The Scotsman - Monday, 24th March 1890, page 5

Celtic v Vale of Leven – This important fixture was played off at Parkhead before a cheering attendance of spectators, Unfortunately the game was robbed of much of its interest as neither team were able to put their strongest eleven on the field. The Vale were most handicapped, Wilson, Whitelaw, Murray, and Bruce all being absentees: whilst on the home side M’Keown and Dunbar were awanting. The ground was to the heavy side. Having lost the toss, Graham for the Vale set the ball rolling. The Celts at once forced the pace, and within the first few minutes M’Leod, to prevent disaster, had to concede a corner, which, though well placed, came to nothing. M’Lachlan and Rankine changed the scene of operations, but M’Laren proved too many for the Vale men and passing to Coleman, the Celts front rank fairly surrounded the Vale goal. M’Leod’s goalkeeping was marvellous; time after time he fairly beat the entire Celtic front rank, who, although having three corners in succession, failed to improve their position. Opening up in their play, by dint of wide passing the Vale forwards occasionally caused the Celtic goal-keeper some trouble, and his fortress they succeeded in capturing after thirty minutes’ play, M’Lachlan doing the needful. Nettled at this unexpected reverse the Celts made strenuous efforts to score, but half-time found them one point down. The opening of the second half was characterised with great dash on both sides, the Vale’s forwards showing great improvement. Cowan and M’Nichol were giving no end of trouble on the left, whilst Rankine and M’Lachlan were having some great bouts with M’Laren. Time was gradually drawing to a close when M’Ghee put the teams level. Groves responded with a second a few minutes later, but the Vale were equal to the occasion, and as quickly did M’Lachlan register point two for his side. The play to the close was of the fastest description, both teams successfully striving to gain the winning point, which the Celts were successful in securing, H. Gallacher going the needful shortly before time expired, the game finally ending in a win for the Celtic by three goals to two.

Celtic – Goal, M’Laughlin; backs, Dowds and Reynolds; half-backs, Gallacher, Kelly, and M’Laren; forwards (right) Groves and H. Gallacher, Madden, Coleman and M’Ghee