ONE of the greatest shocks in Scottish football was celebrated at the weekend.

And it has brought memories flooding back for a few Galashiels musicians who played their part in the victory.

The 1-0 win by Berwick Rangers over Rangers at Shielfield Park is still regarded as one of football's biggest upsets.

And it has emerged that playing their part in the famous upset was Gala Town Band.

Galashiels football historian Graeme McIver told us: "Whilst researching the Border Telegraph archives for the Gala Fairydean Rovers matchday programme I came across this little bit of trivia.

"It turns out that supporters at the game were treated to pre-match and half-time entertainment provided by the Gala Town Band."

The Border Telegraph of January 31, 1967 carried the headline "Did the rousing music rendered by Galashiels Town Band at Shielfield Park, Berwick on Saturday inspire Berwick Rangers to score the only goal?"

Mr McIver posted a similar question on social media in a bid to locate some band members from 1967.

And several have been in touch.

Donato D'Agrosa said: " I remember it well.

"We played before the game and marched around the pitch on what is the speedway track and stopped to play in front of the Rangers support at what is known as the Duckit.

"We had pitch side seats for the game beside the Rangers dugout. My only claim to fame is 'I played at that game'."

More than 13,000 spectators crammed into the tiny ground on the afternoon of January 28.

And while the vast majority were expecting an easy victory for the cup holders against the minnows from south of the border.

The invitation for Gala Town Band was made through tenor player and band secretary Alex Lowe who originally came from Berwick.

Ian Shaw recalls: "It was Alex, possibly seeking to save the price of admission or more likely wanting to ensure a safe and privileged viewing location, who arranged for the band to play at the match.

"We did play in front of the Duckit stand which was occupied exclusively by Rangers fans and one or two toilet rolls were hurled at us.

"We were also treated to a rousing chorus of 'Go home, you bums, go home' which all but drowned out the band.

"At this point, it was all pretty good natured and the band duly withdrew to their position in front of the main stand to watch the game."

Despite fielding the likes of John Greig, Dave Provan, Willie Henderson and Willie Johnston they couldn't find a way past Jock Wallace in the Berwick goal.

And it was the Black and Golds who went on to win by a solitary second-half Sammy Reid goal.

Ian added: "It had been the Bandmaster’s intention to play in front of the Duckit again at half time but by then, with the score still at nil nil and Berwick Rangers more than holding their own, the mood of the Rangers supporters generally had become somewhat darker, hostile even in some cases, and the decision was taken to render our half time programme in front of the main stand."

To mark the 50th anniversary of the famous Scottish Cup first round upset a dinner was held at Shielfield Park last Friday.

Many of the 1967 team were in attendance, including captain Doug Coutts, Gordon Haig, Ian Riddell, Russell Craig, Alan Ainslie, Andy Rodgers, and John Keith.

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