won the Lanarkshire Juvenile Cup. The team had continued success within the Lanarkshire Junior Football League and Central Junior Football League over the next few decades. Glory years After defeating Mount Ellen United, Arbroath Victoria, Polkemmet, St Anthony's, and finally Ardeer Recreation at Celtic Park, Blantyre Victoria earned a placed in their first Scottish Junior Cup final in 1944. The final was played at Hampden Park against Glasgow Perthshire in front of 44,840 spectators, with the Vics losing the match 1-0. The game was notably the first Scottish football match to be broadcast on the radio. Although the club were bested in the Junior Cup final, the 1943–44 squad achieved a 'treble' that year by winning the West of Scotland Junior Cup, the Lanarkshire Central Cup and the wartime invitational Salute the Solider Cup. The Vics had continued cup success in the 1940's. In 1950, they reached their second Scottish Junior Cup final. Their route to the final included wins over Beith, Coltness United, Kilbirnie Ladeside, Carnoustie Panmure, Bo'ness United, Jeanfield Swifts, and Stoneyburn over a twice replayed semi-final at Celtic Park. The final was again held at Hampden Park in front of 44,402 spectators. However this time, after three second half goals from Gill, Swan and Rennick, the Vics defeated Cumnock Juniors to lift the Junior Cup for the first time. After the victory in 1950, the Vics suffered from losing the majority of the side over the next few seasons, including captain Alec Young to Aberdeen. The club only achieved one piece of silverware in the rest of the decade. The club took in younger players to give them a challenge and become tougher. A product of this philosophy was, future Celtic captain, Billy McNeill who started his career at Blantyre Victoria during the 1950's. The Vics began to return to form in the mid 1960's under the guidance of Hughie Smith. Future Scotland international Joe Jordan joined the club in 1967 at aged 16 from Cleland Boys Guild before being signed to Morton a year later. In 1970, Hughie Smith led the club to their third Junior Cup final, defeating junior sides from across Scotland along the way including Newtongrange, Shettleston, Whitburn, Jeanfield Swifts, Dalkeith, and Ardrossan Winton Rovers in the semi-final at Ibrox. The Vics faced Penicuik Athletic in the final at Hampden Park in front of 26,248 fans. In the match, Jim Lynn opened the