Dougie Arnott: 1991 Motherwell cup winning hero's misplaced pass could have changed course of history

Sunday night’s rerun of Motherwell FC’s glorious 1991 Scottish Cup triumph on the BBC Scotland channel was relished by several of the triumphant heroes including forward Dougie Arnott.
Former Motherwell striker Dougie Arnott was part of the 1991 Tennent's Scottish Cup winning teamFormer Motherwell striker Dougie Arnott was part of the 1991 Tennent's Scottish Cup winning team
Former Motherwell striker Dougie Arnott was part of the 1991 Tennent's Scottish Cup winning team

The Lanark-born 55-year-old was seen putting in his usual tireless shift as the Steelmen thrillingly saw off Dundee United 4-3 after extra time at Hampden Park to land their first silverware in 39 years.

But, speaking this week, Arnott has been reflecting back on a decision from 29 years ago which led to Motherwell’s concession of an equaliser in the 90th minute of normal time.

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After receiving the ball on a breakaway with Motherwell leading 3-2 in the dying embers of the 90 minutes, the advancing Arnott decided to try and pass the ball inside to a team-mate rather than taking the ball to the corner flag to waste time and probably see ’Well home without the need of extra time.

Motherwell FC 1991 cup winners Phil O'Donnell and Ally Maxwell (Pic courtesy of Ben Radford/Getty Images)Motherwell FC 1991 cup winners Phil O'Donnell and Ally Maxwell (Pic courtesy of Ben Radford/Getty Images)
Motherwell FC 1991 cup winners Phil O'Donnell and Ally Maxwell (Pic courtesy of Ben Radford/Getty Images)

A few seconds later, after a long punt by United keeper Alan Main who had gathered Arnott’s attempted pass, the ball was in the net at the other end as Darren Jackson headed the ball past outrushing ’Well custodian Ally Maxwell after Main’s punt had been missed by the ’Well centre halves.

“I got dog’s abuse for that one!” Arnott told the Times and Speaker 29 years on from that wonderful day.

“We had a young, youthful, energetic Phil O’Donnell who made a run from midfield.

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“I saw him out of the corner of my eye and I tried to play him in.

“If it had been a normal midfielder it might not have happened but Phil was just so energetic.

“If I had nobody to pass it to I probably would have taken the option to run it into the corner.

“But because Phil made the run from midfield I thought I could play him in but I played it too heavy.

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“And obviously the keeper collected, kicked, one bounce and we’re into extra time.

“But at least it worked out fine in the end!”

Dougie can say that again. Despite the body blow of conceding Jackson’s last gasp leveller, Motherwell went on to win thanks to Stevie Kirk’s headed extra time goal from a Davie Cooper corner.