Cup win was written in the stars

Mar 16 2013 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

Former Buddies boss Alex Smith reckons St Mirren’s name was always on the Scottish Cup back in 1987 as big gun after big gun stumbled on the road to Hampden.

Saints kicked off that season’s cup campaign with a third round tie against Highland minnows Inverness at Love Street, with goals from Frank McGarvey, Kenny McDowall and Ian Ferguson easing them through.

Smith recalled: “It was a great adventure and started with that match against Inverness in January.

“We had the advantage of playing the tie in Paisley and I remember that Rangers went out at home to Hamilton Accies in the same round, which sent shockwaves reverberating throughout Scottish football.

“Aberdeen lost to Celtic after three ties and, suddenly, the competition was two big guns lighter.

“In the fourth round, we had a cracking Renfrewshire derby at Morton and won that 3-2, with Paul Chalmers getting the winner.

“When we heard that Hearts had knocked out Celtic in that round, we then had an even bigger incentive to do well.

“We went on to beat Raith Rovers in the quarter-finals, with Chalmers and Peter Godfrey scoring for us at Stark’s Park.”

The semi-final draw paired both Dundee teams together, leaving Saints with a Hampden date with Hearts.

Smith said: “We were still the outsider of the four teams left but we attacked Hearts, who were on a long unbeaten run at the time, and I remember Fergie scoring for us early on.

“They equalised with 12 minutes to go but then Frank McGarvey popped up to score the winner.”

Smith also had confidence that his players could pull off a shock in the final.

He said: “Dundee United were also in the final of the UEFA Cup, so they were an excellent side.

“My players did me proud, though, and Fergie’s goal won us the cup, which was the cue for a night of great celebration.”