| Matches: 1887 1888 1889 | 1887-1900 |
Celtic Games 1888 – Vale of Leven
Trivia
- Friendly match played at Millburn Park, Alexandria.
- Before 2,000 spectators.
Review
The Celtic visited Alexandria and played Vale of Leven. The Celts made an alteration on their team, playing W Maley at back instead of Collins. the game was a fast one throughout, the strangers winning by the narrow majority of two goals to one.
Teams
Vale of Leven:-
Wilson, Whitelaw, Murray, A. Paton, Cowan, Osbourne, McLachlan, Rankin, J. Paton, McMillan, Bruce.
Goal:- Bruce 13.
Celtic:-
Dunning, W Maley, Dunbar, Kelly, Gallagher, McKeown, McCallum, Dunbar, Coleman, Groves, T Maley.
Goals:- Groves 43, McCallum.
Referee:
Att:- 2,000.
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
Pictures
- Match Pictures
From newspaper reports from the time.
Report 1
The Scotsman – Monday, 24th December 1888, page 5
Vale of Leven v Celtic – Played at Alexandria. The game throughout was of the fastest description, and was very evenly contested. The Vale scored first from the foot of Bruce in twenty minutes, A couple of minutes before the whistle was blown the Celtic equalized. The second half was of the same nature as the first, but, if anything, the Celts had the best of it. When fifteen minutes were gone, McCallum put on a second goal for the Celtic. This proved the winning point of the game, Towards the close the Vale put on a spurt and tried to equalize, but failed. Result :- Celtic, two goals: Vale of Leven, one goal.
Report 2
Millburn Park, Alexandria, was the scene of a brilliant and pleasant game between these teams. the crowd which gathered within the new ground of the Vale was the largest which has yet met there.
The Celtic appeared first on the field, while the home players got photographed in front of the pavilion. Both teams were at full strength – Groves for the Celtic kicked off, but the Vale backs returned the ball, and for a few minutes confined the play very much in the Celtic ground. The Vale left-wing were showing up well, Osbourne feeding them beautifully.
Bruce had several good chances, but was rather slow. When the game was 13 minutes old this player sent in a swift shot which took effect.
The Celts worked hard to score, McCallum and Groves being prominent in this attempt. It was only when half-time was about up that Groves evaded Murray and sent the ball past Wilson, thus equalising, the second period was more in favour of the Celtic, who played their slow passing game very effectively.
In a few minutes McCallum had two good chances – the latter of which resulted in a second goal for the Celtic. For some time the Vale's play was slackened, but although the Celtic had hard lines, they could not pass Wilson, who did yeoman service at goal.
Whitelaw also was in good form, and seldom missed, but Murray was uncertain – while Rankin played a splendid game. Fifteen minutes from the finish the Vale made a grand effort to equalise, but without avail, and the whistle blew, leaving the Celtic winners by 2 to 1.
Glasgow Herald,Monday, December 24, 1888
