The Scotsman - Monday, 16th December 1889, page 5
Queen’s Park v Celtic – At Cathkin Park, before about 10,000 spectators. The weather was favourable, and the ground greasy. The Volunteers made elaborate arrangements for the accommodation of the crowd. Hamilton kicked off to the south goal, but the Celts were first aggressive from a free kick, and were first over. Excitement was intense. The footing was treacherous, and falls were numerous. Berry had the first try, but it went wide. M’Laren headed past at the other end, and in a few minutes more Gillespie had to fist out a strong one from the same player. In nine minutes, Hamilton scored with a long drive. M’Laren made another good try, but high. Sellar missed by inches at the other end. The Celtic made a dashing attack, and in twenty minutes Dowds scored, but it was disallowed for off-side. In half an hour the Queen’s scored a second point, but the Celtic strongly objected, and threatened to leave the field, alleging that Hamilton illegally charged the goal-keeper. Both umpires gave the goal. Better counsels prevailed and after an interval of seven minutes discussion, the Celtic resumed under protest. Two minutes after the restart Coleman scored. The Celtic improved wonderfully and put on hard pressure. Half-time:- Queen’s Park, two goals; Celts, two. After an interval of scarce a minute, the teams again lined up equal. Groves got off with a smart run, and secured an abortive corner. Another followed alike unsuccessful, then the Queen’s aggressed, but were driven back. Groves was showing dashing form and repeatedly taxed both Arnott and Smellie to keep him in check. The Celtic resumed their pressure, and Gillespie had twice to save at close quarters. An unproductive corner gave anxiety. Berry changed the scene of operations, and Hamilton beat M’Laughlan but the point was disallowed upon off-side. Immediately after, a swift low shot from Stewart’s toe took effect, and the Queen’s stood one up. Great cheering greeted this. The play was not of the gentlest, the officials having to interfere; nor was it of the prettiest; but it was of a hard, determined nature. The closing period saw the Queen’s pressing strongly, and almost secured a fourth. Result :- Queen’s Park, three goals; Celtic, two goals.
The Celtic lodged a protest against the legitimacy of the second point scored by Queen’s Park. At the close of the game an informal meeting of the Glasgow Committee was convened, and they resolved to provisionally present the cup to the winners. The presentation was made at a social meeting held in the Royal Restaurant, West Nile Street, in the evening. The Celtic absented themselves, but a few members of their committee put in an appearance in the course of the evening. Mr A Kirkwood, president of the Glasgow Association, handed over the cup to the custody of Mr D. C. Brown, president of the Queen’s Park, and the players were presented with their badges. The Celtic excused their absence on the ground of policy.

Celtic – M’Laughan, goal; M’Keown and Reynolds, backs; Gallacher, Kelly, and M’Laren, half-backs; Madden, Dowds, Groves, Coleman, and Dunbar, forwards.


Celtic Team:-


Scorers:-