1893-09-09: Heart of Midlothian 2-4 Celtic, League Division 1

Teams

Articles

The Scotsman – Monday, 11th September 1893, page 5

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN v CELTIC –
A considerable amount of interest centred in this League encounter at Tynecastle, and the weather being of a most favourable nature it was no surprise to find the ground occupied by a crowd not far short of 20,000. From the start to finish of the game, too, the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, every good bit of play being cheered to the echo. On the other hand, there was a good deal of hooting on the part of the followers of the home club at the decisions of the referee, which throughout seemed to be exceedingly partial to the Celtic.

In spite of this disappointing fact, however, the game was a thoroughly enjoyable one, a fine exposition of the game being given by both teams. The Hearts, however, allowed their opponents to secure a commanding lead of four goals to one in the first half, and though they fought pluckily in the second half to pull this down, and had by far the best of the game, they could only reduce it by one goal, being thus beaten at the finish by four goals to two.

The strong defence of the Celtic was chiefly responsible for this, as it proved almost impregnable during the severe pressure by the Hearts in the second half. Still, the home team’s shooting was also greatly to blame for their defeat, comparatively few really difficult shots being sent at Cullen. What were were easily negotiated by Cullen, who throughout kept a capital goal. The match had a very sensational opening, for with the game only half a minute old the Celts rushed down, and, after some brilliant work in front of the net, Madden succeeded in eluding the vigilance of Fairbairn.

Nettled at this reverse, the home side played up with considerable spirit, but it was some time before they succeeded in breaking down the excellent defence of their opponents. But Chambers took advantage of an opening and the teams were once more on level terms. Barely had the game been restarted when Campbell gave the lead to the Glasgow Irishmen by the finest pieces of play ever witnessed at Tynecastle. He ran the ball unaided the full length of the field, and with a splendid shot while at full speed sent the ball spinning into the net with terrific force.

Even the Hearts’ followers were constrained to applaud this wonderful piece of play. The home troubles did not end here, for after a scrimmage in front of goal W. Hogg has the misfortune to present his opponents with another point. As half-time was approaching a flying shot by Campbell put the Celts still further ahead, and at the interval they were in possession of the formidable lead of four goals to one.

The Hearts started the second half with tremendous dash, but for a long time they were quite unable to pierce the defence of Doyle and Reynolds who did wonders at the back.

However, the goal came at last as the result of a combined scrimmage on the part of the forwards who bustled Cullen, ball, and all, through the goal.

To the finish the home team had matters all their own way, but whenever they became dangerous they were invariably called up by the referee, who appeared to find faults in their play which no other person could recognise. Chambers and Campbell were the best men on their respective sides.

Celtic – Cullen; Reynolds and Doyle; Montgomery, Kelly, and Dunbar; Madden, Blessington, Cassidy, McGinn, and Campbell.