| Matches: 1889 | 1890 | 1887-1900 | Forum |
Celtic Games 1890 – Vale of Leven
Trivia
- Friendly match played on Celtic Park.
- Both teams were not fully represented.
- McKeown and Dunbar were both missing for Celtic.
Review
Played on Celtic Park. After half an hour’s play, The Vale were the first to score, McLachlan doing the needful. For the remainder of the first half the Celtic had the best of the play but did not equalise the score.
At half-time the score stood – Vale of Leven, 1 goal; Celtic, nil.
After 20 minutes’ play of the second half, H Gallagher sent in a grand shot, which McLeod was unable to save. Groves soon put on another point for the Celtic. Eleven minutes from the final whistle the ball was headed past McLaughlin. H Gallagher put on a third point for the Celts shortly afterwards.
The game ended in a win for the Celtic by three goals to two.
Teams
Celtic:-
McLaughlin, Dowds, Reynolds, P Gallagher, Kelly, McLaren, McGhee, Madden, Groves, H Gallagher, Coleman.
Goals:- H Gallagher 65, Groves, H Gallagher.
Vale of Leven:-
McLeod (Dumbarton), McKenzie, Pollock (Clyde), Osbourne, McNicol, Sharp, McLachlan, Rankine, Graham, Cowan, McNicol.
Goals:- McLachlan 30, McLachlan 79.
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
- Official Site
Pictures
- Match Pictures
From newspaper reports from the time
Report 1
The Scotsman – Monday, 24th March 1890, page 5
Celtic v Vale of Leven – This important fixture was played off at Parkhead before a cheering attendance of spectators, unfortunately the game was robbed of much of its interest as neither team were able to put their strongest eleven on the field. The Vale were most handicapped, Wilson, Whitelaw, Murray, and Bruce all being absentees: whilst on the home side McKeown and Dunbar were wanting. The ground was to the heavy side. Having lost the toss, Graham for the Vale set the ball rolling. The Celts at once forced the pace, and within the first few minutes McLeod, to prevent disaster, had to concede a corner, which, though well placed, came to nothing. McLachlan and Rankine changed the scene of operations, but McLaren proved too many for the Vale men and passing to Coleman, the Celts front rank fairly surrounded the Vale goal. McLeod’s goalkeeping was marvellous; time after time he fairly beat the entire Celtic front rank, who, although having three corners in succession, failed to improve their position. Opening up in their play, by dint of wide passing the Vale forwards occasionally caused the Celtic goal-keeper some trouble, and his fortress they succeeded in capturing after thirty minutes’ play, McLachlan doing the needful. Nettled at this unexpected reverse the Celts made strenuous efforts to score, but half-time found them one point down.
The opening of the second half was characterised with great dash on both sides, the Vale’s forwards showing great improvement. Cowan and McNicol were giving no end of trouble on the left, whilst Rankine and McLachlan were having some great bouts with McLaren. Time was gradually drawing to a close when McGhee put the teams’ level. Groves responded with a second a few minutes later, but the Vale were equal to the occasion, and as quickly did McLachlan register point two for his side. The play to the close was of the fastest description, both teams successfully striving to gain the winning point, which the Celts were successful in securing, H. Gallagher going the needful shortly before time expired, the game finally ending in a win for the Celtic by three goals to two.
Report 2
Played on Celtic Park. Immediately after the kick off play centred round the visitors’ goal, where some hot work was witnessed, but the ball was eventually sent past. A breakaway by the vale left wing was checked by Kelly, and play was confined to midfield for some time.
At last a smart run by the Vale forwards brought play into the vicinity of the home goal. A cessation of play took place on account of an injury to one of the visitors, and on resuming the scene of action was transferred the other end, where the ball was sent past. Keeping up the pressure , the Celts secured a corner, but the splendid defence of the Vale could not be broken down.
With the wind in their favour, the Celts continued to have the most of the game, and the visits of the Vale were generally of a brief description. McMillan got some good chances, but Gallagher kept him well at bay.
The Vale were the first to score – after half an hour’s play, the result of a breakaway on the left – McLachlan securing the honour. For the remainder of the first half the Celts made great efforts to score, and the play as a rule, although not altogether one sided, was confined to the visitors’ side. Time after time it seemed as if the Vale goal must succumb. Towards the end of the first half the strangers assumed the offensive, but did not become very dangerous.
Half-time result – Vale, 1 goal; Celtic, 0.
On change of ends Groves resumed his old place at centre. The game at once assumed a give and take character. After 20 minutes’ play H Gallagher, from about 20 yards, sent in a grand shot, which McLeod was unable to save. After some back and forward play Cowan had a good chance, and he sent it over; and the play being transferred, Groves soon put on another point.
Eleven minutes from the finish the ball was headed past McLaughlin.
Gallagher put on a third point for the Celts shortly afterwards. The closing minutes of the game were contested in the most spirited manner, but no further scoring took place, the result being – Celtic, 3 goals; Vale of Leven, 2 goals.