Dickson recalls Killie comeback

WHEN it comes to defeating a Scottish Premier League club in European competition, there’s really only one man to turn to as Chronicle journalist Damian Mullan explains…

Dessie Dickson.

The Ballymoney man, now a sprightly 72, was in his pomp 50 years ago when he produced one of the all-time great individual performances in Europe.

Level 1-1 with Kilmarnock from the first leg in the old Fairs Cup, Bertie Peacock’s side were given very little chance against their opponents in the return leg at Rugby Park.

And those odds lengthened considerably as Killie strolled into a 2-0 lead.
But the home side had reckoned without deadly Dickson who reinforced his reputation as a goalscorer by plundering a quickfire second half hat-trick to send Kilmarnock crashing out.

The victory stands unique as the only occasion in which an Irish League side has beaten Scottish opposition in Europe and offers the current crop of Coleraine players some hope as they prepare to face Motherwell on Thursday.

“I never like comparing teams and it would be unfair to compare our side with the current team,” said Dessie.

“The one thing I would say, though, is that Coleraine should be going into the game full of confidence.

“The result in Slovenia should give them confidence and belief that they are good enough to play the likes of these teams.

“In the same way, Motherwell haven’t had a great start to their season so they might not be confident coming over here,” he added.

The Bannsiders’ win over NK Maribor in Slovenia hastened the departure of the team manager and, ironically, the same fate befell the then Kilmarnock manager following the shock loss to Coleraine.

“That was a good Kilmarnock side as well,” continued Dessie.

“I think they had about five or six Scottish internationals in their team, boys like Willie McClean.

“They obviously started well but we were lucky in that my goals came in a 15 minute spell which completely changed the game.”

Going behind is not something that is recommended but Dessie is confident that Bannsiders’ boss and fellow Ballymoney man, Oran Kearney, will have a plan in place to deal with any eventualities.

“Oran will know a bit about Motherwell from his time in Scotland which will be a benefit but I’m sure they’ll have their homeowrk done on Coleraine too,” he continued.

“Sometimes, though, it comes down to the rub of the green, like what happened in Maribor with them missing a penalty, but if the players are up for it then anything can happen.

“Jamie Glackin being available again is a big boost as he is a player than could open the door if it’s a tight game but Coleraine are a well balanced side.

“They’re strong in all areas and I’m sure are confident of giving a good performance.

“I don’t like to compare teams from different eras, it’s not right, I just hope Coleraine win and get through another round.”