1889-10-05: Celtic 1-1 Rangers, Friendly

Matches: 1889 1890 | 1887-1900 | Forum

Celtic Games 1889 – Rangers

Trivia

  • The Ibrox men visited Parkhead.
  • The match was not on the fixture card, but was arranged because the Clyde and the 3rd LRV- with whom the Rangers and the Celtic should have played- were engaged in their undecided cup tie.

Review

Teams

Celtic:-
McLaughlin, Reynolds, McKeown, Gallagher, Kelly, W Maley, Madden, Dowds, Groves, T Maley, Dunbar.

Goal:- T Maley.

Rangers:-
Reid, Hay, Hendry, Marshall, McIntyre, Mitchell, Wylie, Gow, Robin, Henderson, Allan.

Goal:- Gow.

Articles

Dundee Courier 7th October 1889

1889-10-07 Dundee Courier

Glasgow Herald 7th October 1889

1889-10-07 Glasgow herald 01
1889-10-07 Glasgow herald 02

The Scotsman 7th october 1889

1889-10-07 The Scotsman

Pictures

  • Match Picture

From newspaper report from the time.

There was a good attendance. The ground men kicked off, and the Rangers at once deprived them of the ball, but did not keep it long. After some general play, a shot by Hay launched the ball in front of the home goal, but the Celtic got clear. A free kick fell to the Rangers, but came to nothing, the ball going behind. After this the Celtic began to press, and an attack on the right ended in Maley centring well; but Dunbar headed by. The Irishmen kept at it, however, and after five minutes' play "another" scored the first goal for the home team. The Rangers then made a creditable run, but were driven back, and Groves got the ball between the posts, but offside was claimed and allowed.
A foul off Gow gave the Celts an opportunity, and Groves piloted his way through the opposing forwards. McIntyre proved an obstacle, although the Celtic centre's progress was only stopped at the expense of a throw-in. After a kick from the Celtic goal, the Rangers' half-backs got on Hall and Marshall, passed the ball to the left wing, and on its being centred, Donald Gow equalised the scores.
The Celts then assumed the upper hand, and play was confined to the Rangers' territory, but without any dangerous attempts at scoring. The Rangers, on the other hand executed some brilliant runs, one of which was finished up by another shot by Gow, which was just half a foot too high. Following this, the ground men had a good look in, but the Rangers cleared, and play was transferred to the other end, where more than once the Celtic custodian had cause to fear. By a succession of throw-ins the Celts got down the field, but Gow and Wylie got possession of the ball and made a capital run.
McLaughlin easily saved his charge, and once more the Rangers' territory was the scene of operations. A smart onslaught was made from the left wing and Hay being worsted Reid had to handle the ball. He saved well, however, and another magnificent rush was made by the Rangers' right wing, but eventually the ball was sent past. During the remainder of the first half the Celts had the most of the play, and Reid's powers of goalkeeping were frequently put to the test. The Rangers made one notable visit and secured a corner kick, but they seemed very slack at goal. At the end of the first half, which was fairly well contested, the score stood one each.
On change of ends play was confined for some time to the home ground, where a throw-in and corner fell to the Rangers, the latter being conceded by the goalkeeper.
The Celts at last found an opening on the right, and likewise had a kick from the corner flag, which was followed by a free kick. From both, however, they failed to reap the benefit, and speedily the ball was transferred to the other end, where still another corner took place. Immediately thereafter Wylie sent in a shot, which McLaughlin caught in time. Back and forward was now the order of the day, and play was of a somewhat straggling description. A free kick from about quarter-field was taken by Kelly, whose comrade sent it true to the mark. It was returned, and three of the Rangers' forwards getting possession, made straight for goal, with nothing in their way. Robin flaked, however, and spoiled an excellent chance of scoring.
A run by Madden and a free kick enabled the Celts to turn the tables slightly, but the Rangers soon returned, and after some skilful play among the forwards, Allen sent the ball high over the bar. About ten minutes from the finish the Celts had a corner kick, and although it proved ineffective, they kept the Rangers on the defensive for some time; but the Celts could not improve their position, and the game ended:- A draw, 1 goal each.