| Match Pictures | Matches: 1887 1888 1889 | 1887-1900 |
Trivia
- An immense gathering assembled on Mavisbank, Airdrie, when the ground was opened for the season with a game between Airdrieonians and Celtic.
- Celtic’s first ever game outwith of Glasgow.
- On same day a reserve match was played between Celtic & Rangers which Rangers won 9-1. This has been referenced by some as if there was first team game, it wasn’t, and even at the time the match was referenced as a reserve match. The first team match was this Airdrie v Celtic match.
Review
Teams
Airdrieonians:-
Connor, Sharp, Angus, J McFarlane, Spence, P McFarlane, Cullen, Scott, Howson, McEwan, Malloy.
Celtic:-
Dunning, McKeown, Collins, Maley, Kelly, McLaren, McCallum, Coleman, Groves, Coogan, O’Connor.
Goals:- McCallum, Groves (5).
Articles
- Match Report (See below)
- Official Site
Pictures
- Match Pictures
Match Reports
THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 14/08/1888
The Celtic opened the Airdrieonians ground on Saturday, and the eyes of their opponents at the same time, by winning in fine style by 6 goals to 0. Sharp of the Airdrieonians was injured.
Glasgow Herald 13/08/1888
The new Irish combination of the West made their first appearance in Lanarkshire by opening the Airdrieonians’ ground for the season in a match with a rather poor representation of the home team. Consequently the match was one-sided in point of scoring, although throughout, the Airdrie men made a plucky resistance to their weightier adversaries.
In the first half the Airdrieonians had apparently the best of the game, and had three corner-kicks; but the play became equal, and the struggle was maintained chiefly in midfield.
After some half-an-hour’s play, repeated attempts to score being made on both sides, McCallum succeeded in working up the ball so adroitly that the first point was put on off it for the Celts.
Towards the close of the half Sharp was temporarily disabled on the Airdrieonian side, and retired till the start of the second half, no further scoring having taken place.
The second half was characterised by determined onslaughts on Connor’s position by the Celtic, and in about 20 minutes other three goals were registered by them. Several fine runs with the ball were made by the Airdrieonians , and one or two good attempts made to shoot through, but Dunning was too much on the spot.
The game ended – Celtic, 6 goals; Airdrieonians, 0.
Match Report from The Scotsman,13th August 1888
Transcription:Groves kicked off towards the pavilion, and in a minute or two a corner was put on for the Airdrieonians, quickly followed by another. The Celtic made several attempts to score, but there was an even struggle, mostly in mid-field, and , at length the home team made an attack. the first point was put on for the Celtic by McCallum, who had brought the ball up well, and in the kick-off they had their first corner, which was immediately followed by one for the Airdrieonians. The play now became more equal, the Celtic having, if anything, the best of it. Sharp received a severe kick on the face, which disabled him just about half-time, and when the whistle blew the game stood – Celtic, one: Airdrieonian, nil. The Celtic piled on five goals in the second half, and won by six goals to nil.
Edinburgh Evening News 13th August 1888
Glasgow Herald 13th August 1888
