Dundee United passed a huge test of their title credentials 40 years ago when they hit two quick-fire late goals to defeat Rangers 4-2.
The Tangerines’ win against the Ibrox giants on November 13 1982 saw Jim McLean’s men bounce back from their heaviest defeat for six years, against Aberdeen.
The 5-1 Pittodrie defeat had ended an unbeaten start of 10 games in the Premier League with McLean accusing the Tangerines of being over-reliant on Paul Sturrock.
Sturrock emphasised his importance to the team when he returned from injury and scored twice in the 2-1 midweek win against Celtic in the League Cup semi-final.
United went down 4-3 on aggregate but there were positives to be gained with a return to winning ways ahead of the arrival of John Greig’s Rangers side to Tannadice.
Rangers were back in form
Rangers had struggled despite bringing in Craig Paterson from Hibs, Robert Prytz from Malmo and Dave MacKinnon from Partick Thistle to strengthen an ageing squad.
A 3-2 Old Firm defeat was followed up with a 4-0 home win against Motherwell before defeating Hearts 2-1 at Tynecastle to advance to the League Cup final.
Greig’s derby flops had started to get their act together and McLean warned that Rangers had greatly improved and would provide tough opposition.
McLean used his column in the matchday programme before the Rangers match to detail his disappointment at not reaching a fourth successive League Cup final.
He said: “I only hope the final is at least as good as the recent Old Firm league encounters.
“I think I can state without fear of contradiction that the final would be equally attractive had it been contested by United and Rangers.
“In my opinion some of Scotland’s best players will not be taking the field in the League Cup final with both United and Aberdeen not involved.
“I do, however, have one criticism to make – we are far too dependant on Paul Sturrock.
“If he is injured or off form our performances suffer.
“In saying that, Paul has been more than ably assisted by Davie Dodds in the most demanding department in the modern game.
“I am certain that the players must think they have become mountaineers this season with the succession of mountains they have been asked to climb.
“After Wednesday night’s epic, they must now face a Rangers side who, in my opinion, have improved greatly.
“Nonetheless, both United players and fans alike certainly need the right result this afternoon.”
Star names throughout sides for Dundee United vs Rangers
United went into the game defending an unbeaten home record and Rangers were without Swedish star Robert Prytz, who was on international duty against Cyprus.
Dundee United: McAlpine, Stark, Malpas, Gough, Hegarty, Narey, Bannon, Milne, Kirkwood, Sturrock, Dodds.
Subs: Britton and Reilly.
Rangers: Stewart, McKinnon, Dawson, McClelland, Stevens, Bett, Cooper, McPherson, Johnstone, Redford, McDonald.
Subs: Gordon Dalziel and Billy Davies.
Rangers started the game more aggressively on a chilly November afternoon in front of 16,000 fans and almost took the lead in the opening minute.
A corner from Davie Cooper was met by Dave McPherson, whose header struck the underside of the bar before the danger was cleared by United’s defence.
Sturrock almost put the home side ahead when he broke through from midfield with only Jim Stewart to beat but the goalkeeper was quick off his line.
United went one up when good work from Maurice Malpas played in Sturrock whose cross from the left was met by a bullet header from Ralph Milne.
Rangers were back on level terms two minutes later when a clearance from Paul Hegarty was headed towards goal by McPherson and prodded home by Cooper.
The game started to open up after the break and Rangers took the lead on 65 minutes.
A Cooper corner was cleared by United’s defence.
John McDonald returned the loose ball to the winger, whose left-foot cross was met by Derek Johnstone who sent a brilliant glancing header past Hamish McAlpine.
Rangers were 2-1 up for six minutes before United equalised.
Derek Stark unleashed a vicious drive from 25 yards.
Stewart fumbled the shot and Davie Dodds was there to score from the rebound.
United stunned Rangers and the large crowd with two goals at the death in 30 seconds.
United were shooting down the hill and went in search of a winner and Malpas found Richard Gough, whose shot from 25 yards on 86 minutes went in off the post.
Half a minute later it was 4-2.
Rangers went in search of the equaliser from the kick-off but with a number of players stranded upfield they were in trouble when Narey sent Ralph Milne clear.
The striker broke away and took his opportunity brilliantly by sending a curling effort past Stewart from 18 yards to give United the two points.
Remember, just two points for a win back then.
United’s double victory against the Old Firm left McLean in no doubt afterwards as to the value of Sturrock, who tormented Rangers throughout the 90 minutes.
“When you take away the engine, the car stops,” said McLean.
“Narey and Sturrock are the engine room of the team, and while Dave is a superb player, the best perhaps I have ever handled, we perhaps miss Sturrock more because of the alternatives he provides.
“It’s unbelievable to think that we have come so far as to outplay the Old Firm in four days before two 16,000 crowds.
“I don’t think spectators can find better value anywhere than they are getting at Tannadice.”
Former Dundee United historian Tom Cairns was in the Shed and said the performance was “absolutely brilliant” and one of the best of the 1982/83 season.
“My lasting memory of this game as a supporter is that at one time a game against Rangers would have filled me with trepidation – not this time,” he said.
“That’s because United had in recent seasons generally proved more than a match for Rangers and I remember we continued to attack until the final whistle.
“Attack after attack culminated in Richard Gough marauding down the right touchline from right back, past the dugouts, cutting in and shooting past Jim Stewart in goal.
“Almost immediately, Ralphie Milne repeated the dose with a carbon copy run and brilliant finish with the outside of his foot.”
Dundee United’s class of 1983 never looked back and eventually etched their names into the history books when they won the Premier League title.
McLean’s side became legends when it all came down to that final day at Dens Park against city rivals Dundee knowing only a win would guarantee them the title.
Goals from Ralph Milne and Eamonn Bannon sent the United fans wild but Dundee pulled one back to ensure a tense wait throughout the second half before the team and the fans could celebrate their triumph.
A sea of tangerine celebrated the greatest moment in the club’s history, becoming only the 12th club to collect the top title in Scotland.
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