| Matches: 1889 1890 | 1887-1900 | Forum |
Celtic Games 1890 – Northern
Trivia
- Final tie for the North eastern (Glasgow) Cup competition.
- Glasgow North-Eastern Cup
- Played on neutral ground at Barrowfield Park.
- Before a large crowd.
- Celtic won 2-0 and thus retain the cup.
Review
The final tie for the North Eastern Cup, played between the Celtic and Northern at Barrowfield Park, attracted a large crowd. The game was keenly contested, the Celtic, with the wind in their favour, scoring two goals.
The Northern put forth strenuous endeavours to notch a point in the second period, but the defence was too good, and they had to retire defeated by 2 goals to 0.
The Celtic have now won the trophy two years in succession.
Teams
Celtic:-
McLaughlin, Reynolds, McKeown, Gallagher, Kelly, McLaren, Madden, Dunbar, Groves, Coleman, Dowds.
Goals:- Coleman, Dowds.
Northern:-
Burnside, Nisbet, Aitken, McNab, McKinnon, Gormley, Bruce, Downs, Martin, Watson, Mathieson.
Articles
- Match Report (See Below)
- Official Site
Pictures
- Match Pictures
From newspaper reports from the time
Report 1
The Scotsman – Monday, 17th March 1890, page 5
Celtic v Northern –
The final for the North-Eastern Cup between these clubs was decided at Barrowfield Park, Glasgow, in the presence of a big crowd of enthusiastic patrons. The teams were powerfully represented, and a great game was anticipated. The Celtic had the wind at their backs in the first half and this element was an important factor in the game, as the Northern, excepting frequent dangerous breakaways, were mostly confined to their own territory. The defence of Burnside, Nisbet, and Fowler was severely tested, and right wwell they came out of the encounter. Groves occupied his usual place in the centre, and had some good shots early in the game, but the wind spoiled their best endeavours. Madden, Coleman and Dowds, particularly the first-named, tried hard to break the defence, but were completely baffled by the effectiveness of the opposition, which, though not brilliant, was successful. Coleman scored the first goal of the match very cleverly, and this was followed by a magnificent attack by the Northern forwards. Three corners followed, but were unfruitful. Dowds was responsible for the second goal, and at half-time the result was unaltered. Aided by the wins, the Northern confined the Celtic well to their own end, but the defence of McKeown, McLaughlin, and Reynolds could not be pierced. The half-backs were difficult to pass, and the play of Gallacher was surprisingly good. A hard game ended in the downfall of the Northern by two goals to none. The Celts thus retain the Cup, of which they are at present the holders.
Report 2
The Celtic and the Northern played off the final tie for the North Eastern Cup on Barrowfield Park, before a large crowd.
The Celtic won the toss, and Martin kicked off against the wind. For a minute the ball was in Celtic territory, but it was soon returned, and it being “skied”, the breeze carried it into Burnside’s hands. He, however, coolly sent it up field. It was almost impossible for the Northern to make headway against the breeze of which the Celtic took full advantage.
During the early part of the game the Northern’s goal was repeatedly stormed, but their defence was splendid. The Northern had a brief respite, but the Celtic soon returned, and Groves sent in a shot which Burnside just tipped over the bar.
The Celts kept at it, and at last Coleman found an opening. A most determined and energetic raid was then made by the Northern, and it looked as if the Celts’ goal was doomed, but miraculously the ball was sent clear.
Play was again transferred to the Northern’s territory, and Dowds scored.
At half-time the score stood in favour of the Celtic by two goals to nothing.
After a short interval, play was recommenced by the Northern at once pressing. They got a corner, but it was badly placed. McLaughlin had shortly after to save at the expense of a corner, but it came to nothing. As the game progressed it was evident, that if energetic play would do it the Northern would trouble their opponents.
Reynolds and McKeown were on the alert; and McLaughlin, though not brilliant, was useful. A well sustained run by the Celts looked likely, but Nisbet cleared, and the play settled for a time in Celtic territory. Despite all their efforts, however, the Northern could not score.
On the whole, the Northern deserve credit for the gallant stand they made against their opponents, and with a little luck they might have scored at least one.
Result – Celtic, 2 goals; Northern, 0.