| Match Pictures | Matches: 1931 – 1932 | 1931 Pictures |
Trivia
- A small note tucked away beside the results of Monday’s Glasgow Herald is in stark contrast to the way such a momentous event would be treated today. The brief but poignant text is nonetheless effective [See below].
- Practically every football match in Scotland on Saturday was prefaced by remarkable and impressive tributes to the memory of John Thomson, the young Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper, who died after being injured in the match with Rangers at Ibrox the previous week. The ceremony at Parkhead was typical. The Celtic team came out first then both teams wearing black arm-bands lined up and stood to attention facing the pavilion while a pipe hand played the “Flowers o’ the Forest.” The “Last Post” was also sounded. Dead silence reigned, and the crowd uncovered their heads. The ceremony finished with a silver band playing “Lead, Kindly Light.” [Scotsman].
- The match at Parkead was something of a disappointment, which was hardly surprising given the pervading air of sadness at the passing of a young and popular player. The visitors opened the scoring in 31 minutes through James Crawford and it was not until 15 minutes into the second-half that Charlie Napier equalised from the penalty spot following a foul on Bertie in the box. Then in 70 minutes Crawford beat goalkeeper Falconer a second time to regain the lead for Queen’s, but the new bhoy “Jerry” Solis equalised in the 85th minute and the game ended in a draw.
- In England surprises were the fashion. The all-conquering careers of both Sheffield Wednesday and Everton were stopped. They had their first defeats of the season, while Arsenal, the League champions, also made the day memorable by recording their first win of the season.
- The worst mining accident which has yet cast a gloom over East Fife coalfield took place at the Wellesley Colliery, Denbeath, Methil, (belonging to Wemyss Coal Company), on Saturday morning. The colliery is one of the most modern and up-to date in Scotland, and was sunk chiefly to tap the seams under the Firth of Forth. Over 1500 men are employed at present. The repair squad was engaged in its ordinary duties and had almost completed the work of the shift. A squad was busy fixing a girder in the main level, popularly styled the circle dook, under the supervision of the oversman, Blyth Davidson, when the roof made a surge, and without warning an extensive fall crashed over the workers. A girder at the tail end of the fall struck Mr Davidson, and he was killed instantly. Also killed in the roof collapse was James Mann (35) of 73 Clyde Street, Denbeath, who leaves a widow and four children.
Review
Teams
CELTIC:
Falconer, Cook, McGonagle, Wilson, McStay, Geatons, R. Thomson, A. Thomson, McGrory, Napier, Solis.
Scorers:
Napier, Solis.
QUEEN’S PARK:
Smith, Walker, Dickson, McCartney, Gillespie, Grant, Crawford, Bremner, McLelland, Fitzgerald, McKenzie.
Scorers:
Crawford, (2).
Referee: M. Hudson (Glasgow).
Attendance:
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Articles
The Scotsman – Monday, 14th September 1931, page 3
CELTIC FOILED BY QUEEN’S PARK
The solemn ceremony in memory of John Thomson previous to the start of the game at Celtic Park was no doubt responsible for the slack and lifeless play of Celtic during the first half.
It was only after Crawford opened the amateurs’ account that they showed any enthusiasm.
The second half was much livelier, and Celtic soon played their old studied game, but Queen’s were so keen that their methods were not always of the legal order. R. Thomson was brought down inside the penalty area, and Napier put the sides level.
Still continuing to press, Celtic came in for some severe treatment, and McGrory, Wilson, and A. Thomson were the chief sufferers.
Quite against the run of play, Queen’s went ahead once more through Crawford, but later Solis equalised. Some excitement, was caused through the referee awarding Queen’s Park a penalty, a decision he afterwards reversed by giving a free kick against them.
Celtic were unlucky not to win a game in which they had most of the play.
The Glasgow Herald, Sep. 14, 1931
AN IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE
Impressive tribute was paid to John Thomson at Celtic Park on Saturday. The flags were at half-mast, and all around the ground there was a subdued air. Celtic came out first filing slowly from the pavilion, followed by Queen’s Park, the 22 players forming an unbroken line as they walked to the field and took up their positions. All wore black armlets.
The crowd did not know how to welcome the players – there was a moments hesitation, and then a half-hearted cheer rippled round the field.
Players and spectators stood while a lament, the Last Post, and “Lead Kindly Light” were played. There was silence for a moment, then a cheer for the teams and another for Falconer as he ran towards the west goal. Then play began.
