Those European Nights: Valencia (Spain) and Hafnarfjordur (Iceland)
Date: Tuesday, 30th Sep 2025The final set of prints in the `Those European Nights` series feature Valencia in 1962 and Hafnarfjordur in 2004
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European Series: Valencia and Hafnarfjordur
Valencia 1962
The 12th of December 1962 saw Dunfermline travel to Spain in the Inter-Cities’ Fairs Cup tie to play the holders, Valencia.
The `Scotsman` headline to its match report the next day was `Early error upsets Fifers` goalkeeper`. The match was summed up as follows: " An inexplicable loss of form by young Herriot in goal, poor refereeing in which almost every Scottish tackle was penalised, and a pitch with barely a blade of grass all affected Dunfermline here tonight…."
The team was Herriot, Callaghan and Cunningham, Thomson, McLean and Miller, McLindon, Smith, Dickson, Melrose and Peebles.
Dunfermline were three down at half-time and eventually lost 4-0.
The return leg took place on 19 December at East End Park. For this tie, Jock Stein went with teenagers Alex Edwards and Jackie Sinclair. The conditions were both frosty and slippery and perfectly suited the youngsters. Dunfermline were three up in 17 minutes only to lose a goal in 22 minutes with a tap-in for Valencia. A goal from centre-half McLean followed, and when Peebles scored before half-time, the teams were level on aggregate with a score of 5-1 to Dunfermline. McLean was unfortunate to register an own goal after the break, but this was balanced by goal from Smith which was provided by a cross from Peebles. There were many chances to follow but the game ended 6-2 to the Pars.
With no away goals rule yet in force, the tie was level at 6-6 and a replay was called for. This was to be in Portugal. In a match which was close, Valencia won out 1-0.
Hafnarfjordur 2004
Dunfermline’s first European tie in 34 years ended all square as the Scots came from two goals down in Reykjavik.
Dunfermline got off to a poor start. Gardarsson scored for the Icelanders in 18 minutes, and this was added to by Borgvardt a few minutes later. The Icelandic side hit the post twice and only a succession of great saves from Stillie kept them at bay. Gradually the Pars clawed their way back into the match. Craig Brewster scored a 72nd minutes header and Andrius Skerla thumped in a late equaliser.
Team: Stillie, Shields, Wilson, Skerla, Byrne, Nicholson, Mason, Dempsey (Darren Young 45), Thomson (Donnelly 71), Tod (Brewster 45), Hunt
The return leg was played in Perth as the East End artificial pitch was ruled ineligible. Dunfermline controlled most of the game with a tight grip on midfield. When Gary Dempsey smashed home a goal on 70 minutes, it looked like a good night for the Fifers. However, fortunes were to change. Hafnarfjordur equalised with eight minutes to go and then at the very end of the tie, Nielson broke Scottish hearts with the winner.
Team: Stillie, Shields, Wilson, Skerla, Thomson (Byrne 85), Derek Young (Donnelly 85), Darren Young, Mason (Tod 90), Dempsey, Hunt, Brewster.
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