The Final Association Cup Tie of 1889
This tie was decided at Hampden Park on the 9th February, 1889, between the 3rd L.R.V. and Celtic, and ended in favour of the 3rd L.R.V. by two goals to one. The same clubs, however, had previously met to decide the contest, but both played under protest in consequence of the weather. This naturally caused that additional excitement, which culminated at the final meeting on Hampden Park that Saturday afternoon. The 3rd L.R.V. had long worked for possession of the coveted prize, and twice it was within their grasp, for they played and were defeated in the final ties on two previous occasions—viz., in 1876 by the Queen’s Park, who scored two goals to none, and again in 1878 by the Vale of Leven, who overcame the warriors by one to none. If ever a team deserved victory in this event it was the 3rd Lanark Rifle Volunteers. The Celtic were more than foemen worthy of their steel, and considering the fact that the 3rd L.R.V. had come through the ties so creditably, and had that season vanquished the crack English professional combination, the victory was a most popular one all round. As for the Celtic, they are a young and powerful club, and can afford to wait a season or so for victory, for you know “everything comes to those who wait.” The crowd was large, the weather fair, and the enthusiasm great. The Volunteers played with the wind, and made their first point out of a scrimmage about twenty minutes from the start, and this was all the scoring in the first round. The play after this was very even, and the Celts were showing off some grand combined efforts, but were unfortunate at goal. At length, however, the Irishmen made a brilliant sally on the Volunteers’ stronghold, and Mr. M’Callum put the ball between the posts. After this the play was so even that a draw seemed inevitable, and it was only by the determined play of the Cathkin Park team that at length the Celtic goal was taken for the second time by Mr. Oswald, junior, who was ably assisted in the successful run by Messrs. Marshall and Hannah. The Cup—that trophy which had cost some kind hearts (now silent for ever), an unsatisfied longing, and a constant anguish of patience—was safe to the old club at last! I accordingly give the players who took part in the tie, and start with the 3rd L.R.V.