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Celtic Games 1888 - Renton

The Scotsman - Monday, 12th November 1888, page 5 Celtic v Renton – A vast crowd assembled at Celtic Park on Saturday to witness the first meeting of these clubs. Both teams were out in strength. The home team led off, and Kelly with a long shot tried Lindsay, but danger was averted. The Celtic maintained the advantage for a little, but gradually they measured their opponents and from this point to the close the contest waged fast and furious. Occasionally the pressure of Renton was so great that the home backs had to kick behind for safety. But for M’Keown, whose play was of the highest order, Renton must have scored in this half. Thus the issue was fought out attack and defence in turn – and throughout the greatest excitement was visible behind the ropes. The Celtic forwards came away brilliantly, and play gave indications of becoming rather rough. At half-time neither had scored, and renewing with the wind in their favour, it seemed any odds on Renton pulling through. M’Call went extreme right, in the endeavour to strengthen the weakest part of the visitors attack, and this change worked well. In the last fifteen minutes play was mostly confined to home territory, and shot after shot was sent in to no purpose. The Celtic transferred operations to the other end, and after an unsuccessful attempt by T. Maley, M’Callum managed a corner so well that M’Laren had no difficulty in heading through the first goal for the Celtic – a very lucky score indeed. Renton replied with a strong attack, but in vain. The remainder of the game was stubbornly contested, and when time was called the result was the same – one goal to nothing in favour of the Celtic.
McLaren