The Thistle Archive

The athletic event for today was a football match between the Cowlairs and Partick Thistle. Ropes were carried ‘round the boundary to keep back the spectators, but these were so few in number that they were easily kept in order. Indeed, the attendance at the camp today of the general public might almost be categorised as meagre. The proceedings are, of course, carried out on strictly military principles, and on that account, perhaps there is not much to induce volunteers to invite their friends to visit them; still, it was expected there would be a much larger attendance of holidaymakers from Glasgow. Mackay kicked off for the Partick Thistle against a slight wind, and some open play followed, in which the Partick men had somewhat the advantage. After fifteen minutes’ play, D. McPherson scored the first goal for the Cowlairs, and soon afterwards John McPherson made a good passing run to McCartney, who succeeded in scoring a second point for the Cowlairs. The Partick players continued to press their opponents hard, and ultimately succeeded in scoring their first and, as it proved, their only point. Just before half-time James McPherson, by a quick shot from the right, scored a third goal for the Cowlairs, and in the second half John McPherson put on a fourth, the game ending in favour of the Cowlairs by four goals to one. The ground was only in fair condition, time not having been found to fill up a number of ditches and rabbit holes.

Glasgow Herald, Monday, 15th July, 1889

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