clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Celtic Trebles #2: 1968-69

The Celtic squad of 1968-69 pictured at the start of the season

Our look at the three trebles won by Celtic continues with the Bhoys of 1968-69.

Only two years after Celtic's first treble, Jock Stein lead his Celtic side to another domestic clean sweep, as Celtic once again cemented their place as the best team in Scotland.

League Cup Final: April 5th 1969; Celtic 6 (Wallace 23', Auld 30', Lennox 45', 58', 73', Craig 75') Hibernian 2 (O'Rourke 82', Stevenson 87')

A scintillating display from Celtic who were 6-0 ahead after 75 minutes in a very one-sided cup final. Bobby Lennon was the star man with a hat-trick, with Jimmy Johnstone and Bertie Auld also having great games. Adding to the fans celebration on the day was news that Rangers had lost to Dundee United in the league, practically guaranteeing that Celtic would be champions for the fourth year in a row.

First Division Champions: P 34 W 23 D 8 L 3 GF 89 GA 32 Pts 54

Celtic held off a challenge from Rangers to run out title winners by five points. The title was clinched on a Monday night against Kilmarnock with a last minute equaliser by Tommy Gemmell securing the point required in a 2-2 draw. Celtic only lost three games in the league - including both to Rangers - but we would get over Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final. Captain Billy McNeill was the only man to play all 34 league games, whilst Willie Wallace was the top scorer with 18 goals.

Scottish Cup Final: April 26th 1969; Celtic 4 (McNeilll 3', Lennox 44', Connelly 45', Chalmers 76') Rangers 0

British Pathé Highlights of the Cup Final Victory

Celtic completed the treble with one of the great cup victories in the club's history. With Jimmy Johnstone suspended, John Hughes injured and Harry Hood ineligible, Rangers went into the match arguably as favourites but Celtic routed them. McNeill gave Celtic the lead after only three minutes, heading home unmarked from a corner. Rangers were unable to cope with the midfield skill of Auld and Connelly and Celtic killed the game off with two goals just before half-time. Bobby Lennox raced clear to make it 2-0 and only a minute later George Connelly dispossessed John Greig, rounded the Rangers goalie and scored into the empty net. Stevie Chalmers added a fourth with a cute finish with fifteen minutes to go, which was then followed by a pitch invasion by Rangers fans. The game continued and Celtic were able to celebrate a treble completed in the sweetest fashion of all.

Tomorrow the series ends with the Martin O'Neill lead treble of 2000-01.