 Irvine became known as "late-goal Willie" after scoring a succession of last-minute goals.On 11 December 1971, he scored against Walsall in the second round of the FA Cup to take the tie to a replay.He scored the equaliser in the 2–2 draw away at Bristol Rovers on 22 January 1972, followed by a late winner in the 2–1 defeat of Wrexham two weeks later.