currie scored from a long-range shot.

With a minute to go, Currie passed to Steve Coppell on left side. He crossed for Peter Barnes who shot England’s Third.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(England squad, May 13, 1978, Home Championship, Wales 1-England 3)

On May 16^th, England hosted Northern Ireland at Wembley. England made changes from its previous match. Peter Shilton, Trevor Francis, Trevor Brooking and Peter Barnes were out of the lineup. In their places came, Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Emlyn Hughes, Stuart Pearson and the debutant Tony Woodcock.

Tony Currie was given a start and Emlyn Hughes reclaimed the captaincy.

Northern Ireland were still missing their Arsenal trio and were not expected to win.

England (playing in a 4-3-3 formation) were in general always in command though the Irish fought hard.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 16, Home Championship, England 1-Northern Ireland 0)

Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

(May 16, Home Championship, England 1-Northern Ireland 0)

It was in general a poor match decided on the stroke of halftime by Phil Neal’s first ever goal for England.

Wilkins' corner from the right side was headed down by Dave Watson for Neal to shoot England ahead.

England improved in the second half but could not score more.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 16, Home Championship, England 1-Northern Ireland 0)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

(May 16, Home Championship, England 1-Northern Ireland 0)

On the following day (May 17^th), Scotland hosted Wales at Hampden Park.

Scotland also made some changes from its first match. Starting goalkeeper Alan Rough was given a rest.

Substitute goalkeeper James Anton Blyth was tested and started in his second cap.

Similarly, Sandy Jardine, Martin Buchan, Bruce Rioch, Joe Jordan, John Robertson and Donald Masson were out of the lineup to give a run-in for others.

These included Stuart Kennedy (his second cap), Willie Donachie, Graeme Souness, Willie Johnston and Asa Hartford.

Photo From: World Soccer, July 1978

(May 17, Home Championship, Scotland 1-Wales 1)

Kenny Dalglish and Kenny Burns were also given starts (the pair had come on as substitutes in the previous match).

Scotland took the lead in the 10^th minute. Kenny Dalglish passed to Gemmill who crossed for Derek Johnstone to head in the opener.

Wales could have tied up the match through a penalty kick, but Flynn (who made a long run-up to take his attempt) struck the post.

The unconvincing Scots seemed headed for a win when in the final minute disaster struck. They had been clearly time wasting in the last few minutes of the match to secure the score.

However, a seemingly harmless backpass from Donachie to Blyth, caught the goalkeeper out of position and earned the Welsh a tie.

Photo from: Scotland, the complete international  Football Record, Author Richard Keir

(May 17, Home Championship, Scotland 1-Wales 1)

On May 19^th, Wales took on Northern Ireland at Wrexham. The conditions on he pitch were just as bad as the match at Cardiff vs. England.

For the Welsh, Byron Stevenson earned his first cap. The Irish still had Jennings and Rice unavailable, though Sammy Nelson did mane an appearance as a substitute.

The match was decided on a penalty kick awarded after Northern Ireland’s Jimmy Nicholl had fouled Nick Deacy in the box. Deacy himself took the game winning spot kick for the Welsh.

On the next day (May 20^th), the Scotland-England match-up took place at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The occasion was the Scottish crowd’s last chance to see their representatives before the World Cup.

Initially France’s Robert Wurtz was set to referee this match, however, due to illness he had to opt out. His compatriot Georges Konrath took his place.

Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

Photo From: Scotland, the complete international  Football Record, Author Richard Keir

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

The Scottish were missing the injure pair of Gordon McQueen and Martin Buchan.

They were nevertheless more in control in the early going, though Joe Jordan was once again ineffective.

Dave Watson had a very good game in the English defense and kept the Scottish at bay.

The Scottish were stronger in midfield with Rioch, Masson and Hartford dictating the play.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

Despite having more of the possession, Scotland could not find a breakthrough.

Scotland did have a penalty kick claim when Emlyn Hughes appeared to handle a Dalglish header, but the referee refused the appeals.

England gradually improved in the second half, when Steve Coppell was pushed in the midfield.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

In the 82^nd minute, the English took the lead and won the match through Coppell’s first goal for England.

Trevor Brooking found Peter Barnes who crossed in the box. Trevor Francis and Alan Rough both jumped for it.  Rough was unable to hold onto the ball and Coppell struck the loose ball into the empty net.

England held on to the win and won the 1978 Home Championship with three wins in three. Scotland finished third behind Wales.

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

(May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

Photo From: Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

(England squad, May 20, Home Championship, Scotland 0-England 1)

During the match, he Scottish fans had taunted the English crowd, reminding them that they were going to Argentina.  In the end they may have regretted their actions given their performances in the Championship as well as the World Cup.

After the match, the Scottish players returned to the pitch to get a farewell from crowd of cheers.

Despite the warm send-off, the Home Championship was a foreshadowing of Scotland’s problems that lay on the horizon and exposed in Argentina.

They were in general poor and disorganized and had been mistakenly overconfident.

The farcical own goal by Donachie in the Wales match was just the most glaring example.

Their Argentina adventure would be blighted by the heavy loss vs. Peru (1-3), the disappointing tie vs. Iran (1-1) that had been seen as a formality and all capped off by the valiant and ultimately irrelevant win vs. Holland (3-2).

Home Championship Squads

England:

Players who took part in the matches:

Goalkeepers:

1-Peter Leslie Shilton (Nottingham Forest Football Club) 

12-Raymond Neal Clemence (Liverpool Football Club)

Defenders/Midfielders /Forwards:

2-Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills  (Ipswich Town Football Club)
3-Trevor John Cherry (Leeds United Association Football Club)  

4-Brian Greenhoff (Manchester United Football Club)
5-David Vernon Watson (Manchester City Football Club)  

6-Anthony Williams Currie (Leeds United Association Football Club)
7-Stephen James Coppell (Manchester United Football Club)

8-Trevor John Francis (Birmingham City Football Club)
9-Robert Dennis Latchford (Everton Football Club-Liverpool)
10-Trevor David Brooking (West Ham United Football Club-London)
11-Peter Simon Barnes (Manchester City Football Club) 

14-Emlyn Walter Hughes (captain) (Liverpool Football Club)

15-Philip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club)

16-Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London)

18-Anthony Stewart Woodcock (Nottingham Forest Football Club)

19-James ‘Stuart’ Pearson (Manchester United Football Club)

20-Paul Mariner (Ipswich Town Football Club)

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Scotland:

Players who took part in the matches:

Goalkeepers:

Alan Roderick Rough (Partick Thistle Football Club -Glasgow)

James Anton Blyth (Coventry City Football Club / England)

Defenders:

William Pullar ‘Sandy’ Jardine (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

Martin McLean Buchan (Manchester United Football Club / England)

Kenneth Burns (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

Thomas Forsyth (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

Gordon McQueen (Manchester United Football Club / England)

Stuart Robert Kennedy (Aberdeen Football Club Limited)

William Donachie (Manchester City Football Club / England)

Midfielders / Forwards:

Bruce David Rioch (captain) (Derby County Football Club / England)

Donald Sandison Masson (Derby County Football Club / England)

Archibald Gemmill  (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

Joseph Jordan (Manchester United Football Club / England)

Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Liverpool Football Club / England)

Derek Johnstone (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

John Neilson Robertson (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

Graeme James Souness (Liverpool Football Club / England)

Richard ‘Asa’ Hartford (Manchester City Football Club / England)

William Johnston (West Bromwich Albion Football Club / England)

Joseph Jordan (Manchester United Football Club / England)

Coach: Alistair MacLeod

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Northern Ireland:

Players who took part in the matches:

Goalkeepers:

14-James Archibald Platt (Middlesborough Football Club / England) 

Defenders/ Midfielders / Forwards:

4-Christopher John Nicholl (Southampton Football Club / England) 

6-James Michael Nicholl (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

7-Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 

8-David McCreery (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

9-Gerald Joseph Armstrong (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club –London / England)

10-Samuel Baxter McIlroy (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

11-Trevor Anderson (Petersborough Football Club / England) 

12-Bryan Hamilton (Captain) (Milwall Football Club –London / England)

15-Roland Christopher McGrath (Manchester United Football Club / England)

20-Peter William Scott (York City Football Club / England) 

William Robert Hamilton (Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club –London / England)

George Terence Cochrane (Burnley Football Club / England)  

Samuel Nelson (Arsenal Football Club –London / England)

Coach: Robert Dennis ‘Danny’ Blanchflower

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Wales:

Players who took part in the matches:

Goalkeepers:

William David Davies (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Defenders / Midfielders / Forwards:

Malcolm Edward Page (Birmingham City Football Club / England)
Joseph Patrick Jones (Liverpool Football Club / England)
Leighton Phillips (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham / England)
David Edward Jones (Norwich City Football Club / England)

Gareth Davis (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League)   Terence Charles Yorath (captain) (Coventry City Football Club / England)

John Francis Mahoney (Middlesbrough Football Club / England)
Carl Stephen Harris (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)     
Brian Flynn (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) 
Alan Thomas Curtis (Swansea City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 
Philip John Dwyer (Cardiff City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 
Michael Reginald Thomas (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Simon Deacy (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven / Holland) )

David Frazer Roberts (Hull City Football Club / England)

William Byron Stevenson (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) 

Coach: Michael Smith

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

1978 Home Championship Matches:

Date: May 13, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: Scotland 1-Northern Ireland 1

Venue: Glasgow -Hampden Park

Attendance: 64,433

Referee:  William John Gow (Wales)

Goalscorers:

(Scotland): Derek Johnstone 36

(Northern Ireland): Martin O'Neill 26

Lineups:

Scotland:

Alan Roderick Rough (Partick Thistle Football Club -Glasgow)

William Pullar ‘Sandy’ Jardine (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

Martin McLean Buchan (Manchester United Football Club / England) (Kenneth Burns (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 37^th)

Thomas Forsyth (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

Gordon McQueen (Manchester United Football Club / England)

Bruce David Rioch  (Derby County Football Club / England)

Donald Sandison Masson (Derby County Football Club / England)

Archibald Gemmill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

Joseph Jordan (Manchester United Football Club / England) (Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Liverpool Football Club / England) 46^th)

Derek Johnstone (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

John Neilson Robertson (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

Coach: Alistair MacLeod

Booked: Gordon McQueen

Team Captain: Bruce David Rioch

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors:

Northern Ireland:  

James Archibald Platt (Middlesborough Football Club / England) 

Bryan Hamilton (Milwall Football Club –London / England)

Peter William Scott (York City Football Club / England) 

Christopher John Nicholl (Southampton Football Club / England) 

James Michael Nicholl (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Samuel Baxter McIlroy (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

David McCreery (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 

Trevor Anderson (Petersborough Football Club / England)  (William Robert Hamilton (Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club –London / England) 77^th)

Gerald Joseph Armstrong (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club –London / England)

Roland Christopher McGrath (Manchester United Football Club / England)  (George Terence Cochrane (Burnley Football Club / England)  63^rd)

Coach: Robert Dennis ‘Danny’ Blanchflower

Team Captain:

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors:

Date: May 13, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: Wales 1-England 3

Venue: Cardiff-Ninian Park

Attendance: 17,698

Referee: Malcolm Moffat (Northern Ireland)

Goalscorers:

(Wales): Philip John Dwyer 63

(England): Bob Latchford 8, Tony Currie 82, Peter Barnes 89

Lineups:

Wales: 

1-William David Davies (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 
2-Malcolm Edward Page (Birmingham City Football Club / England)
3-Joseph Patrick Jones (Liverpool Football Club / England)
4-Leighton Phillips (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham / England)
5-David Edward Jones (Norwich City Football Club / England) (15-Gareth Davis (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League)   )
6-Terence Charles Yorath (Coventry City Football Club / England) (14-John Francis Mahoney (Middlesbrough Football Club / England) )
7-Carl Stephen Harris (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)     
8-Brian Flynn (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) 
9-Alan Thomas Curtis (Swansea City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 
10-Philip John Dwyer (Cardiff City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 
11-Michael Reginald Thomas (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Coach: Michael Smith

Team Captain: Terence Charles Yorath

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

England:  

1-Peter Leslie Shilton (Nottingham Forest Football Club) 

2-Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills  (Ipswich Town Football Club)
3-Trevor John Cherry (Leeds United Association Football Club)   (6-Anthony Williams Currie (Leeds United Association Football Club) 16^th)
4-Brian Greenhoff (Manchester United Football Club)
5-David Vernon Watson (Manchester City Football Club)
16-Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London)
7-Stephen James Coppell (Manchester United Football Club)

8-Trevor John Francis (Birmingham City Football Club)
9-Robert Dennis Latchford (Everton Football Club-Liverpool)  (20-Paul Mariner (Ipswich Town Football Club) 32^nd)
10-Trevor David Brooking (West Ham United Football Club-London)
11-Peter Simon Barnes (Manchester City Football Club) 

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Team Captain: Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Date: May 16, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: England 1-Northern Ireland 0

Venue: London - Wembley

Attendance: 55,000

Referee:  John Robertson Gordon (Scotland)

Goalscorers:

(England): Phil Neal 45

(Northern Ireland): None

Lineups:

England:  

12-Raymond Neal Clemence (Liverpool Football Club)
15-Philip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club)
2-Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills  (Ipswich Town Football Club)
4-Brian Greenhoff (Manchester United Football Club)
5-David Vernon Watson (Manchester City Football Club)
14-Emlyn Walter Hughes (Liverpool Football Club)
7-Stephen James Coppell (Manchester United Football Club)
16-Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London)
19-James ‘Stuart’ Pearson (Manchester United Football Club)
6-Anthony Williams Currie (Leeds United Association Football Club)
18-Anthony Stewart Woodcock (Nottingham Forest Football Club)

Coach: Ron Greenwood

Team Captain: Emlyn Walter Hughes

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Northern Ireland:  

14-James Archibald Platt (Middlesborough Football Club / England) 
6-James Michael Nicholl (Manchester United Football Club / England) 
4-Christopher John Nicholl (Southampton Football Club / England) 
20-Peter William Scott (York City Football Club / England) 
7-Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 
12-Bryan Hamilton  (Milwall Football Club –London / England)
15-Roland Christopher McGrath (Manchester United Football Club / England)   (George Terence Cochrane (Burnley Football Club / England)   )
10-Samuel Baxter McIlroy (Manchester United Football Club / England) 
9-Gerald Joseph Armstrong (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club –London / England)
8-David McCreery (Manchester United Football Club / England) 
11-Trevor Anderson (Petersborough Football Club / England) 

Coach: Robert Dennis ‘Danny’ Blanchflower

Team Captain: Bryan Hamilton

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: Green Shirts, White Shorts, Green Socks

Date: May 17, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: Scotland 1-Wales 1 

Venue: Glasgow -Hampden Park

Attendance: 70,241

Referee:  Malcolm Wright (Northern Ireland)

Goalscorers:

(Scotland): Derek Johnstone 10

(Wales): William Donachie  (own goal) 90

Lineups:

Scotland:  

12-James Anton Blyth (Coventry City Football Club / England)

13-Stuart Robert Kennedy (Aberdeen Football Club Limited)

3-William Donachie (Manchester City Football Club / England)

22-Kenneth Burns (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

5-Gordon McQueen (Manchester United Football Club / England) (14-Thomas Forsyth (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow) 28^th)

15-Archibald Gemmill  (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

18-Graeme James Souness (Liverpool Football Club / England)

10-Richard ‘Asa’ Hartford (Manchester City Football Club / England)

17-Derek Johnstone (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

8-Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Liverpool Football Club / England)

11-William Johnston (West Bromwich Albion Football Club / England) (19-John Neilson Robertson (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 86^th)

Coach: Alistair MacLeod
Booked: Graeme Souness 27

Team Captain: Archibald Gemmill

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Navy Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks

Wales:

1-William David Davies (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

3-Malcolm Edward Page (Birmingham City Football Club / England) (14-Nicholas Simon Deacy (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven / Holland) 77th)

4-Joseph Patrick Jones (Liverpool Football Club / England)

5-David Frazer Roberts (Hull City Football Club / England)

6-Leighton Phillips (Aston Villa Football Club-Birmingham / England)

10-Terence Charles Yorath (Coventry City Football Club / England)  

8-John Francis Mahoney (Middlesbrough Football Club / England)

9-Brian Flynn (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)   

11-Carl Stephen Harris (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)    

13-Philip John Dwyer (Cardiff City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

15-Alan Thomas Curtis (Swansea City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Coach: Michael Smith

Team Captain:

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, White Socks

Date: May 19, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: Wales 1-Northern Ireland 0

Venue: Wrexham-Racecourse Ground

Attendance: 9,077

Referee: 

Goalscorers:

(Wales): Nicholas Simon Deacy  pen

(Northern Ireland): None

Lineups:

Wales:  

William David Davies (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Joseph Patrick Jones (Liverpool Football Club / England)

William Byron Stevenson (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) 

David Frazer Roberts (Hull City Football Club / England)

Gareth Davis (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

John Francis Mahoney (Middlesbrough Football Club / England)

Terence Charles Yorath (Coventry City Football Club / England) (Michael Reginald Thomas (Wrexham Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League)   )

Brian Flynn (Leeds United Association Football Club / England) 

Carl Stephen Harris (Leeds United Association Football Club / England)     

Philip John Dwyer (Cardiff City Football Club / Wales, registered in  English League) 

Nicholas Simon Deacy (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven / Holland)

Coach: Michael Smith

Team Captain:

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, White Socks

Northern Ireland :

James Archibald Platt (Middlesborough Football Club / England) 

Bryan Hamilton (Milwall Football Club –London / England)

Peter William Scott (York City Football Club / England)  (Samuel Nelson (Arsenal Football Club –London / England) )

James Michael Nicholl (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Christopher John Nicholl (Southampton Football Club / England) 

David McCreery (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Roland Christopher McGrath (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England) 

Gerald Joseph Armstrong (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club –London / England)

Samuel Baxter McIlroy (Manchester United Football Club / England) 

Trevor Anderson (Petersborough Football Club / England)  (George Terence Cochrane (Burnley Football Club / England)   )

Coach: Robert Dennis ‘Danny’ Blanchflower

Team Captain:

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Uniform Colors: Green Shirts, White Shorts, Green Socks

Date: May 20, 1978

Competition: Home Championship

Result: Scotland 0-England 1

Venue: Glasgow -Hampden Park

Attendance: 88,319

Referee: Georges Konrath (France)

Goalscorers:

(Scotland): None

(England): Steve Coppell 82

Lineups:

Scotland:   

1-Alan Roderick Rough (Partick Thistle Football Club -Glasgow)

13-Stuart Robert Kennedy (Aberdeen Football Club Limited)

22-Kenneth Burns (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)

14-Thomas Forsyth (Rangers Football Club -Glasgow)

3-William Donachie (Manchester City Football Club / England)

6-Bruce David Rioch (Derby County Football Club / England) (18-Grame James Souness (Liverpool Football Club / England) 74^th)  

7-Donald Sandison Masson (Derby County Football Club / England) (5-Archibald Gemmill (Nottingham Forest Football Club / England)  74^th)

10-Richard ‘Asa’ Hartford (Manchester City Football Club / England)

8-Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish (Liverpool Football Club / England)

9-Joseph Jordan (Manchester United Football Club / England)

11-William Johnston (West Bromwich Albion Football Club / England)

Coach: Alistair MacLeod

Booked: Joe Jordan

Team Captain: Bruce David Rioch

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Umbro

Uniform Colors: Navy Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks

         

England:

12-Raymond Neal Clemence (Liverpool Football Club)

15-Philip George Neal (Liverpool Football Club)

2-Michael Denis ‘Mick’ Mills  (Ipswich Town Football Club)

6-Anthony Williams Currie (Leeds United Association Football Club)

5-David Vernon Watson (Manchester City Football Club)  

14-Emlyn Walter Hughes (Liverpool Football Club) (4-Brian Greenhoff (Manchester United Football Club) 73^rd)

16-Raymond Colin Wilkins (Chelsea Football Club-London)

7-Stephen James Coppell (Manchester United Football Club)

20-Paul Mariner (Ipswich Town Football Club) (10-Trevor David Brooking (West Ham United Football Club-London) 76^th)

8-Trevor John Francis (Birmingham City Football Club)

11-Peter Simon Barnes (Manchester City Football Club) 

Coach: Ronald Greenwood

Team Captain: Emlyn Walter Hughes

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Final table               P     W   D   L  GF  GA  GD     Pts

1- England              3     3    0        0    5     1    +4       6

2- Wales                       3     1    1     1    3     4    -1       3

3- Scotland             3     0    2     1    2     3    -1       2

4- Northern Ireland  3     0    1     2    1     3    –2       1

P-Played, W-Win, D-Draw, L-Loss, GF-Goals For, GA-Goals Against, GD-Goal Difference, Pts-Points

References:

World Soccer, July 1978

England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

Scotland, The Team, Author: Andrew Ward

Wizards and Bravehearts, A History of the Scottish National Side, Author: David Potter, 2004

Official Match Programme,  England v Scotland, 1979

Scotland, the complete international  Football Record, Author Richard Keir

‘The Auld Enemy-England v Scotland: The Comprehensive History of More than a Century of Soccer Rivalry’, Author: Dean Hayes, Published in 1996

Official Match Programme,  England v Hungary, 1978

Official Match Programme,  Wales v England, 1980