| Match Pictures | Matches: 1888 – 1889 | 1887-1900 |
Trivia
- A Glasgow Cup Tie, played on Ibrox Park.
- Before 4,000 spectators.
- Notably the attendance was lower than the first meeting between the two (inaugural match), and Celtic’s match v Shettleston in the second round. However matches
- The first “competitive” game between these two teams.
Review
The game at Ibrox brought together a large crowd of people, who evidently expected to see a good game. Nor were they disappointed , for although the Rangers had to endure a six-to-one beating they exhibited some notable play, and their front division deserved to have had better luck than befell them.
The Celt’s, however, proved themselves much the better men. Their combination was almost perfect, their passing was pretty and effective, and with great speed they coupled superbly shooting at goal.
Undoubtedly the East End club did itself credit , and in the force they have hitherto shown, they should make a record season.
Teams
Rangers:-
Nicol, A Vallance, D Gow, Hotson, McIntyre, Muir, Wylie, Whyte, Wilson, Pringle, McKenzie.
Goal:- Wilson 20.
Celtic:-
Dunning, Gallagher, McKeown, W Maley, Kelly, McLaren, McCallum, Coleman, Groves, Dunbar, T Maley.
Goals:- Groves 21, Dunbar, Coleman, T Maley, Dunbar, Kelly.
Att:- 4000
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
- Official Site
Pictures
- Match Pictures
From newspaper reports from the time.
Report 1 – The Scotsman, 29th October 1888
This Glasgow Cup tie between these two, attracted some 4000 spectators to the Ibrox Park. The Rangers tried two young players, Wilson and Whyte, of their second eleven, while Alick Vallance, their old back, again turned out to assist in the emergency. The Celtic lost the toss, Groves kicked off against a gale of a wind. Both elevens played up vigorously, and it was a surprise to witness such fine combinations among the Rangers. After twenty minutes had gone, Wilson cleverly dodged the backs and scored for the Rangers.
The Celtic followed the kick off with an attack on the Rangers goal, where Groves equalised. A second followed soon after, the result of a good run by Maley. The pace was sustained during the remainder of the half, and each end was frequently visited, the play being pretty equally contested. The Rangers crossed over in a minority of two to one, and on resuming came away with the same dash as characterised their opening display. The attack was a hot one, Dunning, McKeown and Kelly being all upset in a scrimmage. The Celtic now came away with great brilliance, but were met by a good defence.
Twenty minutes from time the Rangers wavered, and their opponents now swept all before them. Within the short space of five minutes Coleman, T Maley and Dunbar each added a goal. The rapidity of these reverses fairly took all the go out of the Rangers. McCallum was the means of another, and when time was called the Rangers retired within a crushing defeat of six goals to one.
Report 2 – Glasgow Herald 29th October 1888
A very large crowd put in an appearance at Ibrox Park to witness this fixture, for, notwithstanding strong attractions elsewhere, some two or three thousand lined the fences. The exposed position of the field laid it open to a strong, gusty south-westerly wind, which, in the course of the game, played havoc with the calculations of the most careful and enterprising players on both sides. The Rangers put a good team on their ground, and gave an opportunity for two of their second eleven men – Wilson and Whyte – who distinguished themselves last year in the Scottish Junior Cup.
Celtic turned up strong, with an evident determination to win. Celtic played off against the wind, and for a long time, considering this advantage, had the best of the play. They were frequently in front of the Rangers’ goal, though the Rangers had an occasional look in. Accurate shooting was, however, impossible. Latterly the home men made a determined attack, and, after many vicinitudes, about twenty minutes from the start Wilson put on the first goal for his side amid great cheering.
Immediately thereafter the cheering was, if anything, intensified when Groves equalised. The play all through became very fast, and then Dunbar scored a second goal for Celtic. As the first half came to a close the strangers pressed hardly and determinedly, showing greatly superior to their opponents in the matter of passing, and making a good show against both them and the wind. Half-time ended with the ball in midfield, the period having throughout bee played in a misty, drizzling rain.
The score now stood – Celtic, 2 goals; Rangers, 1 goal.
The second half began unfortunately for the Rangers. They took the ball to the Celtic goal, but notwithstanding all their efforts, they failed to get it through. The Celts continued playing capitally, but they showed, if anything, a little less spirit than in the first period, and lost some opportunities. Tom Maley had a throw-in about midfield, and, following the ball up, he sent it in, and Coleman sent through.
No sooner was the ball set in motion than Tom Maley again distinguished himself by heading the fourth goal, amid the greatest enthusiasm of the supporters of the East End club. A few minutes later Dunbar scored a fifth goal – being three points in about five minutes for the Celtic. As the end drew near the Rangers seemed to become disheartened. Kelly made a sixth goal.
Time ended – Celtic, 6 goals; Rangers, 1 goal.
Sheffield Evening Telegraph 27th October 1888
