| Match Pictures | Matches: 1888 – 1889 | 1887-1900 | Forum |
Trivia
Friendly match played at Celtic Park, Parkhead.
Harry Groves, brother of Willie Groves played in this match.
This game was one of two "thirty-fives"
Review
The Celtic were being fairly well represented, the only absentees being McCallum and W Maley. The Country eleven played a good all-round game, their defence being especially greatly admired.
It is understood that Neil McCallum has recovered from his illness, and will take his place among the Celts, who will, therefore, be greatly strengthened and better prepared for what promises to be one of the most exciting finals ever witnessed for the national trophy next week.
Teams
Celtic:-
John Kelly, Gallagher, McKeown, Dowling, James Kelly, McLaren, Coleman, Harry Groves, W Groves, Dunbar, Tom Maley.
Goal:- Dunbar.
Airdrieonians:-
Connor, Donaldson, Gray, Morrison, Spence, Cullen, Lithgow, Scott, Stark, Galloway, Sneddon.
Goal:- Stark 30.
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
- Official Site
Pictures
- Match Pictures
Stats
From newspaper reports from the time.
Report 1
Played at Celtic Park, the ball had scarcely been rolling by the Airdrieonians ere Connor was called upon. He was equal to the demands, however, the play was transferred to Kelly's end, and the Celts had to concede a fruitless corner. After the home team had paid another visit to Connor they had again to fall back, and only Gallagher's clever tackling prevented the visitors from scoring.
For a long time play fluctuated from end to end. Shortly before half-time Stark notched the first point. On resuming the Celts made the pace, and from a scrimmage Dunbar equalised. The game now became very fast, and, although the Celts tried hard to raise their total, the defence was too much for them.
Time was called with the result standing a draw of one goal each.
Report 2
The Airdrieonians started the ball, but scarcely was the game a minute old when the Celts made a fine dribble up the field, and shot for goal. Connor, however, saved. The Celts continued to play a fine passing game, but the strangers were equal to all emergencies.
Maley shot for goal, but the ball went over the bar. Again the Celts pressed the Airdrieonians, and had two corners, which came to nothing. A couple of free kicks transferred play to the Celts' ground, but the ball was speedily returned.
The game was about half-an-hour old when the Airdrieonians mad a rush up the field, Stark sending the ball between the posts. Just before half-time a foul and corner against the strangers were both given, but nothing resulted.
The whistle sounded, with the game – Airdrieonians,1 goal; Celtic, 0.
On restarting the Celts got well up the field, when Groves got the ball and passed to Dunbar, who sent in a fine low shot, which Connor attempted to stop, but slipped and fell, the ball passing between the posts.
Play was now equalised, and became more interesting, both teams infusing fresh energy into their work.
There was no further scoring, however, and the match ended in a draw – 1 goal each.