Monday, 1st December 1890
WYLIE LEAVES RANGERS
Winger Tommy Wylie has left Rangers to sign professional terms with English league side Everton. The two-year contract was said to be £3 per week (£400 today) plus a signing on fee of £200 (£26,000)
Tuesday, 2nd December 1890
RENTON FC v SFA, COURT of SESSION
The case pursued by Renton FC against the Scottish Football Association was brought to court before Lord Kincairney at the Court of Session in Edinburgh. Counsel for Renton FC was Mr Comrie Thomson and Mr A. S. D. Thomson, counsel for the SFA was Mr Asher Q. C. and Mr C. S. Dickson.
Renton claim they are not professional and that their expulsion was illegal that they are still members of the Association and are entitled to all rights, privileges and benefits of membership. Payment of £5,000 (around £650,000 today) is due in compensation. The SFA contend that their proceedings complained of are valid and regular.
On conclusion of their presentations, the record was closed and the case sent to the Procedure Roll. This is a procedure where the legal issues in a civil action are considered before proof of facts.
Court statements in full
Renton FC was among the earliest to join the association, and, with the exception of the Queen’s Park Club, Glasgow, there was no other club in Scotland whose career had been more distinguished, or whose name had been more favourably associated with football throughout the world. The club are leases of a field at Renton, and they expanded hundreds of pounds in improvements of the ground and building a grand stand and pavilion, with a view to permanent occupation in connection with the association. The association is managed by a committee of 17 members, including a president, vice-president and treasurer. On or about 1st October a letter was addressed by John K. McDowall, secretary of the association, to Robert Cameron, Match secretary of the Renton club, conveying the resolution which is complained of, and stating also that the Renton players who played against the “Edinburgh Saints” were suspended until 30th April 1891, and that the individual members of the Renton committee were prohibited from taking further part in football affairs in Scotland. Pursuers understand this decision was come to on account of a match which, on the 27th September, Renton played with an Edinburgh club known as the “Edinburgh Saints”. Defenders, it is said, maintain that this club was composed of the same persons who composed the Saint Bernard’s club, which had been dealt with for professionalism. Pursuers say they received no intimation in terms of sub-section of rule 11, which provides that names of clubs and players declared professional shall be posted in the association rooms, and intimated to various clubs and affiliated associations, nor was the same St. Bernard’s club posted in the association rooms. Pursuers believed, and assert, that it is a fact that the “Saints” were distinct from the St.Bernard’s. In token of the bona-fides of the Renton club, the fact of the intended match was communicated to the secretary of the association, and he, on 25th September, replied that the committee of the association had come to the decision that, in their opinion, the “Edinburgh Saints” was the same club as the St. Bernard’s, and therefore they decided that clubs could not play them during their term of suspension. The Renton club, finding these clubs were not the same on the 26th September, wired Mr McDowell to that effect, and in replay received a telegram that the committee had decided that they could not play the Edinburgh Saints. In the meantime all arrangements had been completed for the match, and it was accordingly played. Pursuers were not aware and did not admit that the St. Bernard’s were legally declared professional or suspended, and they call for production of the books and correspondence on the subject.
The action of the defenders is declaring the Renton club professional and expelling them was, they maintain, wrongful and oppressive in the circumstances, and was not legally carried out. No notice, it is said, was given to the pursuers of the course defenders intended to take, no enquiry was made by the defenders and no opportunity was afforded to pursuers of stating defences, although they tried good defences to state. Further, it is believed by pursuers that no meeting of the committee was summoned to deal with the matter, nor was notice given either of the meeting or its object to members of the committee; the expulsion was not conceived or carried out in good faith; pursuers were entitled to notice of the charge to be brought against them, and to have an opportunity of being heard in their own defence, but this privilege was not afforded, and they were condemned unheard. They requested the secretary to call a general meeting of the association to consider the case, but their request has been refused. Defenders, it is maintained, have no power to expel clubs or declare clubs professional; there is nothing in the rules or constitution conferring such powers; the association is a partnership in which all the members, or at least all the clubs, are partners. The consequences of the expulsion are very serious; pursuers cease to have use and benefit of the funds and property of the association to which they have materially contributed; other clubs which are, members of the association and affiliated associations are debarred from playing them. They had a large number of fixtures for the season, which would have yielded considerable revenue, and could not now be played. They are excluded from contending for valuable prizes offered by the association out of its funds, and they have thrown on their hands the burden of maintaining their grounds without corresponding benefit of having association matches played on them.
Defenders say the Renton club were duly informed before the match that they could not play the Edinburgh Saints. The Renton club, they say, is composed of a large number of persons, only a few of whom are pursuers of the present action. Pursuers, it is maintained, have no right to use the name of the Renton Football Club for this action, and it is further maintained that the club is not incorporated or entitled to sue as a club, neither is the Scottish Football Association incorporated or entitled to be sued. It comprises 171 clubs and 11 affiliated associations. It has no individual members. None of these clubs or associations have been called to this action. The defender Wm. Munro ceased to be a member of the committee before the action was raised. Mr McDowall is only a paid official of the association, and three members of the committee have not been called. For many years, defenders say, it has been felt by those interested in football in Scotland that the practice of engaging players who were really professional players, in matches which were truly intended to be played by amateurs, was a great and increasing evil, and aught, if possible, to be put a stop to. They accordingly framed regulations with the view of preventing such practice, which is known by the name of professionalism. In 1884, they say, they expelled a club for professionalism, and after a short time re-admitted the club. In 1885 they appointed a standing committee, and gave them full power to investigate and decide all questions relating to professionalism. In August last this sub-committee and the business committee were merged into one. They deny the statements of pursuers with reference to the procedure, and maintain that their proceedings were legal.
Wednesday, 3rd December 1890
MEETING OF DUNBARTONSHIRE FA
The Dunbartonshire FA met to conduct the draw for the semi-finals of the Dunbartonshire Cup. Kirkintilloch or Jamestown to play Vale of Leven and Clydebank to play Dumbarton. Ties to be played on 13th December 1890.
MEETING OF RENFREWSHIRE FA
It was decided to adjourn the draw for the semi-final of the Renfrewshire Cup until the next meeting. The quarter-final tie between St.Mirren and Abercorn was arranged for 13th December 1890.
Saturday, 6th December 1890
LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 10
ABERCORN 2 CAMBUSLANG 5
2,000
Allison,Wallace Brown(2),Maxwell,John
Buchanan,Gourlay
Half
time: 1-2 Referee:
Abercorn: Fleming, McIntyre, Bisland, McLaren, Bowie, Reid, Wallace, Buchanan, Nicol, Allison, Murdoch
Cambuslang:
Ross,
Roberston, Collins, James Buchanan, Jackson, Jamieson, Low, John Buchanan,
Maxwell, Gourlay, Brown
DUMBARTON P St.MIRREN P
Match postponed. Both clubs involved in cup ties.
HEART of MIDLOTHIAN P RANGERS P
Match postponed. Both clubs involved in cup ties.
THIRD LANARK V RENTON V
Match void due to Renton’s expulsion from the SFA.
VALE of LEVEN P CELTIC P
Match postponed. Celtic involved in a cup tie.
League Table
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
GA |
|
1. |
Dumbarton |
7 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
26 |
7 |
13 |
3.714 |
|
2. |
Rangers |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
25 |
13 |
9 |
1.923 |
|
3. |
Third Lanark |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
9 |
6 |
1.333 |
|
4. |
Cambuslang |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
17 |
6 |
1.176 |
|
5. |
St.Mirren |
7 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
19 |
23 |
6 |
0.826 |
|
6. |
Vale of Leven |
7 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
25 |
5 |
0.440 |
|
7. |
Heart of Midlothian |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
14 |
4 |
1.071 |
|
8. |
Renton |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
3 |
0.769 |
|
9. |
Celtic |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
17 |
9 |
2* |
1.889 |
|
10. |
Abercorn |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
13 |
27 |
2 |
0.481 |
|
11. |
Cowlairs |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
19 |
0* |
0.421 |
*
Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players
Due to various cup matches being played, only one league match remained from the original fixture list. This was the first league fixture played for 6 weeks.
Abercorn had the Cuthbertson brothers and Johnstone missing from their usual line up whilst Cambuslang also made a few changes. Abercorn took the lead early in the first half through Allison but Cambuslang came back and soon equalised through Brown. Just before half-time Maxwell put the visitors ahead. In the second half Murdoch put the home side level and the game remained even with both sides creating chances. Towards the end of the game Cambuslang put Abercorn under massive pressure and scored three late goals through John Buchanan, Hugh Gourlay and Brown with his own second.
SCOTTISH CUP, FIFTH ROUND (SELECTED)
DUMBARTON 8 5th KRV 0
Half time: 6-0 Referee:
Boghead Park, Dumbarton
ROYAL ALBERT 0 CELTIC 4 5,000
Half time: 0-3 Referee: Mr McLean
Raploch Park, Larkhall
Match abandoned after 78 minutes due to a crowd invasion.
St.MIRREN 2 QUEEN’S
PARK 3 7,000
Half time: 2-0 Referee: Mr R. F. Harrison (Ayrshire FA)
Westmarch, Paisley
Dumbarton easily cruised
through to the quarter-finals with a crushing victory over 5th KRV
whilst St.Mirren through away a 2 goal half time lead to Queen’s Park to lose
3-2. At Larkhall, with Celtic leading 4-0, it was virtually all over for Royal
Albert when with 12 minutes left the game was halted after an accidental clash
between Clelland of Royal Albert and Reynolds of Celtic. Clelland was left
winded on the ground. This sparked a pitch invasion from the home supporters
and despite efforts from the teams, match officials and the two police officers
on duty they refused to leave. As the ground could not be cleared the referee,
Mr McLean, abandoned the game.
EAST of SCOTLAND SHIELD, QUARTER-FINAL REPLAY
HEART of MIDLOTHIAN 4 LEITH ATHLETIC 1 7,000
Half time: 3-1 Referee: Mr Heathcote (St.Bernard’s)
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh
GLASGOW CUP, QUARTER-FINAL 3rd REPLAY
RANGERS 1 THIRD LANARK 2 10,000
Half time: 0-0 Referee: Mr Bishop (Falkirk)
Ibrox Park, Glasgow
The Glasgow Cup
quarter-final tie between Rangers and Third Lanark was finally resolved in
Third Lanark’s favour at the forth time of asking.
GLASGOW NORTH EASTERN CUP, QUARTER-FINALS (SELECTED)
CARRINGTON 0 COWLAIRS 2
Half time: 0-1 Referee:
Hanover Park, Denniston
Cowlairs, playing their
first game after suspension, beat Carrington to go into the semi-finals.
ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)
CLYDE 2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 5
Half time: 0-3 Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow
VALE of LEVEN 4 METHLAN PARK 0
Half time: Referee:
Millburn Park, Alexandria
Tuesday, 9th
December 1890
MEETING OF THE SFA
The events of Saturday’s cup-tie between Royal Albert and Celtic were raised. The referee had to stop the game before the end due to disturbances by the Royal Albert supporters.
Celtic claimed the tie as they were leading 4-0 at the time the crowd broke in and there was only 12 minutes remaining when the referee abandoned the game. The SFA Chairman, Mr Park (Cambuslang) moved that the game be replayed on a neutral ground and this was seconded. Mr Kirkwood (Third Lanark) moved an amendment that the tie be awarded to Celtic. He said in his opinion another game was for the purposes of swelling the exchequer. Royal Albert were responsible for the whole sorry incident. Mr McCulloch (Our Boys) seconded the amendment. After some discussion the original motion was carried by 12 votes to 8. The tie would be replayed at Ibrox Park.
Mr Maley (Celtic) then moved that in the event of a replay, his committee wishes that the proceeds of the gate be devoted to charity. The chairman replied that there was no rule to compel that to be done.
The draw for the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup was then made: -
Leith Athletic v ABERCORN
DUMBARTON v Royal Albert or
CELTIC
THIRD LANARK v Queen’s Park
East Stirlingshire v HEART
of MIDLOTHIAN
Despite the calls, and indeed the SFA’s concerns, regarding crowd trouble at games the governing body once again acted leniently. Just as Ayr had been held responsible for disturbances in the previous round and got off lightly so to had Royal Albert. In fact Royal Albert received no punishment at all. By ordering a replay, not only had the Larkhall side a chance to win a game they had already lost, but also they stood to gain financially out of it!
Saturday, 13th
December 1890
LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 11
CAMBUSLANG P HEART of MIDLOTHIAN P
Match postponed. Both clubs involved in cup ties.
RENTON V ABERCORN V
Match void due to Renton’s expulsion from the SFA.
League Table
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
GA |
|
1. |
Dumbarton |
7 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
26 |
7 |
13 |
3.714 |
|
2. |
Rangers |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
25 |
13 |
9 |
1.923 |
|
3. |
Third Lanark |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
9 |
6 |
1.333 |
|
4. |
Cambuslang |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
17 |
6 |
1.176 |
|
5. |
St.Mirren |
7 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
19 |
23 |
6 |
0.826 |
|
6. |
Vale of Leven |
7 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
25 |
5 |
0.440 |
|
7. |
Heart of Midlothian |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
14 |
4 |
1.071 |
|
8. |
Renton |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
3 |
0.769 |
|
9. |
Celtic |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
17 |
9 |
2* |
1.889 |
|
10. |
Abercorn |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
13 |
27 |
2 |
0.481 |
|
11. |
Cowlairs |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
19 |
0* |
0.421 |
*
Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players
SCOTTISH CUP, FIFTH ROUND
ROYAL ALBERT 0 CELTIC 2 2,000
Half time: 0-0 Referee: Mr Harrison
Ibrox Park, Glasgow
Celtic go through to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
DUNBARTONSHIRE CUP, SEMI-FINALS
CLYDEBANK 1 DUMBARTON 4
Half time: 1-2 Referee:
Hamilton Park, Clydebank
KIRKINTILLOCH ATH. 0 VALE
of LEVEN 0
Half time: 0-0 Referee:
At Kirkintilloch
Dumbarton ease through to
the final but they will have to wait to find out their opponents as
Kirkintilloch surprisingly held Vale of Leven to a goalless draw.
EAST of SCOTLAND SHIELD, SEMI-FINAL
ALLOA ATHLETIC 2 HEART of MIDLOTHIAN 7
Half time: 2-4 Referee:
Bellvue Park, Alloa
Hearts romped into the
final of the East of Scotland Shield in front of a reported record gate at
Alloa. They will play either Bathgate Rovers or Armadale in the final.
GLASGOW CUP, SEMI-FINAL
THIRD LANARK 4 CAMBUSLANG 3 500
Half time: 1-1 Referee: Mr Martin (Northern)
Cathkin Park
Third Lanark reach the
Glasgow Cup final where they will meet Celtic. The Warriors just shaded it in a
seven-goal thriller against league rivals Cambuslang.
RENFREWSHIRE CUP, QUARTER-FINAL
St.MIRREN 1 ABERCORN 0 5,000
Half time: 1-0 Referee:
Westmarch, Paisley
The two Paisley rivals
served up a hard fought Renfrewshire Cup quarter-final tie with the Saints just
shaving it. Dunlop scored the only goal of the game to send St.Mirren into the
semi-final.
ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)
AIRDRIEONIANS 2 QUEEN’S PARK 4
Half time: 1-3 Referee:
Mavisbank Park, Airdrie
MORTON 0 COWLAIRS 1
Half time: 0-0 Referee:
Cappielow Park, Greenock
PARTICK THISTLE 1 RANGERS 1
Half time: 0-0 Referee:
Inchview Park, Glasgow
Rangers fail to beat
Partick Thistle once again.
Monday, 15th December 1890
MEETING OF THE GLASGOW FA
The Glasgow Cup Final was rearranged for Saturday, 27th December 1890 at Hampden Park. It would be refereed by Mr Watson (Dundee).
The team to meet Sheffield FA at Sheffield on 10th January 1891 was selected as follows: -
McCorkindale (Partick Thistle), Gow (Rangers), Smellie (Queen’s Park), Russell (Cambuslang), Kelly (Celtic) (Captain), Mitchell (Rangers), Gulliland (Queen’s Park), Brown (Cambuslang), Johnstone (Third Lanark), McPherson (Rangers), Burke (Third Lanark).
THE ROYAL ALBERT v CELTIC CASE
The weekly sports paper, the Scottish Referee, was scathing of the SFA in its editorial of Monday, 15th December 1890. It believed that the Association acted weakly in its failure to penalise Royal Albert FC following the abandonment of their Scottish Cup tie with Celtic. The editorial pulled no punches with its criticism of the governing body: -
“With the decision of the SFA Committee in the Celtic v Royal Albert case we are not at all satisfied. The motion that secured a majority of votes in its favour was founded on cup-competition Rules 5 and 17. The first reads that the duration of each match shall be one hour and a half, and the second that when it can be proven that the spectators at a cup-tie match conduct themselves in such a manner as to interfere with the players, the Association shall, on the application of either club, have power to order the match to be replayed on another ground, neutral if possible. With regard to the first of these rules, of course, a match must extend to one hour and a half. But this rule, like all others that guide the game, may be rendered inapplicable by special circumstances, such, for instance, as serious injury to a player, ground conditions, or the fiat of the referee. It is stretching the rule beyond its limits to say that when in the face of any of these occurrences a tie is prematurely stopped it should be replayed. And this naturally leads us to look a Rule 17, which is applicable to this case of Royal Albert and Celtic. This rule was framed with the distinct object in view of penalising home-club spectators for interfering with the players and stopping a game by the invading of the field of play. The presumption is warranted that when such an event does occur that it is due to the interest taken by the spectators of the home club. In the Ayr v Heart of Midlothian case recently this was proven beyond the shadow of a doubt, for the simple reason that the total following of the Hearts at Ayr did not number more than 20 all told. Had the spectators at Larkhall been in similar proportions, no doubt the committee would have decided in the Celtic’s favour. There is a doubt that the Celts’ supporters also took part in the invasion which led to the game being stopped, but this almost disappears before the fact that at twelve minutes to time the game stood 4 goals to nil in favour of the Celtic. In view of this it is hard to discover what purpose the Celtic section of the spectators could have in lending themselves to riot and preventing their favourites reaping the reward of a victory which was within their grasp.
Mr McLean’s evidence on the conduct of the spectators was plain and to the purpose. He said “the home supporters refused to leave the field as they wanted the Albert to get another chance.” That surely was satisfactory enough evidence of the deliberate intention of the Royal Albert supporters to thwart the wishes of the referee and prevent the tie going to the finish. This weighty evidence, however, was lightly esteemed by the majority of the committee; the clubs were both penalised, and the Royal Albert had the dear wish of their spectators, in not their own, granted by meeting the Celtic on neutral ground. The committee by this unfair judgement, not only discounted the evidence of the referee, but they threw aside the consideration that in the circumstances the onus of blame lay on the Albert’s side and not on the Celtic. It should be noted that neither club applied to have the game replayed, and that the committee have power to order the match to be replayed – that is, if they deem such a course necessary. It is this reserve power with which the committee are invested that renders the absolute application of Rule 5 nugatory, that a cup-tie match must last an hour and a half. And when by special circumstances any cup-tie does not extend to the stipulated time, these circumstances ought to form the reason upon which the committee should base their decision. They did not in our opinion do so in this latest case, as we think a fair consideration, both of the rules of the Association and the events which happened, would have led them to award the tie to the Celtic, and would almost have warranted them passing, nem, con, Mr Sneddon’s strongest motion that until the 30th day of April next no cup-tie be played on the Royal Albert’s ground. We should be sorry were this tender dealing of the committee with a dangerous evil lead to scheming and forced riots. What could be easier than for a club’s supporters on some feeble pretext to rush into the field of play and stop the game? It is this imminent danger that leads us to warn the committee of the grave issues that may follow on this decision. As with the function of the referee on the field, so with their action off it – safety lies in erring, not on the side of leniency, but severity. Penalising guilty and guiltless alike is but placing a premium on lawlessness.”
Thursday, 18th December 1890
RENTON FC v THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The legal issues concerning the case were put before Lord Kincairney.
Mr Murray, for the club, contested that the pursuers title was sufficient, and that to hold otherwise would be to lay down the principle that where there was one dissentient member the majority of the body could not sue on action. Dealing with the question of whether the defenders were rightly called, Mr Murray submitted that he had rightly called as defenders – First of all, the general association, in the ranks of which he wanted restitution of his position; secondly, the general committee itself; and, thirdly, the particular smaller committee, which was composed of the people who actually passed the resolution of which he sought reduction. He put his case more upon common sense than any other view, because, of course, it was quite ridiculous to say he could call the 35,000 individual members of this association as defenders. Such a result would be a disgrace to the law of Scotland.
On the other hand, counsel for the defenders contended – Firstly, that the association itself had not been properly cited, and were therefore not bound to appear; secondly, that the pursuers had no title to sue in respect that the pursuers whose names appeared on the record were not the whole of the members – 200 in number – of the Renton Football Club, but only a selected number; third the association itself had not been properly called as defenders, in respect that the summons had not been served on all the members; and, fourth, that the pursuers had set forth no civil or patrimonial right to sue, and therefore that a Court of Law could not take cognisance of their claim.
On conclusion of the arguments on what were clearly technicalities, Lord Kincairney said he would reserve judgement and give his decision at a later date.
Friday, 19th December 1890
RUMOURED DISSOLUTION OF AN EDINBURGH CLUB
There can be no doubt that this season has been a miserable one on the park for Hibernian – early round exits in both the Scottish Cup and the East of Scotland Shield left the club short of meaningful games – their record so far of 16 games played with 11 loses and only 4 wins speaks volumes. But it is looking increasingly likely that it is going to be even more traumatic off the field too. The Hibernian Secretary, Mr Richard Payne, demonstrated showed incredible short sightedness in rejecting the opportunity to be part of the league structure. He then followed this up by ignoring the warnings from the owners of the ground that the lease would end. The owners told Payne before the season started that they would be building houses in close proximity to the spectators enclosure and therefore it would not be safe to play there. The Secretary believed this would never happen, though why he thought that only he can say, but the lease to Hibernian Park ended in early November 1890 and cannot be renewed. Effectively Hibernian’s last home game therefore, was the crushing 9-1 defeat by Dumbarton the Scottish Cup second round.
Now Hibernian have no ground of their own for at least the rest of the season as attempts to secure leases at either Powderhall or Logie Green have been rejected by the owners. This sad state of affairs has led to rumours circulating Edinburgh that the club are about to be dissolved. Without a ground of their own the club cannot operate. Now the Edinburgh Evening News has substantiated that the rumours have some substance. The question of dissolution came up at the last committee meeting and was discussed. Ultimately it was agreed to postpone the matter until a full committee meeting should be summoned to consider the pressing state of matters, and if need be give a general meeting the option to dissolve the club.
The newspaper reported that some players are already on the move. The captain, James McGhee has left for a situation in Glasgow. His business is not in any way connected with football but he may take part in the game in that city. McMahon, the paper says, is likely to go over to the Heart of Midlothian or the Celtic, he has not yet decided. Kelly the goalkeeper is likely to join Heart of Midlothian.
AMICABLE SETTLEMENT BETWEEN RENTON AND THE SFA?
Following the decision of Lord Kincairney in the Court of Session to reserve judgement on the case between Renton FC and the SFA the Glasgow Evening News claimed that an agent for the club stated that an out of court settlement could be imminent. The settlement would be on the basis of the SFA agreeing to reinstate Renton FC, both parties to pay their own expenses and mutual regrets being expressed. In this event the club would most probably withdraw the claim for damages against the Business & Professional Committee. In many respects this would be in the clubs interests since judgement of the case would unlikely be before March 1891 by which time Renton would have an unworkable backlog of league fixtures to complete. It is understood the mutual agreement would provide for the return of players who went to England on the suspension of the club.
Saturday, 20th December 1890
LEAGUE FIXTURES ROUND 12
COWLAIRS P CAMBUSLANG P
Match postponed. Referee failed to appear.
DUMBARTON P CELTIC P
Match postponed. Both clubs involved in Scottish Cup ties.
RENTON V RANGERS V
Match void due to Renton’s expulsion from the SFA.
THIRD LANARK P VALE of LEVEN P
Match postponed. Both clubs involved in cup-ties.
League Table
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
GA |
|
1. |
Dumbarton |
7 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
26 |
7 |
13 |
3.714 |
|
2. |
Rangers |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
25 |
13 |
9 |
1.923 |
|
3. |
Third Lanark |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
9 |
6 |
1.333 |
|
4. |
Cambuslang |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
17 |
6 |
1.176 |
|
5. |
St.Mirren |
7 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
19 |
23 |
6 |
0.826 |
|
6. |
Vale of Leven |
7 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
25 |
5 |
0.440 |
|
7. |
Heart of Midlothian |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
14 |
4 |
1.071 |
|
8. |
Renton |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
3 |
0.769 |
|
9. |
Celtic |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
17 |
9 |
2* |
1.889 |
|
10. |
Abercorn |
7 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
13 |
27 |
2 |
0.481 |
|
11. |
Cowlairs |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
19 |
0* |
0.421 |
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players
Another headache for the Scottish League as all the scheduled fixtures were wiped out. It was particularly galling for Cowlairs who would have opened their new ground, Springvale Park. The new ground adjacent to their old one and Cowlairs railway station was cleared of snow and made playable and the league match would have gone ahead had it not been for the non-appearance of the referee. With a crowd of over 500 in the ground the clubs decided to play a friendly match of 35 minutes each half. Cowlairs lost to Cambuslang by 2-1.
SCOTTISH CUP, QUARTER-FINALS
DUMBARTON 3 CELTIC 0 10,000
Half time: 1-0 Referee: Mr Dunn (Cambuslang)
Boghead Park, Dumbarton
EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 1 HEART
of MIDLOTHIAN 3 2,000
Half time: 1-1 Referee: Mr Anderson (Kilmarnock)
Merchiston Park, Falkirk
LEITH ATHLETIC 2 ABERCORN 3 3,000
Half time: 0-2 Referee: Mr Hay (Dumfries)
THIRD LANARK P QUEEN’S PARK P
Match postponed. Ground declared unplayable.
By sheer coincidence
Dumbaron were due to meet Celtic in a league match at Boghead Park, instead
they face each other in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. A bumper crowd
witnessed Dumbarton put Celtic to the sword with a comfortable 3-0 win. East
Stirlingshire put up a fight against Hearts but they eventually went down 3-1
at Falkirk. Non-league Leith Athletic almost put paid to league strugglers
Abercorn but the Paisley side triumphed 3-2 in Edinburgh to reach the
semi-finals.
The much anticipated tie between Third Lanark and Queen’s Park was put on hold due to the ground at Cathkin Park being “iron hard”. The referee, Mr Robertson (5th KRV) had no option but to declare the match off, much to the relief of the players.
DUNBARTONSHIRE CUP, SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
VALE of LEVEN 12 KIRKINTILLOCH ATH. 0
Half time: 5-0 Referee:
Millburn Park, Alexandria
Vale of Leven cruised into
the final of the Dunbartonshire Cup where they will meet Dumbarton.
ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)
CLYDE 2 RANGERS 2
Half time: 1-1 Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow
DYKEBAR 1 St.MIRREN 7
Half time: 1-4 Referee:
Thistle Park, Paisley
Wednesday, 24th
December 1890
MEETING OF THE RENFREWSHIRE FA
The Renfrewshire FA met to conduct the semi-final draw for the Renfrewshire Cup. Arthurlie will play St.Mirren and Port Glasgow Athletic will face Clippens Thistle. The ties are to be played on 10th January 1891.
Saturday, 27th December 1890
LEAGUE
FIXTURES ROUND 13
ABERCORN 1 DUMBARTON 2 2,000
Nicol Taylor (2)
Half time: 1-1 Referee: Mr Waugh (East of Scotland FA)
Abercorn: Fleming. A. Cuthbertson, D. Cuthbertson, Johnstone, Bisland, Reid, Wallace, Nicol, Raeside, Buchanan, Bonnar
Dumbarton: McLeod, Watson, Miller,
McMillan, Boyle, Keir, Taylor, Galbraith, Mair, McNaught, Bell
CELTIC P St.MIRREN P
Match postponed. Frozen pitch. Celtic were also due to play in the Glasgow Cup Final.
COWLAIRS P HEART of MIDLOTHIAN P
Match postponed Frozen pitch.
RANGERS P THIRD LANARK P
Match postponed. Third Lanark involved in a Scottish Cup tie.
VALE of LEVEN V RENTON V
Match void. Renton suspended from the SFA.
League Table
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
GA |
|
1. |
Dumbarton |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
28 |
8 |
15 |
3.500 |
|
2. |
Rangers |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
25 |
13 |
9 |
1.923 |
|
3. |
Third Lanark |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
9 |
6 |
1.333 |
|
4. |
Cambuslang |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
17 |
6 |
1.176 |
|
5. |
St.Mirren |
7 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
19 |
23 |
6 |
0.826 |
|
6. |
Vale of Leven |
7 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
11 |
25 |
5 |
0.440 |
|
7. |
Heart of Midlothian |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
15 |
14 |
4 |
1.071 |
|
8. |
Renton |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
3 |
0.769 |
|
9. |
Celtic |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
17 |
9 |
2* |
1.889 |
|
10. |
Abercorn |
8 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
14 |
29 |
2 |
0.483 |
|
11. |
Cowlairs |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
19 |
0* |
0.421 |
* Celtic and Cowlairs both deducted 4 points for fielding ineligible players
Only one of the scheduled league matches went ahead as the winter weather again caused havoc. Of the 5 fixtures only the Abercorn v Dumbarton match survived.
Dumbarton consolidated their position at the top of the league with a hard won victory in Paisley. The game started slowly then Abercorn, displaying their cup form rather than their league form, put pressure on Dumbarton with a series of attacks. Eventually this paid off and they took the lead through Nicol. This set back seemed to put Dumbarton of there game and allowed Abercorn to exert more pressure but they found McLeod in goal in fine form. A rare breakaway by Dumbarton resulted in Taylor equalising before half time was called. A more fired up Dumbarton put Abercorn on the back foot during the second half and a second goal from Taylor secured the win for Dumbarton. They remain unbeaten so far in all competitive matches.
Referee Mr J. M. Grant (Rangers) declared the pitch at Celtic Park unplayable, a decision that both Celtic and St.Mirren agreed with. However in view of the fact a crowd of some 4,000 had gathered they agreed to play a friendly match. Celtic emerged 4-2 winners in a game with little contact between the players.
For the second time in a week Cowlairs new ground was declared unplayable but a friendly went ahead with opponents Hearts. A first half Cowlairs lead was cancelled out in the second half by Hearts and the game ended 1-1.
SCOTTISH CUP, QUARTER-FINAL
THIRD LANARK P QUEEN’S PARK P
Match postponed. Frozen pitch.
For the second week in a
row the referee, Mr Robertson (5 KRV), declared Cathkin Park unplayable.
GLASGOW CUP, FINAL
CELTIC P THIRD LANARK P
Match postponed. Third Lanark due to play a Scottish Cup tie.
ORDINARY MATCHES (SELECTED)
CLYDE 2 BATTLEFIELD 2
Half time: 2-0 Referee:
Barrowfield Park, Glasgow
Tuesday, 30th
December 1890
MEETING OF THE SFA
It was decided at the meeting that the outstanding quarter-final Scottish Cup tie between Third Lanark and Queen’s Park would be played on Saturday, 10th January 1891. The tie has been postponed twice due to severe weather.
