Navy and Army War Fund Shield

DetailsNavy and Army War Fund Shield - The Celtic Wiki

Contested in the Spring of 1918 the Navy and Army War Fund Shield (also known as the War Fund Cup) was one trophy Celtic never lifted – despite being victorious the only time the competition was staged.


The shield was organised as a fund-raising effort for footballers serving in the Great War and their families. A midweek tournament it was contested by sides from Glasgow and the Clydeside area.


Celtic kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Queen’s Park at Parkhead on April 20 in front of a 12,000 strong crowd. Goals from Adam McLean and Frank Kelly paved the way for the Celtic victory although.McLean’s opener had been hotly disputed by the visitors who claimed the ball never crossed the line. Queen’s Park’s frustration was added to further when Charlie Shaw in the Celtic goal saved a penalty.


A defensively minded Clydebank side were the next visitors to Parkhead and they were eventually dispatched in the semi-final 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Andy McAtee.


Greenock Morton had beaten Rangers 3-1 in the other semi-final and went into the final at Ibrox on May 4th as favourites. Celtic however turned in their best performance of the competition and a first-half Patsy Gallacher goal secured a 1-0 win and another honour for the Bhoys. In truth the single goal victory was scant reflection of a domineering Celtic performance.


However the Hoops weren’t able to lift the shield that day as it was not yet ready. The competition was originally planned as an annual event but with the war finishing just months later it was never to be staged again – and there is no evidence that Celtic were ever presented with the silverware.

Matches

Quarter-Finals

  • Celtic 2-1 Queen’s Park

Semi-Finals

  • Celtic 2-0 Clydebank
  • Rangers 1-3 Greenock Morton

Final

  • Celtic 1-0 Greenock Morton

Not all results were recorded.

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