1891-08-22: Celtic 3-0 Rangers, League

Matches: 1891 1892 | 1887-1900 | League Tables: 1891-92 | Forum

Celtic Games 1891 – Rangers

Trivia

  • Played at Celtic Park, Glasgow.
  • Before 12,000 spectators.

Review

Teams

Celtic:-
Duff, Reynolds, Doyle, Gallagher, Kelly, Dowds, Madden, Brady, Coleman, Campbell, McMahon.

Goals:- McMahon, Madden, Campbell.

Rangers:-
Haddow, Hodge, Scott, Marshall, McIntyre, Mitchell, Cullen, Henderson, Neil Kerr, A McCreadie, McPherson.

Att:- 12,000.

Ref:- Mr John Marshall (3rd Lanark)

Articles

Dundee Courier 24th August 1891
1891-08-24 Dundee Courier
Glasgow Herald 24th August 1891

1891-08-24 Glasgow Herald

Played at Celtic Park, Glasgow, before fully 12,000 spectators. There were alterations in both teams. the Celtic had to do without Neil McCallum, who was suffering from a bad foot, and this led to a rearrangement of the team. Coleman being placed in the centre. Brady was removed to partner Madden on the right. In the Rangers' ranks, Hugh McCreadie was hardly able to play – it would have been a risk – and his brother was taken from centre half to partner McPherson on the left. The Rangers kicked off, and immediately the ball landed at the foot of Brady, who had a smart run, which fairly aroused the enthusiasm of the crowd. His parting shot, however, was wide of the mark, although, judging by the cheering, many believed the ball had gone through. the Rangers retaliated to some purpose, and the Celts' goal narrowly escaped downfall. Mitchell was playing a very good game indeed for the Rangers, but the Celts were doing all the aggressive work and forced a corner kick which was neatly cleared by McIntyre. Campbell was very prominent in the Celts' front rank, and some smart shots were sent in, which the spectators in their excitement thought had taken effect. The Rangers were completely hemmed in, but at length a foul against the Celts gave them momentary relief. The Celts returned to the attack, and had the hardest lines in not scoring. After a time the Rangers warmed to their work, and played with extraordinary dash, but were met by a good defence in Doyle and Kelly. The Rangers indeed, were fairly surprising their friend by their plucky inroads. They were ably assisted by Mitchell, who was in very best form, tackling and passing on the ball in grand style. On the Celtic front line Brady was exceedingly active, and one run of his almost resulted in the ball being headed through. The Celtic forwards were combining beautifully, but were broken up in front of goal by Hodge and Scott, the former kicking strongly and tackling well. Scott also blocked the way on many occasions. From a combined attack by the Celts' forwards they would assuredly have scored but for Haddow, who, on the first time of asking, saved grandly. Haddow's saving was simply wonderful, and came in for the highest praise. Towards the close of the first half the Rangers had an open goal at their mercy, but Reynolds stepped in at the opportune moment, and sent the ball down the field. But the Celts were having nearly all the play, and but for bad luck and the grand goalkeeping of Haddow would have scored.

On restarting the Celts had to contend with strong sunshine in their faces. McMahon at the very start had a grand chance, but sent the ball several feet wide of the mark. The Rangers set down to a cool, determined style of play, and for a time were having evidently the best of it. But the Celtic retaliated in grand style, and in front of the Rangers goal the ball was sent bobbing from one head to another, until, to the relief of the Rangers' partisans, it was sent safely over the bar. Runs and counter runs were the order of the day, neither side being able to claim superiority. It was an extremely fast game considering the heat of the atmosphere, and as stubbornly contested as if it had been an important cup tie. Each goal had a narrow escape, the Rangers' right wing missing an easy chance. Time after time the Celts fairly besieged the Rangers' citadel; time after time the ball was banged into goal, but luck and brilliant form of Haddow combined, favoured them. At length, however, the Celts' efforts were crowned with success. But the goal was well deserved – it was a beautiful screw from the left by McMahon, who was in fine form. The cheering had hardly died away when another outburst announced that the Celts had scored their second goal, both being taken within a minute, this time by Madden, with a swift shot which nobody could have stopped. The Celts were now fairly in it, playing with great dash and determination, and a grand shot by McMahon was prevented from taking effect by Haddow getting it in his hands and throwing the ball away. Again the Celts returned to the attack, but the ball went outside the post close by. A minute later, from some close passing in front of goal, Campbell headed through the third goal for the Celts.
The Result was – Celtic, 3 goals; Rangers, 0 goals.

The Scotsman – Monday, 24th August 1891, page 4

Celtic v RangersCeltic Park was opened with this League match. There was a great gathering of spectators, every available part of the field being taken advantage of. The opening stages of the game were very even, and some splendid play was shown. As the game progressed the Celtic had slightly the better of it. Haddow played a great game in goal for the Rangers. Half-time, a draw – no goals. On resuming, the Celtic had hard lines in not scoring on one or two occasions, as they had the best of the play. Mitchell played a great game for the Rangers. Haddow again distinguished himself, his play being magnificent. McMahon scored with a line shot, and Madden scored a second; while Campbell headed a third. The Rangers were now completely out of it. Result :- Celtic, three goals; Rangers, nil.

  • Match Report (see below)

Pictures

  • Match Pictures

Stats

Saturday was again a busy day with the League teams, and though the Leith Athletic sustained defeat by three goals to two from Renton at Bank Park, Leith, this was atoned for, from an Eastern point of view, by the splendid victory of the Heart of Midlothian over the St Mirren at Paisley by five goals to two. The principal match in Edinburgh was the Alliance fixture between St Bernards and East Stirlingshire, victory in which fell to the Edinburgh team by four goals to one.

Teams Played Won Lost Drew For Ag Pts
Dumbarton 2 2 10 1 4
Hearts 2 2 8 5 4
Leith Ath 2 1 1 5 3 2
Rangers 2 1 1 4 4 2
Clyde 1 1 10 1 2
Celtic 2 1 1 4 3 2
Renton 2 1 1 4 5 2
Cambuslang 2 1 1 1 2 2
Th Lanark 1 1 3
Vale of Leven 2 2 11
St Mirren 1 1 2 5
Abercorn 1 1 1 8