THE Battle of Britain, as Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously described it during a speech in the House of Commons, in 1940 saw Germany suffer their first major defeat of the Second World War and is considered by military historians to be a crucial turning point in that conflict.
The outcome of the football matches between Scottish and English sides which have been given the same moniker since European club competitions started in 1955 have always been hugely important to the combatants, those from this country especially, too.
There is little sweeter for the players, managers and supporters of teams here than triumphing over opponents from down south. There is a sneering disdain for the game north of the border among those who occupy the stands and work in commentary boxes. Victories silence the snipers.
