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The Scotsman – Tuesday, 19th April 1892, page 2
Celtic v Leith Athletic – The visit of the Scottish Cup-holders to play off their first League contest with the Leith Athletic created a great stir among local followers of the game, and despite the changeable condition of the weather, about 8000 spectators lined the enclosure. The game was a great one throughout, stubbornly and at times roughly, contested, the Athletic, amid great enthusiasm, retiring victors by two goals to one. The Celts were powerfully represented, Madden and Brady reappearing; while the Athletic strengthened their team by the inclusion of Henderson of Cowlairs, vice Mathieson, whose play of late has been far from satisfactory. M. McQueen, although by no means fit to compete in a contest of such importance, stripped and played one of his best games. The late arrival of the Celts delayed the start for fully fifteen minutes, when G. Anderson, having won the toss, compelled the visitors to face the wind in the first half. Stevenson drew up the opening rush, and H. McQueen was early dangerous, but Reynolds saved in rather a forcible fashion. McCallum and Boyle made considerable progress, and thanks in a large measure to the splendid feeding of Kelly, the Celtic had a grand chance, but McCartney cleared. Blessington showed a clear pair of heels to a host of his opponents, the manner in which he eluded even Doyle surprising not a few. The Celts for a time were hotly pressed, and Stevenson, followed shortly afterwards by G. Anderson, just missed the mark by inches. Leith continued to have the best of matters, and Blessington sent in a lightning-like shot which Cullen saved and no more. M’Mahon crossing over to the right wing, endeavoured to lead on the line, but McCartney, in a very tricky manner, nipped the ball from the foot of the old Celt and planted it right in the opposition goal mouth. A foul against Gallacher looked bad from a Parkhead point of view, but the ball was got out of danger, and Madden was conspicuous for the first time in the contest with a great run, which was stopped not a minute too soon by W. Anderson. G. Anderson let the Leith forwards away, and but for the grand defence of Doyle the home team would decidedly have scored. Fouls were now a frequent occurrence, McLeod and Brady for a time seeming bent upon paying particular attention to each other. M’Leod at this point collided with Brady, and was forced for a time to seek the shelter of the pavilion. Playing against ten men, the Celts redoubled their efforts, and for the first time in the contest Burnside’s goal was subjected to a hot siege, the ball eventually going outside the post. M. M’Queen let Blessington away and with the Athletic pressing a rousing cheer heralded the reappearance of McLeod. McCallum broke away and crossing to the left, McMahon and Campbell were soon under weigh, but W. Anderson again rushed in, and saved his side from certain disaster. Laing, who throughout had been safely guarded by Kelly, was now noticeable, but Doyle, who seems a regular glutton for work again returned strongly. Madden and Campbell were soon at the other end, and in saving a rush by Boyle, W. Anderson accidentally fouled the ball near the home goal. The home supporters heaved a sigh of relief when G. Anderson cleared and sent the ball to midfield. Laing took up the running and sent in a shot which Doyle so completely mulled that H. McQueen seizing the opportunity rushed in and scored the first goal for the Leith amid thunders of applause. Barely had the game been restarted than Blessington banged the ball at Cullen’s charge, and Reynolds in the excitement assisted through the Athletic’s second point. Needless to say, loud cheering greeted this second success. The subsequent play was all on favour of the Leith team, but half-time arrived with the score unaltered. Early in the second portion the Celtic pressed, and their efforts were rewarded with a corner, which came to nothing. So far Leith had surprised all by their play, and the Celts had not made up their minds for such a stubborn opposition. Laing, well backed up by Henderson, transferred the scene of the action to Cullen’s goal, and with a lengthy shot the Leith Athletic men all but increased his club’s total. Gallacher carried the ball to the right wing and McCallum was well away, but Boyle, to whom he passed the ball was stopped by Stevenson, the Celtic man being a bit hurt on the [illegible], but he soon recovered. Madden was given a good pass, but he dallied too long on the ball and M’Cartney was not slow to deprive him of it. From a corner well placed by Kelly, McMahon headed through the first goal for the visitors amid shouts which clearly proved that the Celts lacked nothing in the way of [illegible] support. Leith did not seem at all pleased at this sudden change of matters, and Laing early [illegible] his dissatisfaction by rushing in a determined manner to [illegible] charge. The Celts were sorely beset, and in saving Cullen was passed, but Reynolds, with great presence of mind, rushed in and kicked the ball out when it was almost on the goal line. The visitors now made herculean efforts to make up the leeway, and after some really pretty passing Campbell sent in a regular beauty, which just missed the mark by inches. In turn the Athletic pressed and Henderson all but captured Cullen’s charge, amid loud shouts of hard lines from the crowd. Leith now resorted to defensive tactics, and all the shots of the Celts to draw level were defied. Amid a scene which defies description Leith retired victorious.
Celtic – Cullen; Reynolds and Doyle; Brady, Kelly, and Gallacher; Boyle, McCallum, Madden, Campbell and McMahon.
Celtic Team:-
Scorers:-