The Scotsman - Monday, 8th September 1890, page 4

Celtic v Rangers – Extraordinary interest was manifested in the result of this contest, certainly the most important which the first round of the ballot had brought forth. Celtic Park, Glasgow, was the scene of the struggle, and favoured as the match was with magnificent weather, a tremendous crowd – not less that 16,000 – witnessed the proceedings. The home side had perforce to take the field without their captain, James Kelly, who is under suspension by the Scottish Association, while M’Laren was also unable to assist his team. The absence of these famous players was viewed with apprehension by the numerous followers of the Celtic, while by way of contrast the Rangers, who played their full League team, were confident of success. Fully alive, however, to the necessity of an exceptionally brilliant effort, the Celts fairly ran their opponents off their feet, and were rewarded with a well-deserved victory by one goal to nothing. As early as ten minutes to four the teams were on the field, both being well received by their respective admirers, although it was quite evident that the home team had much the larger following. Punctually at four o’clock M’Creadie started the game, his side having to face a very strong sun. Kerr was immediately prominent with a good run, and his parting shot gave Bell some anxiety. The Celts, led by Madden, gallantly responded to the shouts of their admirers, the right winger and Groves both missing chances. Still the home team pressed severely, and Groves with admirable judgement passed the ball to Crossan, who sent it out of Reid’s reach amid deafening cheers. Crossan, however, was palpably off-side, and the appeal to the Rangers’ umpire was promptly sustained. This narrow escape prompted the visitors to united action, and M’Pherson made off with the ball in beautiful fashion, only to see his efforts thrown to the wind by the incapacity of his companion, Hislop, to take advantage of the opportunity. For the first twenty-five minutes the game appeared to be anybody’s, but the wonderful combination of the Celts’ forwards gradually asserted itself, the Rangers resorting to some very questionable tactics in keeping their opponents at bay. The Celtic were rewarded with a foul close to the goal-mouth, when Groves adroitly tipped the ball to Dowds who with a fast low shot sent it through. This second point was also disallowed, to the very apparent chagrin of the Celts and their supporters. Nothing discouraged, they persistently bombarded the Ranger’s goal, and their efforts were at last rewarded with a brilliant goal from the foot of Groves, amid scenes of extraordinary enthusiasm. This was just before half-time. Groves started the second period, and the Celtic who were playing a running game, immediately asserted themselves, a shot by Dowds just missing its mark by inches. The Rangers then broke away, and but for the bungling of M’Creadie must surely have secured a point. Their advantage was but temporary, for the Celtic soon [word illegible] themselves at Reid’s end, where a shot of Crossan’s hit the right-hand post and, fortunately for the Rangers, passed outside. It was a desperately near thing, and the incident caused no little excitement. Time was now drawing near, and, with almost inevitable defeat stairing [sic] there in the face, the Rangers pulled themselves together and showed something akin to their true form for the first time during the whole contest. As a result Bell had a very bad ten minutes of it, but he exhibited goal-keeping of an exceptionally high order, shot after shot being successfully negotiated. Once certainly luck was with him, for he only partially stopped the ball, which hit the post and went outside. This was the last chance which presented itself to the Ibrox men, for the Celts wisely contented themselves with holding their own, and when the whistle blew they had passed into the second round. The customary exciting scene was enacted at the finish, the winners coming in for a tremendous ovation as the retired from the field.

Celtic – Bell, goal; Reynolds and M’Keown, backs; P Gallacher, M’Callum, and W. Maley, half-backs; Madden, Dunbar, Groves, Dowds, and Crossan, forwards. Tom Maley, umpire.

Celtic Team:-


Scorers:-