| Match Pictures | Matches: 1930 – 1931 | 1931 Pictures |
Trivia
- In this match against the New York Giants, both the home side’s goals had a Scottish as well as an international flavour. The first was scored by Kirkintilloch lad Jimmy Gallagher from a pass by Edinburgh-born Bart McGhee, both players were members of the USA national squad that recently finished in third place in the 1930 Inaugural World Cup in Uraguay. The second goal came two minutes later and was scored by William “Shamus” O’Brien from a pass by Jimmy Gallagher. Celtic’s goals were scored by Jimmy McGrory, (2); and Charlie Napier.
- The goalkeeper of the New York Giants was named as Jock “Gabby” Brown but may in fact have been Jim, part of a famous footballing family and their scoring inside-left was Neilston-born William “Shamus” O’Brien. Carnoustie-born, Johnny Slaven, who had played for Raith Rovers and Hearts was another expatriate Scot in the Giants team.
- New York, May 26.—Scottish boxer Johnny McMillan‘s chances of a feather-weight title fight with Battling Battalino, which stood high a few weeks ago, were weakened at the New Lennox Arena here last night, when, he was beaten on points after 10 rounds of furious fighting by the Italian-American, Joey Costa. The decision probably went in favour of Costa because of his harder blows and aggressive tactics. All the members of the Celtic Football Club were at the ringside cheering for McMillan, but this moral support was unavailing, however, McMillan made a splendid fight of it, and some critics thought he should have been awarded the fight. McMillan is to have a return fight with Costa of twelve rounds on 2nd June. It will be the main bout of the evening. In the opinion of such expert critics as Wilbur Wood and Ned Brown, McMillan fought the best fight of his career against Costa, and these writers heartily congratulate him.—Press Association.
- Sheriff’s solemn warning as eight men are fined: “I solemnly issue this warning, that if these disturbances are repeated, very severe measures will be taken for their suppression.” In these words, Sheriff MacDonald, at Hamilton on Saturday, indicated the serious view taken by the authorities of the disturbances at Carfin on May 10 during an Orange procession. Superintendent Aitken, Bellshill said that the Newarthill Orange Lodge received permission to hold a procession to Carfin Church. From past experience, the senior officers of the Lanarkshire Constabulary anticipated trouble, and seventy-six officers were detailed for special duty at Carfin. The procession numbered about 1,000 persons, but there were also about 500 hangers-on. On the road to the church there was sneering and shouting between followers of the procession and the people in the grotto at Carfin, but nothing serious happened. After the meeting at the church, the procession was on its way back when a disturbance arose, and several men were arrested. He had heard that several of the hangers-on were singing party songs.- The Scotsman.
Preview
New York Evening Post, May 23, 1931
GIANTS BOOTERS TO MEET CELTIC
Clash With Glasgow Eleven at Polo Grounds Tomorrow-Visitors Favored
While Glasgow Celtic were scheduled to open their fourteen-game tour of the United States today in Philadelphia, the soccer Giants awaited the opportunity of springing a surprise on the Scottish champions tomorrow at the Polo Grounds. The Giants have not forgotten the one-goal defeat they received from the Glasgow Rangers last season.
Although no one cared to place the blame on the inefficient goal tending of Jimmy Douglas, a majority of the Giants followers appear to show more faith in Jock “Gabby” Brown. It is unlikely that the chatty goalie will have a chance to sprinkle his mates with encouragement, as Celtic figures to bombard the net relentlessly.
Records of cup championships held by the Celts seem to command no respect from the Giants. The Stoneham booters are convinced that even the best team in Scotland can be defeated. That they will apply that formula successfully tomorrow is doubtful.
In spite of their three-game winning streak, the Giants seem handicapped in condition and in the lack of co-operation. In the last three weeks the line-up of the Giants has been shifted.
George Aimer and J. Peres have alternated at right back. Now, Jimmy Martyn is to patrol the backfield with Teddy Glover. Admirers of Celtic cannot see how their team can miss.
Teams
NEW YORK GIANTS:
Jock Brown, Teddy Glover, James Martyn, Paddy Flanagan, Hugh Lafferty, Johnny Slaven, Jimmy Gallagher, Herbert Carlson, Davey Brown, Shamus O’Brien, Bart McGhee.
Scorers:
Gallagher, O’Brien.
CELTIC:
J. Thomson, Cook, McGonagle, Wilson, McStay, Geatons, R. Thomson, A. Thomson, McGrory, Scarff, Napier.
Scorers:
McGrory, (2); Napier.
Referee: Charles Creighton
Attendance: 35,000
Venue: Polo Grounds, New York, N.Y.
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Articles
The Scotsman – Monday, 25th May 1931, page 9
SCOTTISH FOOTBALLERS IN AMERICA
Another Victory for Celtic
New York, May 24.—Celtic scored a second victory this afternoon, defeating the New York Giants by three goals to two before an enthusiastic crowd of about 35,000 spectators.—Reuter.
