Manager Walter Morrison
Secretary Ronald Rattray
Committee
President Ken Drummond
Treasurer Bill Hebner
Many of last year’s team has moved on. Donald Yeaman goes to Blairgowrie Juniors; Melvin Watkins breaks his leg with Jeanfield Swifts.Billy Duncan to Perth Celtic. We were indeed fortunate that Ally McAdam’s City Boy team was outstanding and that Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Pat Joyce, Alex Whytock all moved upstairs to us. Derek Brown of course moved the most and by-passed us to go senior directly to St Johnstone. Alas further good players like Billy McLeish and Eddie Herman went Juvenile with Roselea and PYC respectively Our policy of encouraging youngsters had the possibility that we had no old heads in the team so as that we lost out on physical strength and experience but were strong on the skill factors.
Wednesday,26th, July,1967
The Perthshire AGM approved of a name change for Letham Rovers to Huntingtower. Wattie Morrison of Letham appointed Chairman replacing Johnny Irving. Wattie and Dave Bremner also the association’s representatives at the Scottish. Also Wattie has been appointed Vice president of the Scottish Juvenile FA.
This was great news and the clubs ambitions were now being fulfilled. It was important that our members were appointed to high positions at local as well as national, because we felt we had lots to offer football and enhance youth soccer. To do this of course required our members to be in an influential position.
Wednesday,23rd, August,1967 V RN Anchorage ( League-Away )
Team- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd ,McLaren, McPhee, Rattray, Duncan, Whytock, Substitute- Lennon. All others reserves.
Saturday, 26th, August,1967 V Auchterarder Fairmuir ( League-Away )
Letham had rather an easy passage at Auchterarder.
Team photograph taken at this game and appeared in the PA, on Saturday, 7th, September,1967 with Ronnie Rattray and Wattie Morrison
Saturday, 2nd. September,1967 V RN Anchorage ( 1st. Rd. Brotherhood Cup-Home )
Team- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, Duncan, McPhee, Doherty, McLaren, Whytock. Substitute- Rattray.
League positions as at Saturday, 2nd. September,1967
P W L D F A Pts
St Johns 3 3 0 0 7 6 6
Pitfour 3 3 0 0 11 3 6
Perth Youth Centre 4 3 1 0 14 11 6
Coupar Angus 4 2 1 1 7 8 5
St Johnstone 5 2 2 1 12 18 5
Vale of Earn 3 2 1 0 11 7 4
Auchterarder Fairmuir 4 1 2 1 13 15 3
Scone Thistle 2 1 1 0 7 5 2
Roselea 2 1 1 0 8 8 2
Craigie 3 1 2 0 5 9 2
RN Anchorage 2 0 2 0 3 7 0
Comrie Rovers 3 0 3 0 3 11 0
Bridgeton United 3 0 3 0 4 12 0
Huntingtower 3 0 3 0 5 17 0
Saturday, 9th, September,1967 V Auchterarder Fairmuir ( 1st. Rd. Lindsay Cup- Home )
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, McPhee, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Duncan, Doherty, Whytock, Lennon.
Saturday, 16th, September,1967 V Coupar Angus ( 1st. Rd. Cunningham Cup- Home )
Letham face Coupar Angus who are having difficulty finding a full strength team and unless the visitors can produce that something extra will find the local boys just too much for them
Team- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Duncan, Doherty. Sub. Herd. Reserves- Whytock and all others.
Letham had a runaway victory over Coupar Angus, who are another club having playing staff difficulties. Several injuries are also adding to their headaches.
Saturday, 23rd, September,1967 V Huntingtower ( 1st. RD. Gillie Bros. Cup _ Home )
Letham and Huntingtower come to grips on pitch 8 and this tie has the appearance of being a very hard tussle. The home boys are still to meet with a reverse this season, while the ‘Tower have struck form these last two games. The city side play really attractive football and look the better bet to reach the next round, but they can look out for an all out effort by the visitors, who are capable of springing a surprise.
Team- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Duncan, Whytock, Substitute-Herd
Letham still undefeated finished good winners over Huntingtower
Saturday, 30th, September,1967 V RN Anchorage ( 1st. RD. Dewar Shield-Away )
RN face undefeated Letham in what should be a grand tie. The Juveniles have a league win over the home boys and if striking the same form should manage round two.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce ,Melley, Lennon, Herd, Rattray, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock.
RN with a poor side was no match for the strong going Letham boys
.
Caution noted against W Crosbie of Letham
Saturday, 30th, September,1967
Ron McClelland one of the early Letham players and one of our SFA trained coaches marries Miss Sandra Wallbank. Ron was transferred to London with the GA and so was lost to the club. He had been a fast, enthusiastic right side player who played most of his best games at right back. He was certainly a player of the Letham style of passing play
Wednesday, 4th, October,1967
Select team to play Dundee & District at North End’s Ground Dundee on Saturday, 28th, October,1967
Peggie-Letham, Cameron- PYC, McManus-Letham, A Tait(Capt)-Pitfour, Hope-Roselea,
Joyce-Letham, Kinmont-Huntingtower, McLeish-Roselea, Doherty-Letham, Duff-St Johns,
Cheape-Coupar Angus, Subs- McKinnon-Auchterarder Fairmuir, Watt-Pitfour, Grant-Coupar Angus.
Trainer- McLennan-Scone Thistle. Linesman-R Davis
Saturday, 7th, October,1967 V Perth Youth Centre ( 1st. RD. Scottish Cup-Home )
Undefeated Letham have stiff opposition in Perth YC but the home side’s attractive football should see them safely through.
Team from- Newman, Beatson, Herd, McManus, Joyce, Melley,Lennon, Rattray, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan and Whytock
Letham wan easily enough without regular keeper Peggie who was playing in a schools trial at Muirton Park. Utility man Duncan played between the sticks and gave a good performance but blotted his copybook by failing from the spot. Keeper Black who was in grand form saved his shot and Duncan had to sprint quickly back to his charge.
Donald Peggie was selected to play for the North/ Midlands schools against the West of Scotland
Saturday, 14th, October,1967 V Comrie Rovers ( League-Away )
Comrie entertain Letham, who should have plenty to spare at the end.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, Ross, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, Lennon, McLaren, Duncan, Newman, Doherty, Crosbie, Whytock.
Well played Comrie Rovers, the first club to stop the more fancied Letham side. Reports say the Perth club were surprised at the determination of the home side. Sorely of Comrie was booked.
Results like this was due to the club’s reputation. Opposing teams definitely raised their games when playing Letham and like the big two senior clubs in Scotland- Rangers and Celtic, we were finding nearly every game to be a cup final. At times it worked in reverse when we paralysed the opposition.
Saturday, 21st, October,1967 V Coupar Angus ( League-Home )
Letham entertain Coupar Angus and no doubt will be all out to make up for last week’s loss of a point at Comrie. The visitors made hard work of getting both points at home last week against Fairmuir. I am afraid they will have to show better form to stop the local boys
Team from- Peggie, Ross, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Doherty, Crosbie, Duncan, Whytock.
Letham played something like themselves to get both points from Coupar Angus. While their football is a treat to watch, missed chances could be their downfall as was proved last week. Both sides made last minute selections owing to illness and injuries.
Donald Peggie has to withdraw from the Perthshire Juvenile select team as he was playing for the Schools Select team against West of Scotland. Welsh of St Johns takes his place.
League positions as at Wednesday, 25th, October,1967
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 5 4 1 0 18 14 8
Coupar Angus 6 3 2 1 17 16 7
St Johns 3 3 0 0 17 6 6
Pitfour 3 3 0 0 11 3 6
St Columba’s 5 2 2 1 10 12 5
St Johnstone 5 2 2 1 12 18 5
Roselea 3 2 1 0 11 8 5
Vale of Earn 3 2 1 0 11 7 4
Auchterarder Fairmuir 6 1 4 1 19 23 3
Scone Thistle 2 1 1 0 7 5 2
RN Anchorage 3 1 2 0 5 7 2
Craigie 3 1 2 0 5 9 2
Huntingtower 6 1 5 0 9 23 2
Comrie Rovers 4 0 3 1 4 12 1
Bridgeton United 3 0 3 0 4 12 0
Saturday, 28th, October,1967--- No fixture due to select game in Dundee
Dundee & District 2 Perthshire 6
As a result the selectors picked the following Perthshire players to play Aberdeenshire- Welsh-St Johns,
McManus-Letham, Tait-Capt.-Pitfour, Hope-Roselea, Joyce-Letham, Kinmont-Huntingtower, Doherty-Letham, Duff-St Johns. Sub. McLeish-Roselea.
Saturday, 4th, November,1967 V Bridgeton United ( 2nd. Rd. Brotherhood Cup-Home )
Letham look pretty good to reach the semi-final.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, Newman, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock.
Letham as predicted reached the semi-final, but the Pitcairngreen lads gave them a good hard tussle. The ordering off of Watt, the visitor’s keeper, marred this tie.
Saturday, 11th, November,1967 V Auchterarder Fairmuir ( 2nd. Rd. Scottish Cup-Home )
Team- Peggie, Beatson, Melley, Lennon-Capt, McManus, Joyce, Whytock, McLaren, Crosbie,Doherty and Duncan. Substitute- McPhee
Letham had a runaway victory over Fairmuir, the margin being the same as in the league.
Saturday, 18th, November,1967 V St Johnstone ( 2nd. Rd. Lindsay Cup-Home )
Team- Peggie, Newman, Beatson, Melley, McManus, Joyce, Herd, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Whytock, Duncan.
Letham’s grand football was too much for Saints, who lost by a nap hand in a real sporting game.
Saturday, 25th, November,1967 V Roselea ( 2nd. Rd. Dewar Shield-Away )
Roselea meet the attractive Letham who are having a grand season considering their young side. The ‘Lea are the more experienced team and should come out on top, but they have failed these last two weeks and will have to show better form to get the better of the visitors. A replay would be no surprise.
Team from- Peggie, Herd, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock.
Letham showed great form and were convincing winners over Roselea, who have struck a real bad patch. The young Letham side are now in three semi-finals.
League positions as at Saturday, 25th, November,1967
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 9 7 1 1 28 17 15
St Columba’s 8 3 3 2 15 17 8
St Johns 4 3 0 1 18 7 7
Coupar Angus 8 3 4 1 21 24 7
Pitfour 3 3 0 0 11 3 6
Roselea 4 3 1 0 16 11 6
Comrie Rovers 7 2 4 1 11 19 5
St Johnstone 7 2 4 1 13 23 5
Scone Thistle 3 2 1 0 10 5 4
Vale of Earn 4 2 2 0 11 10 4
RN Anchorage 5 2 3 0 10 11 4
Craigie 5 2 3 0 13 18 4
Auchterarder Fairmuir 7 1 4 2 20 24 4
Huntingtower 7 2 5 0 15 25 4
Bridgeton United 5 0 5 0 9 22 0
Saturday, 9th, December,1967 V Coupar Angus ( 2nd. Rd. Gillie Cup-Away )
Coupar Angus entertain the attractive Letham side and while they will put up a stout struggle, their form at present should not stop the visitors going further ahead.
Team from- Peggie, Herd, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan and Whyock
Letham travelled to Coupar Angus and returned with a rather easy win to put them in their 4th semi-final.
Saturday, 16th, December,1967 Tannochside Miners Welfare ( 3rd. Rd. Scottish Cup – Home )
Team from- Peggie, Herd, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, Ross, McLaren, McPhee, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock, Watkins
Well played Letham who had a grand win. They were full of running at the end, when training told and also served up good, attractive football, which the visitors never matched. They and Vale of Earn go into round four. One of the visitors got his marching orders.
Saturday, 23rd, December,1967 Huntingtower ( 2nd. Rd. Dewar Shield-Home )
Letham on present form should make another semi-final when they have ‘Tower as visitors but they are warned not to take it for granted. The visitors are more settled now and will make the home boys go all out.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan,Whytock.
Letham despite a dour struggle by the visitors finished easy winners to reach another semi-final.
League positions as at Saturday, 23rd, December,1967
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 13 7 3 3 35 29 17
St Columba’s 12 6 3 3 24 19 15
Pitfour 5 4 0 1 15 3 9
RN Anchorage 8 4 3 1 18 14 9
Roselea 5 4 1 0 17 11 8
Auchterarder Fairmuir 9 3 4 2 28 30 8
St Johnstone 9 4 4 1 24 30 8
Huntingtower 10 3 5 2 18 26 8
St Johns 4 3 0 1 20 5 7
LETHAM 4 3 0 1 14 3 7
Craigie 7 3 3 1 17 19 7
Coupar Angus 11 3 7 1 24 33 7
Vale of Earn 5 3 2 0 17 12 6
Comrie Rovers 10 2 7 1 12 27 5
Scone Thistle 3 2 1 0 10 5 4
Bridgeton United 9 0 9 0 11 38 0
Saturday, 30th, December,1967 Scone Thistle ( League-Home )
The fixture of the day is certainly the meeting of Letham and Thistle. A forecast of the result is really hard. The home boys are a grand football side, but the experience of the Scone team may prove to be a deciding factor.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock, Watkins.
Letham 1 Scone Thistle 0
Well played Letham who picked up two valuable points at the expense of Scone Thistle. The visitors really should have had at least a point as they had a fair share of the pressure. The shooting of their forwards at times was atrocious and their defence with the exception of keeper Barclay must take the blame for the only goal of the game, which was a free header. They just stood and let the small Letham forwards beat them to it. This was really bad luck on the keeper who managed to get a touch to the ball, only for it to strike the inside of the post and roll slowly over the line.
The coolness of the home defence was something to be admired and the experienced Thistle forwards could not master them. The Letham forwards full of running at times made the Scone defence look “easy meat” and on two occasions the visitors defence were lucky not to be punished by harsh fouls. The grand encounter was well handled by referee Carle.
This report highlights the difficulty young and inexperienced Letham teams had to cope with during a successful season. The philosophy at the time was to stop Letham playing grand football. This was carried out by robust and often unfair tackling and in some cases intimidation, especially when playing some country teams like Pitfour and Scone Thistle. In order to counteract this, players were taught not to invite tackles but to control, pass and move into space. Part of this philosophy was of course due to the style and success of Letham and as mentioned in previous years the club (team) were seen to be like Rangers or Celtic and it raised the game from our opponents.
Saturday, 6th, January,1968 V Pitfour ( League-Home )
Despite the fact that Pitfour are undefeated they will be fortunate to remain so after their meeting with the attractive Letham side, who are going to make their presence felt as this season progresses.
Game cancelled –Due to ground conditions.
League positions as at Saturday, 6th, January,1968
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 15 7 3 5 42 36 19
St Columba’s 13 6 4 3 26 22 15
Pitfour 7 5 0 2 19 6 12
St Johns
6 5 0 1 32 6 11
Roselea 6 5 1 0 24 11 10
Vale of Earn 7 5 2 0 31 16 10
Auchterarder Fairmuir 11 4 5 2 32 40 10
LETHAM 5 4 0 1 15 3 9
Craigie 9 4 4 1 22 21 9
RN Anchorage 10 4 5 1 22 25 9
Huntingtower 11 3 5 3 21 29 9
Coupar Angus 13 4 8 1 27 40 9
St Johnstone 11 3 7 1 24 38 7
Scone Thistle 5 3 2 0 27 8 6
Comrie Rovers 12 2 8 2 19 40 6
Bridgeton United 11 0 11 1 14 58 1
Saturday, 13th, January,1968 Match postponed due to frost.
Saturday, 20th, January,1968 V Vale of Earn ( League-Away )
The fixture of the day is surely at Market Park, Crieff, when the attractive Letham side are visitors. Both these teams are our only survivors in the “Scottish” so today’s fixture should be a rousing affair. The home boys are the more experienced lot but the grand football served up this season by the Perth side will certainly give their defence some headaches. The Vale are confident they will be the first side to lower the visitors colours and with ground advantage they certainly have a great chance. This looks a good point for both teams. Both secretaries will be crossing their fingers for a home tie in today’s Scottish Cup draw.
Team from- Peggie, Newman, Beatson, Ross, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Watkins, Duncan and Whytock.
Vale of Earn 1 Letham 1
The fixture at Market Park finished all square and this was a just result.
Saturday, 27th, January,1968 V Huntingtower ( League-Away )
Huntingtower after their great win at Scone last week will be in confident mood to upset another top side Letham, while they will give this attractive side a good run for the points, I cannot see the visitors missing many scoring chances.
Team from- Peggie, Newman, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Watkins, Duncan and Whytock.
Huntingtower 1 Letham 3
Huntingtower put up a good show against the attractive Letham who finished good winners.
League positions as at Saturday, 27th, January,1968
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 15 7 3 5 42 36 19
St Columba’s 14 6 5 3 26 26 15
Pitfour 9 6 1 2 25 13 14
St Johns 7 6 0 1 41 8 13
RN Anchorage 12 6 5 1 38 26 13
Roselea 7 6 1 0 28 11 12
Vale of Earn 8 5 2 1 32 17 11
Coupar Angus 14 5 8 1 29 40 11
LETHAM 6 4 0 2 16 4 10
Huntingtower 12 4 5 3 24 31 10
Auchterarder Fairmuir 12 4 6 2 32 45 10
Craigie Juveniles 9 4 4 1 22 21 9
St Johnstone 12 3 8 1 24 40 7
Scone Thistle 6 3 3 0 27 7 6
Comrie Rovers 13 2 9 2 21 49 6
Bridgeton United 12 0 11 1 14 67 1
Saturday, 3rd, February,1968 V Perth Youth Centre ( League-Home )
Letham the attractive and only undefeated side in Perthshire meet the league leaders in what looks a top fixture. While not taking any credit away from PYC it will indeed be a big surprise if the South Inch boys do not get the points
Team from- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Whytock
Letham 0 PYC 3
There was no report by Peter Reid, which was surprising. This was the team’s first defeat in all competitions so far this season. It was a remarkable achievement since August,1967. Wattie Morrison has to take the credit for welding together a virtually new team, which had style and ability
League positions as at Wednesday, 10th, February,1968
__________________ P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 17 9 3 5 47 38 23
St Johns 9 8 0 1 46 8 17
St Columba’s 16 7 6 3 29 30 17
RN Anchorage 14 7 5 2 44 30 16
Roselea 9 7 2 0 32 15 14
Vale of Earn 10 6 2 2 36 19 14
Pitfour 10 6 2 2 27 16 14
Craigie Juveniles 11 6 4 1 41 24 13
LETHAM 8 5 1 2 19 8 12
Coupar Angus 16 5 9 2 31 45 12
Huntingtower 14 4 6 4 25 36 12
Auchterarder Fairmuir 13 4 7 2 35 53 10
St Johnstone 14 4 9 1 29 43 9
Scone Thistle 8 3 3 2 30 10 8
Comrie Rovers 15 2 11 2 24 65 6
Bridgeton United 14 0 12 2 17 73 2
Saturday, 10th, February,1968 V Inverurie Loco. Works ( 4th, Rd. Scottish Cup- Harlaw Park,Inverurie)
Our two teams still interested in the “Scottish” face stiff opposition today. Vale of Earn with ground advantage look to have the better chance of getting through. All officials and players will wish the best of luck to both clubs.
Team from- Cocker, Beatson, McManus, Ross, Joyce, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Watkins, Duncan and Whytock.
Inverurie Loco Works 1 Letham 2
Well-played Letham. They returned with a great win from Inverurie to reach the quarterfinals of the “Scottish” Their defeat the previous week made them all the more determined to show they had returned to their former form.
Interest- Vale of Earn 2 Sankey (Aberdeen) 2
Saturday, 17th, February,1968 V Scone Thistle ( Semi-Final Brotherhood Cup-Home )
Letham are tipped to advance to the final.
Team- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Watkins, Whytock.
Letham 0 Scone Thistle 0
As the blank score sheet suggests, the marksmanship on both sides was very much open to criticism in the Brotherhood Cup semi-final between Letham and Scone Thistle. The Thistle forwards especially missed some fine chances in the second half. Both keepers played a confident game.
Saturday, 24th, February,1968 Free day as Scotland V England at Hampden Park
Interest A new trophy presented to the Association- The Andy Lumsden Memorial Trophy in memory of Andy Lumsden who was associated with Craigie Juniors and was a very respected trainer and person in his day. This will replace the Lindsay Cup
.
Saturday, 2nd, March,1968 V Scone Thistle ( Replay,Semi-Final Brotherhood Cup-Away )
The replay at Scone, it would be no surprise if another meeting were necessary even though the odds are slightly in favour of the home team.
Team from- Cocker, Beatson, McManus, Ross, Joyce, Melley, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan, Watkins, Whytock.
Match postponed due to ground conditions
.
Secretary Rattray of Letham to advise Secretary Reid if they have 2 or 3 players in the Scottish Youth fixture due on 9th, March,1968
League positions as at Saturday, 24th, February,1968
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 19 10 4 5 52 50 25
St Johns 10 9 0 1 57 8 19
RN Anchorage 16 8 6 2 50 34 18
St Columba’s 17 7 7 3 31 33 17
Roselea 10 8 2 0 41 15 16
Pitfour 11 7 2 2 34 18 16
Craigie 12 7 4 1 44 25 15
Vale of Earn 10 6 2 2 36 19 14
Huntingtower 16 5 8 3 34 44 13
LETHAM 8 5 1 2 19 8 12
Coupar Angus 17 5 10 2 32 49 12
Scone Thistle 9 4 3 2 34 10 10
Auchterarder Fairmuir 13 4 7 2 35 53 10
St Johnstone
16 4 11 1 34 58 9
Comrie Rovers 16 2 12 2 24 69 6
Bridgeton United 16 1 13 2 20 84 4
Saturday, 9th, March,1968
Due to three players in the Scottish Youth trial Letham have a free day. Cannot remember the players but it was 3 out of Whytock, McManus, Beatson and Joyce.
Saturday, 16th, March,1968 V Scone Thistle ( Replay,Semi-Final Lindsay Cup ??- Away )
Team from- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, Melley, Herd, Lennon, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Whytock, Duncan, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty and Watkins
Scone Thistle 2 Letham 2
The tie at Scone was a real thriller and ended all square even after extra time. The next replay will be on neutral ground. Thistle looked set for the final when they went into a 2-0 lead but Letham rallied well and finished the better side.
Saturday, 16th, March,1968 V St Clements (Aberdeen) (Quarter-final Scottish Cup- Away )
Match to be played at Linksfield Stadiun, Aberdeen.
All officials and players wish Letham the best of fortune in their Scottish tie, hoping that the Perth side can at least get a replay.
Team from- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Melley, Herd, Lennon, Duncan, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Whytock, and Watkins.
St Clements 2 Letham 2
Well-played Letham. The Perth side led 2-0 at half time but the home boys got on level terms in the second half to get a replay. Letham must now stand a great chance of making the semi-final.
Crosbie of Letham suffered an eye injury at Aberdeen and had three stitches inserted. He will be fit for the replay.
League positions as at Saturday, 23rd, March,1968
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 21 12 4 5 59 52 29
St Johns 11 9 0 2 60 11 20
Pitfour 13 8 2 3 37 19 19
RN Anchorage 16 8 6 2 50 34 18
St Columba’s 19 7 8 4 36 40 18
Roselea 11 8 2 1 44 18 17
Craigie Juveniles 14 8 5 1 46 27 17
Vale of Earn 11 7 2 2 41 22 16
Coupar Angus 20 6 10 4 41 54 16
Huntingtower 18 6 9 3 40 52 15
LETHAM 8 5 1 2 19 8 12
Auchterarder Fairmuir 15 4 8 3 42 61 11
Scone Thistle 9 4 3 2 34 10 10
St Johnstone 18 4 12 2 35 61 10
Comrie Rovers 18 2 12 4 28 73 8
Bridgeton United 18 1 15 2 23 93 4
Saturday,30th, March,1968 V St Clements ( Aberdeen ) (Replay-Quarter Final Scottish Cup-Game at Simpson Park, Perth. Admission 1/6d and Boys and OAP’s 9d
Team from- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Melley, Herd, Lennon, Ross, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Watkins, Duncan and Whytock
Letham 4 St Clements 2
Well-played Letham. They worthily qualified for the Scottish Cup Semi-Final and would not have been flattered if the margin in their favour had been much wider. They led 2-1 at the interval through goals by Doherty and McLaren and two second half counters by Crosbie put the issue beyond all doubt despite an own goal by a home defender.
Tuesday, 2nd, April,1968 V St Johns ( League-Away )
St Johns 3 Letham 2
Tuesday, 4th, April,1968 V Roselea ( League-Home )
Letham 2 Roselea 1 ( Match abandoned after 78 minutes)
The Letham v Roselea fixture had to be brought to a close through darkness. Wilson of Roselea suffered a broken leg and could not be removed from the playing pitch until attended to by ambulance men before being taken to Bridge of Earn hospital.
Saturday, 6th, April,1968 V St Johns ( Semi-Final Cunningham Cup- Away )
Team from- Cocker, Beatson, McManus, Joyce, Ross, Melley, Herd, Lennon, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Watkins, Duncan, Whytock.
St Johns 3 Letham 1
Tuesday, 9th, April,1968 V Pitfour ( League-Home )
Letham 3 Pitfour 0
League positions as at Wednesday,10th, April,1968
P W L D F A Pts
Perth Youth Centre 24 12 7 5 63 65 29
Pitfour 15 10 2 3 43 20 23
Craigie 17 11 5 1 57 32 23
St Johns 13 10 1 2 65 18 22
Vale of Earn 13 9 2 2 56 23 20
RN Anchorage 18 9 7 2 54 38 20
Huntingtower 20 8 9 3 50 57 19
Roselea 12 8 2 2 45 19 18
St Columba’s 21 7 10 4 37 44 18
Coupar Angus 22 7 11 4 45 58 18
Scone Thistle 11 5 3 3 40 13 13
Auchterarder Fairmuir 17 5 9 3 50 68 13
LETHAM 9 5 2 2 21 11 12
St Johnstone 20 5 13 2 40 65 12
Comrie Rovers 21 2 15 4 33 94 8
Bridgeton United 19 1 16 2 26 100 4
Thursday, 11th, April,1968 V Craigie ( League-Home )
Letham 2 Craigie 4
Saturday, 13th, April,1968 V Scone Thistle (Semi-Final Gillie Bros. Cup- Home )
Letham 0 Scone Thistle 7
The most surprising result of the season was Thistle’s great win over Letham. Not so much for the victory itself as for the margin. Some reports say it could easily have been double figures. The city team had no answer to this grand Thistle side that in their last few games have hit the form they are capable of after a really bad time of it. On their present form, they surely must get a piece of silver for the sideboard.
Tuesday, 16th, April,1968 V PYC ( League-Away)
PYC 0 Letham 1
Thursday, 18th, April,1968 V St Johns ( League-Home )
Letham 3 St Johns 3
Saturday, 20th, April,1968 V Scone Thistle (2nd. Replay, Semi-Final Brotherhood Cup at Huntingtower)
Today’s tie at Huntingtower will be a real hard tussle with the city club out for revenge for last week’s heavy defeat from the same side. In giving a forecast one should go by form. Thistle were in tremendous form and outplayed Letham for a deserved win but surely the city club will not again be so easily overcome. I take Thistle to make the final but they are warned not to be too confident despite their previous big win.
Match postponed due to the heavy injury list of Letham
Wednesday, 24th, April,1968
Melvin Watkins of Letham suspended for two matches.
Monday, 22nd, April,1968 V Bridgeton United ( League-Home )
Letham 4 Bridgeton United 1
Secretary Rattray of Letham is asked to advise the Association Secretary of the official date for the club’s Semi-Final Scottish Cup tie
Wednesday, 24th, April,1968 V St Johnstone ( League-Home )
Match not played on this date
Saturday, 27th, April,1968 V Bridgeton United ( League-Away )
Bridgeton United 0 Letham 5
Tuesday, 30th, April,1968 V St Columba’s ( League-Home )
Letham 3 St Columba’s 1
Thursday 2nd. May,1968 V St Johnstone ( League-Home )
Letham 5 St Johnstone 0
Pat Joyce signs provisional forms with St Johnstone FC. On the same day it was announced that the Saints were freeing our former City Boy player Derek Brown.
Saturday,4th, May,1968 V St Johns ( Semi-Final Lindsay Cup- Home )
Today’s tie will be a grand tussle and would not care to name the side to meet Scone Thistle in the final.
Team from- Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Ross, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, Herd, McLaren, Crosbie, Doherty, Duncan and Whytock.
Letham 3 St Johns 2
A great recovery by Letham saw them reach the final and they now meet Scone Thistle.
St Johns are still league leaders with Vale of Earn close on their heels. Coming quietly in to the reckoning are Letham but with their backlog of fixtures, plus cup-tie commitments etc. they could have too much to do with so young a side.
18-year-old Donald Peggie has been selected to play in goal for the Scottish Senior Schoolboys against England at Wembley on 11th, May,1968
Tuesday, 7th, May,1968 V Pitfour ( League- Away )
Pitfour 1 Letham 1
Thursday, 9th, May,1968 V Roselea ( League-Away )
Roselea 3 Letham 7
Saturday, 11th, May,1968 V Scone Thistle ( 2nd. Replay Semi-Final Brotherhood Cup-South Inch )
The replay Brotherhood Cup tie on No. 4 pitch should be a real hard tussle. Both sides are on top form at present and the result looks wide open. The Letham Boys will certainly be all out for revenge for their heavy defeat in the Gillie Bros Cup and Thistle with their big win behind them will certainly be more confident. Experience may tell in this encounter, but it will be a close result either way. Officials are reminded of extra-time if required.
Game cancelled as pitch unplayable
Tuesday, 14th, May,1968 V Comrie Rovers ( League-Home )
The result did not appear in the Juvenile notes.
Wattie Morrison, Ken Drummond and Ally McAdam went to see Germiston Star on an evening before the semi-final. They were playing on Ashfield’s Junior ground. They were a big robust side. We believed that the weak link in their team was the left full back nicknamed TAXI. He was slow and overweight and that the Letham right wing would win the day.
Saturday, 18th, May,1968 V Germiston Star ( Semi-Final Scottish Cup-Petershill Park, Glasgow )
All players and officials will be wishing the Perth side the best of luck. All officials and the pool of players for Letham’s Scottish Tie in Glasgow today are reminded to report in plenty of time for the team bus leaving South Street at 11.00 a.m.
Germiston Star 2 Letham 2
The Scottish tie at Petershill Park, Glasgow was a great contest with the Perth side most unlucky not to reach the final. Leading at one time 2-0, an injury to Doherty upset their teamwork and with only four minutes to go the Glasgow side drew level. Reports say that as regards football there was only one team in it. The Perth boys gave the spectators and the Star a lesson. The replay is likely to be at Simpson Park on 17th, June, 1968.Make no mistake this was a tremendous result. However the game should have been won despite the injury to Doherty. Leading 2-1 in the second half Billy Crosbie had an excellent break down the right. With only the goalkeeper to beat from a type angle he selected to try and score but hit the side netting, whilst Jimmy McLaren was standing unmarked in front of goal. Who knows Jimmy could have fluffed the opportunity. Wattie used the new playing system of 4-3-3 and it worked a treat. The players adapting very well. Ken said a few words to the players before the game stating how proud he was of their achievements not only for themselves but for the club and that they should enjoy the day regardless of the result.
Tuesday,21st, May,1968 V Scone Thistle ( 2nd. Replay, Brotherhood Cup- South Inch )
Letham 0 Scone Thistle 1
The Brotherhood cup replay went to extra-time. Thistle getting through with the only goal scored. This was a disappointing game from the spectators’ point of view. At times it looked as if nerves were taking a hold on both sides. The Scone boys deserved their victory and only bad luck plus glorious mosses in the first 90 minutes gave Letham a breather in to an extra half hour. The local boys had their moments but taking play all over, Scone was the most likely to go ahead. The Thistle defence was safe with centre-half Ross a real star.
Thursday,23rd, May,1968 V Vale of Earn ( League-Home )
Letham 1 Vale of Earn 2
Letham forced to field an under strength side, did well to hold the powerful Vale of Earn to the odd goal
Saturday, evening, 25th, May,1968 V Craigie ( League-Away )
Craigie 1 Letham 2
Letham just proved too strong against a plucky Craigie side to win by the odd goal
Monday, 27th, May,1968 V Scone Thistle ( Semi-Final, Dewar Shield- Home )
Letham 0 Scone Thistle 3
In the semi-final Scone Thistle deserved their entry in to the final with a good win over Letham. The game was spoiled at times by petty fouling.
Wednesday, 29th, May,1968 V RN Anchorage ( League-Home )
Game did not take place on this date
Saturday,1st, June,1968 V Germiston Star ( replay,Semi-Final Scottish Cup-Simpson Park, Perth)
Letham’s opponents in the semi-final replay to be played at Simpson Park, Crieff Road, Perth are Glasgow side Germiston Star. On May, 18th, these two teams drew 2-2 at Petershill park, Glasgow, the homesters snatching the equaliser just 4 minutes from time, after Letham’s leading goal scorer had been injured. Doherty is now in Bridge of Earn Hospital having undergone a cartilage operation.
Billy Crosbie is now the likely man to lead the Letham attack
.
The Perth side will be selected from-
Peggie, Cocker, Beatson, McManus, Hamilton, Duncan, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, Crosbie, P Joyce, Watkins, Whytock
St Johnstone have a special interest in the semi-final. They have firmly booked Letham full backs Billy Beatson and Billy McManus They have all ready provisionally signed Pat Joyce. With so many young stars on view, senior clubs will be very well represented.
Letham 3 Germiston Star 3
In Saturday’s Scottish Cup Semi Final replay at Simpson Park, Letham failed to make full use of ground advantage and were held to a 3-3 draw by the Glasgow side, Germiston Star. The Perth side were in fact within minutes of being eliminated losing by 3 goals to 2 near the final whistle when outside right McLaren levelled the scores. With one of the most dubious and controversial goals for a long time, Letham went ahead, Watkins shot apparently hitting the side netting but being allowed to count. The Glasgow’s men equaliser shortly afterwards was just as hotly disputed. Inside left Kearney beat keeper Peggie to a high ball, the goalkeeper falling injured to the turf as the ball hit the net. Left-winger Gray was booked late in the first half.
Shortly after the restart Letham regained the lead through inside left Watkins. The game see-sawed and centre forward Turner restored equality with a 25-yard blockbuster that screamed past Peggie.
After more end-to-end stuff a quickly taken flag kick had the home defence in a panic and Kearney scored with a well-taken opportunist goal. Then with the seconds ticking away, McLaren grabbed the equaliser after Whytock had supplied the ammunition. After tossing for venue, the venue for the third meeting between the teams will be at Petershill Park, Glasgow this Saturday. The winners meet Maryfield, Dundee in the final.
The Sporting Post for Saturday,1st,June,1968 Page 7 had a photograph of Mel Watkins scoring against Germiston Star.
Headline was Letham’s Late Equaliser
Team listed was Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Duncan, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, Joyce, Crosbie, Watkins,Whytock
Germiston Star- McNeil, Paul, Monaghan, Gordon, Maxwell, Caddis, White, Glover, Turner, Kearney, Gay.
The Evening Telegraph on Friday, 31st, May,1968 had a photograph of the team with some of our City Boy players together with the under noted player profiles
Letham ( Perth ) fighting to meet Maryfield United in the final of the Scottish Juvenile Cup, have had their fair share of bad luck.
They were two goals up in the semi-final against Germiston Star at Petershill Park, Glasgow when centre forward Hugh Doherty was injured and they were unfortunate only to draw.
The replay is at Simpson Park, Perth tomorrow and top goal-scorer Doherty is a non-starter.
He is still in Bridge of Earn Hospital, after a cartilage operation.
The forward was missed when Letham played Scone Thistle at Perth on Monday.
Their forward line just didn’t click and although they held their own in the first half, Scone got three goals in the second period without reply.
The Letham side for the semi-final replay will be chosen from-
Douglas Cocker (21) Goalkeeper. Art student. Reinstated junior from Coupar Angus
Donald Peggie (18 ) Goalkeeper. Schoolboy. Capped this year for Scottish Schools XI versus England at Mansfield and Wales at Greenock
William Beatson ( 18 ) Right-back. Schoolboy. Joining St Johnstone next season
William McManus ( 18 ) Left-back. Schoolboy. Going to St Johnstone. Was in Scottish Juvenile FA XI this season.
Patrick Joyce (17 ) Right-half. Audit clerk. Provisionally booked by St Johnstone. Captained Scottish Juvenile XI this year.
John Melley (18 ) Centre-half. Employed as a clerk with the Ministry of Works.
Gordon Lennon ( 20 ) Left-half. Captain. Has played in Scottish Juvenile XI. Works with Clyde Engineering.
James McLaren ( 21 ) Outside-right. Formerly junior with Blairgowrie and Newburgh. Has scored 25 goals this season. Works for Bell Quarry masters, Newburgh
William Crosbie ( 19 ) Inside-right. Has scored 27 goals to date. Works as an apprentice joiner.
Roger Duncan ( 18 ) Inside-left. Former Perth High School sports champion. Trainee technician with GPO Telephones.
Alexander Whytock ( 19 ) Outside-left. Schoolboy. Came to Letham from their City Boy team
John Hamilton (18 ) Sheet metal worker. New signing from Perth City Boys Club.
John O’Donnell ( 17 ) Apprentice joiner. Also a new signing from Letham City Boys
Wednesday, 5th, June,1968
Secretary Reid has written to Mr Lacey, Parks Director asking for the use of Seven Acres and Tulloch parks for accommodating the backlog of fixtures, which Letham have. They still have 8 matches to play off. Home- Auchterarder Fairmuir, RN Anchorage, Roselea, Huntingtower. Away- Coupar Angus, St Columba’s, Scone Thistle, and St Johnstone. This means that if accommodation is available, Letham will probably be playing 3 fixtures a week
Wdnesday, 5th, June,1968 V Scone Thistle ( Final, Lindsay Cup-South Inch )
Letham 1 Scone Thistle 2
This was a great final with the Thistle boys rather lucky to pick up their fourth trophy of the season by the odd goal. In a football sense needless fouling plus some heavy tackling resulting in only ticking off’s by the referee spoilt it. The Scone side were back on their heels for a good 25 minutes in the second-half and only keeper Barclay stood between them and Letham, who deserved to get a replay.
Saturday,8th, June,1968 V Germiston Star ( 2nd. Replay, Scottish Cup-Petershill Park,Glasgow )
Team from- Cocker, Peggie, Beatson, McManus, Hamilton, Ross, Joyce, Melley, Lennon, McLaren, Crosbie, Duncan, Watkins, Whytock. Other players to travel- Herd, O’Donnell, Tainsh, Forret, M Joyce.
Bus leaves South Street clubrooms at 10.30 a.m.
Germiston Star 5 Letham 2
Letham got off to a great start at Petershill Park, Glasgow on Saturday in after only 25 minutes play found themselves leading by 2 goals to 0. Watkins being the scorer on each occasion. The first was a header from a corner by McLaren and the second a well placed drive after Ross had paved the way. Germiston pegged one back just on the interval and from that point on the Letham lads seemed to lose heart. After the restart the Glasgow side took command and their piercing attacks had the Letham defence reeling. In the end Germiston ran out easy winners but full marks to full-backs Beatson and McManus of Letham who played their hearts out. After the game a Liverpool official made enquiries about Beatson.
Saturday, 8th, June,1968
St Johnstone manager Willie Ormond said midweek that he would be calling up his three young provisional signings before the start of the season. They are Billy McManus and Pat Joyce of Letham Juveniles and Jim Argue of Kilsyth.
Kinnoull Juniors free Ronnie Rattray.
Monday, 10th, June,1968 V Scone Thistle ( League-Away )
Scone Thistle 3 Letham 2
Thistle again beat Letham by the odd goal to keep up their good record.
Thursday, 13th, June,1968 V RN Anchorage ( League-Home )
This game was cancelled as RN unable to raise a team.
Saturday,15th, June,1968 V Auchterarder Fairmuir ( League-Home, Seven Acres )
Fairmuir failed to put in an appearance
Tuesday, 18th, June,1968 V Coupar angus ( League-Away )
Coupar Angus 0 Letham 3
Thursday, 20th, June,1968 V St Columba’s ( League-Away )
St Columba’s 1 Letham 3
Saturday, 22nd. June,1968 V Roselea ( League- Home )
Roselea could only muster four players for their fixture against Letham and were forced to forfeit the points.
Tuesday, 25th, June,1968 V Huntingtower League-Home )
Huntingtower have scratched to Letham owing to most of their players gone on holiday.
Thursday, 27th, June,1968 V St Johnstone ( League- Away at Huntingtower )
The last fixture of the season is due to be played tomorrow evening at Huntingtower, where St Johnstone meets Letham. Referee McCallum in charge.
St Johnstone 1 Letham 8
Final League positions for Season 1967/1969
P W L D F A Pts
Vale of Earn 30 25 3 2 130 48 52
St Johns 30 24 2 4 143 47 52
Scone Thistle 29 21 4 4 135 32 48*
LETHAM 25 16 5 4 74 32 48*
Craigie 30 17 11 2 945 62 36
Pitfour 30 15 9 6 69 56 36
Roselea 28 14 8 6 79 61 36*
Perth Youth Centre 30 14 11 5 72 84 33
Huntingtower 28 10 14 4 74 93 26*
RN Anchorage 29 10 15 4 74 76 24
St Columba’s 30 9 15 6 56 92 24
Coupar Angus 30 8 18 4 56 92 20
Auchterarder Fairmuir 28 8 16 3 70 125 19
St Johnstone 30 5 23 2 52 112 12
Comrie Rovers 27 3 20 4 38 126 10
Bridgeton United 30 2 26 2 45 153 6
Letham games not fulfilled= V Auchterarder Fairmuir ( H), Comrie Rovers ( H), RN Anchorage (H), Roselea(H), Huntingtower(H)
Due to an appeal there must now be a play-off for the League Championship between St Johns and Vale of Earn . Result on Saturday,24th,August,1968 was St Johns 1 Vale of Earn 3
Honours for Season 1967/1968
Winners Runners up
League championship Vale of Earn St Johns
Cunningham Cup Scone Thistle 4 St Johns 1
Lindsay Cup Scone Thistle 2 LETHAM 1
Gillie Bros. Cup Scone Thistle 6 Roselea 0
Brotherhood Cup Scone Thistle 5 St Johns 0
Dewar Shield Scone Thistle 3 St Johns 0
So ended a momentous season. The team finished fourth in the league. Behind St. Johns, Vale of Earn and Scone Thistle. The team was undefeated in all matches from the 23rd, August, 1967 when they played the first game of the season against RN Anchorage until being defeated by PYC on the Saturday, 3rd, February, 1968. Whilst at the end of the day, the team did not win any trophies; they did achieve peaks such as the Semi-final of the Scottish Cup and beaten finalists in the Lindsay Cup plus the fact that they reached four semi-finals. The oldest player in the side was Jimmy McLaren at 21.Three players went to play senior football with St Johnstone. The influence of Wattie Morrison was there for all to see and he built a very fine side. Certainly in the style of football which was synonymous with the Letham tradition. He was also brave enough to introduce the latest formations that were in vogue at the time mainly by Italian managers. Wattie even had time to pursue his commitments to the Scottish Juvenile FA as Vice President. We were delighted because we knew in time the club would have a national President. Interesting that whilst Wattie was also the local president of the Perthshire Juveniles FA, Ally McAdam was President of the City Boys and Dave Lindsay was the driving force behind the new Minor association. The ambitions that the club would be at the forefront be it from playing football or in administration was fulfilled.
Whilst Wattie in particular was bitterly disappointed not to win anything, the reasons were there for all to see. The team was without doubt the best in the league, but having so many games and the fact that four of the players also had commitments for the Scottish Schools FA and the Scottish Juveniles FA put a tremendous burden on the players. The serious injury to Doherty disrupted the rhythm of the side and the replayed cup-ties just added to the number of matches. We did appreciate that this was a very young and relatively inexperienced team. On reflection this was a team to be proud of, and was yet another Letham team that would become a legend and again enhance the reputation of the club. The club would strongly back the formation of two leagues for future seasons, as the number of matches to be played in a season for a successful side was just too much. Not only that but this was the real cause of the team’s failure to go further in cup competitions. Bear in mind that on the 23rd, March,1968 Letham had played 8 league matches out of 30 whilst PYC who were at that time league leaders had played 21.