suffolk punch

This cast metal figurine of a Suffolk Punch shire horse mounted on a wooden plinth with engraved plate, came to Pittodrie through one of the Dons' most memorable European Ties. Ipswich Town were our opponents in the first round of the UEFA Cup in September 1981. The first leg was played at Portman Road, ending in a 1-1 draw, John Hewitt having score the equalising goal. Ipswich came north to Pittodrie brimming with confidence. After all they were the current holders of the trophy and regarded Aberdeen as a footballing outpost. Geographically maybe, but the Dons were on the move in both domestic and European football and proceeded to take the Suffolk men apart in the second leg of the tie. Peter Weir, in particular, had a night of nights and turned England international Mick Mills inside out as he rampaged up the left wing, scoring twice to put the tie well beyond Ipswich. As always, the Clubs exchanged gifts and this figurine remains on show in the Pittodrie boardroom as a reminder of a thrilling and triumphant night.