In 1902, Ardrossan
Winton Rovers and Ardrossan Celtic continued their rivalry, particularly in
the North Ayrshire Juvenile League. Two new teams, Ardrossan Corinthians and
Ardrossan Academy 1902, were founded while Winton Thistle played occasionally.
Ardrossan and District Ancients played two charity games.
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC v BARTONHOLM BRITANNIA MATCH ABANDONED
The league meeting between Ardrossan Celtic and Bartonholm Britannia
(probably on 28 December 1901) on the ground of the former was stopped before
time and will in all likelihood be replayed. When hostilities ceased, the Celtic
lads were on the sure road to victory with six goals against two for the Bartonholm
representatives.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
WINTON
ROVERS' HATTIE'S SUSPENSION LIFTED
A Hattie of the Ardrossan Winton Rovers who was suspended for a month
for rough tactics was free to resume play on Saturday (28 December 1902) but
he was unable to do so being indisposed.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
AUCHENHARVIE
XI 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The Rovers, minus four of their regular team, travelled Stevenstonwards
on Saturday (28 December 1901) to play their return League fixture with Auchenharvie
XI but as the official 'knight of the whistle' failed to make his appearance,
the game took the form of a friendly. No doubt, the inclemency of the weather
was responsible for the poor attendance of spectators. Auchenharvie, who had
the breeze in their favour during the first 'thirty' were the first to open
the scoring but had to act on the defensive for the greater part of the game.
After many determined but ineffectual attempts to score, the Rovers ultimately
scored the equaliser, Cochrane giving the finishing touch to a good run on the
part of Simpson, the outside left. The Light Blues had a monopoly of
the play after this and when the whistle sounded, fifteen minutes or so before
time, they led by three goals to one.
A second report on the match is given below.
The Rovers, with several subs, met Auchenharvie XI at Stevenston under
North Ayrshire League auspices but as the referee failed to turn up, the game
took the form of a friendly which the Rovers won on somewhat easy terms.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
WINTON
ROVERS HAPPY TO PLAY AT SALTCOATS
In reply to a paragraph which appeared in last week's issue under Seaside Ripples,
in which it was stated that 'two teams about a mile of thereabouts to the west
of Saltcoats would, on no account, consent to play the Seaside Rangers on Brewery
Field', we are requested to say the Winton Rovers have not once this
season refused to play at Saltcoats. The writer of the paragraph evidently forgets
that the first game on Brewery Field this season was to have taken place between
Seaside Rangers and Winton Rovers, that arrangements were practically
made for the fixture and that at the last minute, it turned out that a Barrhead
team were to be the visitors at Saltcoats on the Saturday in question. It should
also be stated that was the only open date the Rovers have had since
the North Ayrshire League started and when, owing to a disappointment, the Wintonians
found themselves without a fixture, they on each occasion approached the Seaside
officials in the first place with a view to arranging a match at Saltcoats or
Ardrossan, only to be informed that the Rangers were already engaged. So far
as we are aware, the finances of either of the teams hinted at are quite sound
enough to bear the strain of a Saturday's absence from their own ground but
the Seaside correspondent should bear in mind the fact that in order to fulfil
their League fixtures, both teams are obliged to act the part of visitors every
other Saturday while on the other hand, the 'White Brigade' have played the
majority of their games this season on Brewery Field. We may add, in conclusion,
that the Winton Parkers are quite prepared to journey to Saltcoats when
they have an open date in order to accommodate the Rangers and they are quite
confident that they can hold their own against the 'Gilded Youths' even at Brewery.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
This paragraph was written under Echoes From Winton
Park.
REMARKS
NOT APPRECIATED
Judging from what we have heard, the remarks made under Seaside Ripples in last
week's issue have been accepted and commented on by the teams located about
a mile or thereabouts to the west of Saltcoats. The remarks were not appreciated
by some of the trundlers in the 'town to the west'.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
WINTON
ROVERS TO PLAY GALSTON BLUEBELL
The Rovers have entered the Galston and District Cup Competition. On
Saturday night (28 December 1901), the draw in the first round of the ties took
place and we are informed the Light Blues have been pitted against Galston
Bluebell, the game to come off on the last Saturday of this month (25 January
1902).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
WINTON
ROVERS 5 - CLAREMONT ATHLETIC 2
WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 6 - ARDROSSAN CORINTHIANS 1
The holiday games played at Winton Park on
New Year's Day (1 January 1902) were Rovers v Claremont Athletic and
Rovers A v Ardrossan Corinthians. The results were Rovers
5 - Claremont 2 and Rovers A 6 - Corinthians 1.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC 3 - MOTHERWELL HEARTS 1
ARDROSSAN WINTON THISTLE 4 - KILMARNOCK ROSEVALE 0
Celtic beat Motherwell Hearts by three to one and 'wee' Winton Thistle
drubbed Kilmarnock Rosevale by four to nil (probably on 1 January 1902).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
ARDROSSAN
WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 7 - IRVINE RANGERS 0
At Ardrossan yesterday (2 January 1902), the Winton Rovers A team defeated
Irvine Rangers by seven goals to nil.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
CLUBS
SHOULD GIVE MORE NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
Detention is sometimes contemptible and clubs which fail to give notice to another
within the specified time should be made to suffer. Last week, we heard of a
certain league club that gave the team which was to oppose them only two days'
notice confirming a fixture. No one could have blamed the latter club had it
arranged for another match instead.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
AYRSHIRE
JUVENILE FOOTBALL
The committee of the Scottish Juvenile Association met in Glasgow on Saturday
evening (28 December 1902) and through the first round of the ties, the Ayrshire
clubs have been pitted as follows.
Ladeside XI v Ardeer Thistle
Ardrossan Celtic v Troon Portland
Largs Neva v Hurlford Thistle
Springside v Kilwinning Rangers
Stewarton Victoria XI v Longbar Rangers
Dalry Athletic v Irvine Thistle
Vale of Garnock Strollers v first entry
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 3 January 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (27 December 1901).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
12
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
7
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
17
|
9
|
9
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
24
|
21
|
8
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
7
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
21
|
20
|
7
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
5
|
5
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
16
|
14
|
5
|
||
Warner
XI
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
8
|
16
|
4
|
||
AuchenharvieXI
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
0
|
14
|
20
|
4
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
7
|
14
|
2
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
7
|
0
|
7
|
0
|
9
|
31
|
0
|
KILWINNING
RANGERS 10 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
So far as we are aware, only one North Ayrshire League game was played and won
last Saturday (4 January 1902), the issue of which has placed the Kilwinning
Rangers two points higher on the league table. Their victims were Ardrossan
Celtic who suffered defeat to the extent of ten goals to one. Compared with
the result of the recent game at Ardrossan when the teams drew, the above issue
shows a vast difference in superiority on the part of the Rangers.
A second report is given below.
On Saturday last (4 January 1902), the Kilwinning Rangers had Ardrossan Celtic
at Kilwinning, the occasion being a return North Ayrshire League fixture. The
teams were Celtic - Steed,
McKiernan, Haggerty, McLaughlin, Brannan, Knox, (James) Hunter, McLeish, Cochrane, Smith
and Wilson; Rangers - McGavin, Lindsay, Kerr, McLaughlan, Rae, Duff, Muirhead,
Lynch, Lundie, Bannerman and Watt. The referee was Mr Craig, Dalry. The Rangers
won the toss toss and elected to face the wind the first half. Celtic
started the game twenty minutes behind the advertised time and getting well
set, made a combined run on McGavin's charge but they shot past. Coming away
from the goal kick, the Rangers instituted a fine combined effort but Steed
saved Watt's shot in good style. Not to be denied, the Rangers kept up the pressure
but Steed was instrumental in keeping
them at bay when everyone else had been beaten. Hunter got away on the right
wing and crossing at the right moment, their outside-left had no trouble in
scoring the first goal of the game and Celtic were one up. This reverse
wakened the Rangers and coming away, they rushed the ball into the Celtic
goal when one of the backs fisted it out and the referee awarded a foul a foot
outside the penalty line. Nothing, however, eventuated from the free kick but
on keeping up the pressure, Lynch subsequently equalised with a good shot. There
was only one team in it after this and that was not the Celtic. The Buffs
appeared to do pretty much as they liked with their opponents and before half-time
was announced, Lynch had Steed
again beaten with goal number two. It looked very black for Celtic now
as, with the wind in their favour the second half, there was not much chance
of them from keeping the Rangers from running up a big score. After a short
interval, Lundie restarted the game for the Rangers and immediately they had
a run down the field in which the whole of the forwards took part. It was left
to Lynch to give the ball the parting touch and he gave Steed
no chance to save. The Buffs were now leading by two clear goals and it was
early seen that this half was going to be a farce. Coming away once more, Lundie
let in a shot which beat the goalkeeper but as one of the backs fisted the sphere
out, the referee awarded a penalty which Watt converted into a fourth goal for
the Rangers. The homesters did not seem to be satisfied with their success and
having assumed the offensive again, Lynch scored with a low shot bringing their
total up to five goals. This was scoring with a vengeance - three goals in five
minutes and two of the Celtic players took it so sore to heart that they
left the field. After this, Celtic played only one back which kept the
Rangers at bay as, time after time, they were pulled up for offside. However,
they succeeded on four other occasions which brought their score up to nine
goals. With thirty minutes to go, other two Celtic players left the field,
leaving the other seven to finish the game which they did in a very manly way,
playing with only one back which trew the Buffs repeatedly offside. The homesters
put an goal after goal but these were all disallowed with one exception. If
all the goals scored had been granted, the Rangers would have beaten Celtic
by something like thirty-eight to one. As it was, Rangers ran out winners of
a game that was a disgrace to Celtic by ten to one. We must say the Celtic
players who left the field acted very unsportsmanlike and especially after 'chaffing'
Winton Rovers about their thirteen to
nil defeat at Kilwinning last season. Had all the Celts remained
on the field, something more than ten goals would have been scored against them
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 January 1902
This was Ardrossan Celtic's worst defeat to date.
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (3 January 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
12
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
8
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
18
|
19
|
9
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
24
|
21
|
8
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
17
|
6
|
7
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
7
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
21
|
20
|
7
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
16
|
14
|
5
|
||
Warner
XI
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
8
|
16
|
4
|
||
AuchenharvieXI
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
0
|
14
|
20
|
4
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
7
|
14
|
2
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
7
|
0
|
7
|
0
|
9
|
31
|
0
|
WILL
WINTON ROVERS COME TO SALTCOATS?
We are pleased to observe that our recent paragraph anent club 'out west' struck
home. Seaside will, we are certain, be delighted to entertain the Winton
Parkers at Brewery Field on whatever date suits the Rovers' convenience,
provided suitable notice is given. We noticed that the Rovers' correspondent
states that the Winton Rovers have not once this season refused to play
the Seaside at Saltcoats. That is correct in its own way. They have not once
- but several times - refused to do so. The dates of said refusals and the names
of those to whom they were made can be given if the Rovers so desire
them. We are prepared to authenticate any other statements we have made. Referring
to the remark that arrangements were practically made for a fixture between
the Winton Rovers and the Seaside for the opening game at Brewery, such
cannot be the case. The Seaside secretary had a fixture with Barrhead Fereneze
for over a week prior to the opening. We have never heard of him having had
a postcard from the Rovers offering their services for that date. The
reference as to how many games Seaside have played at Brewery is, in our opinion,
altogether without the pale of this controversy. The point in question is, or
rather was, are the Rovers going to play a return at Saltcoats for the
games the Seaside have already played at Winton
Park? If, however, the Rovers' correspondent intends to take up these
trivial matters, we would ask him to ascertain how many times the Rovers
left their own pitch last season when there was no League and we fancy he will
find that the various occurences could be counted on the fingers of one hand.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 January 1902
This report was written under Seaside Ripples.
WINTON
ROVERS GAME WITH DALRY ATHLETIC POSTPONED
We understand Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Dalry Athletic were also advised
to meet under league auspices but for some reason, owing perhaps to the new
year holidays, the match which was down for settlement at Ardrossan was put
off. The Rovers will find employment in league interests tomorrow (11
January 1902) when they will contest their claim for points with Bartonholm
Britannia on the ground of the latter. Dow and Hattie will be absentees in the
Rovers' quintet and subs will have to fill the vacancies otherwise the
team is expected to be fully representative.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 January 1902
LARGS
NEVA 5 - LONGBAR RANGERS 0 at North Cresent Park, Ardrossan
The long-delayed undecided cup-tie between Largs Neva and Longbar Rangers in
the initial round of the Irvine and District competition which the Association
several weeks ago ordered to be replayed at Saltcoats came off on the ground
of the Ardrossan Celtic last Saturday (4 January 1902). By the results
of the two previous games, the above teams had tied hence their third meeting.
A strong wind interrupted the play but nevertheless the Largs lads scored a
substantial win, beating down their opponents to the extent of five goals to
nil. Largs Neva meet Springside as their next opponents. A number of spectators
turned out to witness the contest but seeing there were no games played at Ardrossan
by the local combinations, we think the two visiting clubs erred in not announcing
the match by posters.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 10 January 1902
BARTONHOLM
BRITANNIA 3 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Bartonholm Britannia met on the latter's
ground on Saturday (11 January 1902) and played their return North Ayrshire
League fixture. The first game at Winton Park
having result in a win for the Rovers by seven to one, it was generally
expected that the Light Blues would give the Britannia lads a hard run
for the points at the 'Holm and a goodly number of the Winton club's
supporters journey thither on Saturday. Dow and Hattie were absent from the
Rovers' front rank through indisposition and as subs, Steadman and Anderson
partnered each other on the right wing. Bartonholm kicked off and the Rovers'
defence was kept busy for a spell in repulsing the vigorous attack of the 'Holm
forwards. On the pressure being relieved for a little, the Rovers steadied
themselves and play was transferred to the other end but not for long as the
bustling go-ahead play of their opponents quite upset any attempt at combination
on the part of the Rovers. Once more, Welsh's charge was endangered and
as a result of a high shot from the homesters' left wing, the sphere went sailing
through the top corner of the goal thus opening the scoring department for Britannia.
It was a soft goal. Nevertheless, it might with an effort might have been averted.
Awakened by this unexpected reverse, the Rovers now became the aggressors
and on more than one occasion had hard lines in not gaining the equaliser. An
exciting scrimmage took place in front of Britannia's citadel but the custodian
ultimately cleared in safety and the Rovers once more retired pointless.
Several long drives brought the sphere again in the vicinity of the Winton
stronghold and, though temporarily checked, the Bartonholm forwards rushed matters,
Welsh being beaten for the second time with a shot which it would have been
well nigh impossible for him to have saved. Restarting from the meridian, the
Light Blues fought hard to find the coveted spot but when Anderson neatly
headed the ball through, the goal was disallowed for offside - hard luck. Nothing
daunted, however, they returned to the attack and shortly before half-time their
efforts were rewarded. No further scoring was effected this half and the teams
changed ends with Bartonholm leading by two goals to one. On the resumption
of hostilities, the Rovers started briskly and it seemed as if they would
have matters all their own way. It was no use however. It would have gone better
with them had they adopted the kick-and-rush tactics like their opponents instead
of attempting to play a game of combinations on a pitch which was covered with
numberless hillocks and hollows and therefore quite unsuitable for that sort
of play. Bartonholm made several raids on the Rovers' citadel and the
outcome of one of these was the addition of goal number three to their total.
They were awarded a penalty kick a little later for McMurray handling the ball
within the twelve yards line but on the kick being taken, the sphere went soaring
over the bar. The Rovers time and again bombarded the homesters' goal,
numerous chances being thrown away by miserable shooting on the part of the
forwards. Reid as centre-forward was inclined to work too much by himself and
at times kept manoeuvring the ball longer than was necessary. Twice the Bartonholm
custodian overstepped the limit when running with the ball in his hands and
in each case a foul was awarded the Rovers inside the penalty line, both
of which were unproductive. Notwithstanding their repeated attempts to score,
the Rovers failed to reduce their opponents' lead and the game ended
in a win for Bartonholm by three goals to one. Anderson and Simpson were the
pick of the Winton forwards and McGill was easily the best of the halves
while Carmichael, as usual, figured prominently in the back division. Tomorrow,
Saturday (18 January 1902), the Light Blues will act the part of visitors,
Irvine being their destination where they will engage Saint Andrew's in League
interests.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 January 1902
ARDROSSAN
WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 2 - KILWINNING RANGERS RESERVES 3
The Rovers second string made a very creditable appearance against the
Kilwinning Rangers Reserves at Winton Park
on Saturday (11 January 1902). A well-contested game ended in favour of the
visitors by three goals to two.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 January 1902
SILENT
CONTEMPT FOR ALLEGATIONS AGAINST WINTON ROVERS
The contributor of Seaside Ripples is apparently not satisfied with the reply
we vouchsafed to his remarks with regard to the Winton Rovers and Seaside
Rangers and still persists in asserting that the Light Blues have repeatedly
refused to play at Brewery Park, a charge which is utterly without foundation.
The Rovers, when not otherwise engaged, would be only too pleased to
meet their Saltcoats friends under any conditions if asked in a proper manner
as the following remarks will show. The Seaside chronicler further states that
the Rangers' secretary had arranged for Barrhead Fereneze to open Brewery Park
a week or so before the game took place and denies that the Rovers had
been asked and had consented to play at Saltcoats on that occasion. What then
induced the Seasiders to sent a letter requesting the Winton Parkers
to journey to Saltcoats on the day in question and why did a paragraph appear
in the Herald on 1 November under Seaside
Notes stating that the Light Blues were to open the new ground? Truly,
the ignorance of this Seaside admirer is deplorable. In his opinion, the main
question is - Are Rovers willing to play the Seasiders at Brewery Field
in return for the games played at Winton Park
last season? Did not the Rovers play the White Brigade twice at South
Beach last season, that being the only pitch at the Rangers' disposal at that
time? The Seaside correspondent has either a very bad memory or he had little
idea of what he is talking about. It would seem from the position he has taken
up that his object is to create friction between two clubs which have hitherto
been on quite friendly terms and lest he feel inclined to impose further on
the good nature of the readers of this paper by again bringing up the matter,
we may state that his remarks will be treated with silent contempt.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 January 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Two league games were played last Saturday (11 January 1902) and Bartonholm
placed two points to their register at the expense of Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
To beat Bartonholm by seven to one in their first match and then go under by
three to one is hardly consistent play on the part of the Rovers. Ardrossan
Celtic were disappointed last Saturday (11 January 1902). Posters were issued
announcing a League match with Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle at North
Crescent Park but the latter having an Irvine and District Cup tie to play,
the League fixture had to stand down. This looks a bit hard on the Celts
after billing the match. Celtic play Dalry Athletic at Ardrossan on Saturday
first (18 January 1902) under League auspices. The Celts' new match secretary
is James Aitken, 45 Quay Street, Saltcoats. Judging from the scores, the Winton
Rovers A Team seem to have performed as well on Saturday against the Kilwinning
Rangers Reserves as the 'Gilded Youths' of Saltcoats. The youthful Rovers
only lost the game by the odd goal.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 17 January 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (10 January 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
12
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
6
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
9
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
8
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
18
|
19
|
9
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
6
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
24
|
21
|
8
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
8
|
3
|
4
|
1
|
22
|
23
|
7
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
5
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
6
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
15
|
5
|
||
Warner
XI
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
8
|
16
|
4
|
||
AuchenharvieXI
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
0
|
14
|
20
|
4
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
8
|
0
|
8
|
0
|
10
|
40
|
0
|
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC 4 - DALRY ATHLETIC 1
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 24 January 1902
This game was probably played on 17 January 1902 but no
report or score was given in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald of 24 January
1902. The score was deduced from the League table.
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (17 January 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
12
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
9
|
5
|
3
|
1
|
22
|
20
|
11
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
6
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
9
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
7
|
4
|
3
|
0
|
25
|
25
|
8
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
9
|
3
|
5
|
1
|
23
|
26
|
7
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
5
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
6
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
15
|
5
|
||
Warner
XI
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
8
|
16
|
4
|
||
AuchenharvieXI
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
0
|
14
|
20
|
4
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
9
|
1
|
8
|
0
|
13
|
41
|
2
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
So far as we have learned, four clubs were in the hunt for North Ayrshire League
points last Saturday (17 January 1902) and the results of the two games found
Ardrossan Celtic and Irvine Saint Andrews on the right side of the ledger.
The games were played at Ardrossan and Irvine and the teams that suffered defeat
were Dalry Athletic and Ardrossan Winton Rovers. Last week, we expressed
the hope that the tide would soon turn in favour of the Irvine Saints but we
did not think their first League win was to be at the expense of the Winton
Rovers. Despite the rumours that Ardrossan Celtic were in
sore straits regarding the mustering of a team, the result of their undecided
League game with Dalry Athletic seems to convey a different impression. We expect
the 'green and white' brigade to finish a goal or two ahead of their guests
and opponents - Troon Portland - in the Scottish Juvenile tie tomorrow (25 January
1902). The display of the Winton Rovers at Irvine on Saturday (18 January
1902) was a disappointing one. However, we look for a different exhibition tomorrow
(25 January 1902) when the Light Blues will tackle Galston Bluebell in
the first stage of the Galston and District Cup competition at Ardrossan. Hattie
is expected to resume playing tomorrow and this should put new life into the
front rank. The Wintonians should graduate into the second round. Now then,
'Spider!'. We understand the Winton Rovers intend holding their first
annual social and dance in the Town Hall on Friday 21 February next to which
a number of friends will be invited.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 24 January 1902
SCOTTISH AND GALSTON JUVENILE CUP DRAWS
A couple of juvenile competitions will be inaugurated tomorrow (25 January 1902).
We refer to the Scottish and Galston Association cup ties and as the majority
of the North Ayrshire League clubs are more or less interested in each of these
competitions, only one League match is down for decision tomorrow, Saturday
(25 January 1902), namely Bartonholm Britannia v Irvine Saint Andrew's. The
Ayrshire clubs in the Scottish Juvenile competition have been drawn as follows.
Ladeside XI v Ardeer Thistle
Ardrossan Celtic v Troon Portland
Largs Neva v Hurlford Thistle
Springside v Kilwinning Rangers
Stewarton Victoria XI v Longbar Rangers
Dalry Athletic v Irvine Thistle
Vale of Garnock Strollers v first entry
The ties in the preliminary stage of the Galston competition are as undernoted.
Cronberry Thistle v Troon Portland
Ladyton Star v Muirkirk Ironclads
Irvine Saint Andrews v Springside Helena
Gauchalland Thistle v Vale of Irvine
Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Galston Bluebell
Vale of Garnock v Auchinleck Rangers
Darvel v Skares Burnton Lads
Hurlford United - a bye
Owing to the Scottish Juvenile ties on Saturday first (25 January 1902), several
of the above are likely to be postponed, the premier Association having first
claim on the clubs.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 January 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (24 January 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
11
|
7
|
3
|
1
|
22
|
20
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
10
|
7
|
3
|
0
|
25
|
25
|
14
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
23
|
26
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
10
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
11
|
18
|
11
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
13
|
5
|
8
|
0
|
16
|
42
|
10
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Ardrossan Winton Rovers were without a game last Saturday (24 January
1902) owing to Galston Bluebell having an Irvine and District tie to play. The
Rovers received notice on Friday morning (23 January 1902) from the Galston
club saying that they would be unable to play their Galston and District cup
tie for the above reason. The reason we would say was quite good enough for
the postponement of a tie but surely more notice might have been given the Rovers
in order to allow them some time to make arrangements for another fixture. So
far as we learn, this postponed tie will not be played tomorrow (1 February
1902) either as we understand the Winton Park Rovers will find employment
at home in North Ayrshire League interests. Their opponents will be Dalry Athletic
and it is presumed Rovers will have to be in their best form to win the
coveted points. Seeing that Irvine Saint Andrew's have displayed winning form
in their last two League engagements, it will be interesting to certain clubs
to notice how Ardrossan Celtic will fare against the Saints. The Celts,
we believe, journey to the Ancient and Royal Burgh on Saturday first (1 February
1902) to contest their claim for League points with the Saints.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 January 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - TROON PORTLAND 2
Ardrossan Celtic, in the first round of the Scottish Juvenile Cup, had
a bit of luck in their tie with Troon Portland. The Troon lads were beaten by
four to two but a draw would have given a better indication of the run of the
play.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 January 1902
IRVINE
SAINT ANDREW'S 3 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
The Ardrossan Celtic lads earned a couple of points on Saturday (1
February 1902) where the Rovers forfeited these a week previous. Irvine
Saint Andrew's were the Celts' victims, the Saints going down on their own pitch
by three goals to one. The game, we are led to understand, was a bit boisterous
and that the referee had occasion to order Brannan of the Celtic eleven
off the field. The Celts, however, cull pleasure at the thought of going two
points higher on the League ladder and will wait with patience the Association's
decision on Brannan's exposition.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 February 1902
Unusually, there was not a more detailed report.
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - DALRY ATHLETIC 0
This League game between Dalry Athletic and Winton Rovers took place
on Saturday last ((1 February 1902) despite the efforts of Jack Frost to the
contrary and this was the only game played in the neighbourhood, there was a
gratifying turnout of spectators. In order to fill the vacancies caused by the
absence of two of their regular players, Seasider Tait obliged his old friends
by again donning the blue jersey and Barclay of the A was introduced as centre-forward.
Dalry was also under usual strength. The Athletic, having won the toss, decided
to play downhill in the first half and about fifteen minutes after the advertised
time, the ball was sent off on its uncertain mission. In the first few exchanges,
both ends received a brief visit and on the Winton forwards getting away, Barclay
got possession of the leather and beat the Dalry custodian close in. He was
clearly offside, however, and the point went for nothing. The pressure was relieved
for a spell yet the homesters kept up the attack and after a clever bit of work
by the right wing, Dow opened the scoring for the Light Blues with a
fine shot from the touch-line. On resuming again, Dalry evidently meant business
and the forwards were soon bearing down on Welsh's charge which, however, was
kept intact by the sound defence of Carmichael and Murray. In fact, the Rovers'
keeper seldom handled the ball in the first half. The play was of a give-and-take
character after this and Dalry, striving hard to get on equal terms with their
opponents and the Light Blues being just as eager to increase their lead.
On the play being once more transferred into the Dalry lines, a free kick, taken
by Murray about thirty yards out from the goal resulted in a second point being
registered by the homesters after a short but exciting scrimmage. Although the
Athletic forwards had several promising runs, they were not at any time dangerous
in their shooting and the interval was reached with Rovers leading by
two goals to nil. Dalry commenced the second half briskly, the Winton stronghold
being immediately besieged, but this state of matters did not last long as the
home defence responded to all that was requited of the. The Light Blues
gradually forced their way to the opposite end and after about fifteen minutes
play, the Dalry citadel was captured for the third time. In order to strengthen
their attack and at the same time hamper the movements of the Rovers'
forwards by the offside bogey, the visitors played only one back, Aitken going
into the front rank. Towards the close, Dalry infused a little more spirit into
their play and the locals fell away somewhat and in this respect, a little more
training might prove beneficial. The visitors made repeated attempts to find
an opening, Welsh saving cleverly three times in quick succession and a goal
at this stage would have been no more than Athletic deserved. Shortly afterwards,
the whistle sounded for time and the game thus ended in a win for the Wintonians
by three goals to nil. The Rovers were, no doubt, the better team on
the day's display and they were value the brace of points they have added in
their League total by the victory. Barclay made a creditable show for the
Light Blues and as centre-forward, he should be persevered with. Bennett
played a most effective game at centre-half. The backs and right wing were best
for the Athletic. The Ardeer contingent was down in force and the Jags gave
expression to their wounded feelings regarding the inter-county trial selection
by subjecting Carmichael to a volley of adverse criticism. The Rovers
have an 'off' day tomorrow (8 February 1902) owing to the trail game at Stevenston
but on the following Saturday, 15 February, the postponed Galston and District
Cup tie with the Bluebell takes place at Winton
Park.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 February 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (31 January 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
12
|
8
|
3
|
1
|
25
|
21
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
10
|
7
|
4
|
0
|
25
|
28
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
10
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
11
|
17
|
11
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
8
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Three North Ayrshire League matches were down for decision last Saturday
(1 February 1902) and as far as we have heard, despite the unfavourable weather
conditions, two of the fixtures were trundled off. The Ardrossan Winton Rovers
rose to the occasion and in snatching the full complement of points from Dalry
Athletic at Winton
Park, the Rovers have imitated their Celtic brethren
in that respect. The Ardrossan Celtic lads earned a couple of points
on Saturday (1 February 1902) where the Rovers forfeited these a week
previous. Irvine Saint Andrew's were the Celts' victims, the Saints going down
on their own pitch by three goals to one. The game, we are led to understand,
was a bit boisterous and that the referee had occasion to order Brannan of the
Celtic eleven off the field. The Celts, however, cull pleasure at the
thought of going two points higher on the League ladder and will wait with patience
the Association's decision on Brannan's exposition. The first social and dance
in connection with the Ardrossan Celtic club will be held tonight (7
February 1902) in the Town Hall and on 21 February, the Winton Rovers
intend to hold a similar function in the same hall. The next meeting of the
North Ayrshire Juvenile League is fixed for 14 February.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 February 1902
JUVENILE TRIAL MATCHES
The two juvenile trial matches which take place at Wandhouse Field, Stevenston
and Riverside Park, Galston respectively will be the leading juvenile events
in the county on Saturday (8 February 1902) and as all clubs within the jurisdiction
of the Ayrshire Juvenile Association are requested not to play games on this
date, it is expected that the followers of juvenile football will be out in
full force at the respective places of meeting. These trial matches have been
arranged for the purpose of aiding the Ayrshire Juvenile Association to select
teams to oppose Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire representations in the forthcoming
inter-county matches and it is anticipated that each player in Saturday's games
will do his best to find favour with the selectors. We give the names of the
players chosen to represent the four elevens as follows. Wandhouse Field, Stevenston.
Red and White: goal - Montgomery, Ardeer Thistle; backs - Aitken, Dalry Athletic
and Kerr, Kilwinning Rangers; half backs - Weir, Bartonholm Britannia; Auld,
Ardeer Thistle and Rae, Kilwinning Rangers; forwards - Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers;
Gray, Dalry Athletic; Kilpatrick, Springside; Blair, Largs Neva and Tait, Ardrossan
Celtic. Blue and White: goal - Rae, Bartonholm Britannia; backs - Carmichael,
Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Davidson, Longbar Rangers; half-backs - Wilson,
Irvine Saint Andrew's; Lusk, Vale of Garnock Strollers and McGill, Ardrossan
Winton Rovers; forwards - (James) Hunter, Ardrossan Celtic; Nicol, Ardeer
Thistle; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers and Watt, Kilwinning
Rangers. Riverside Park, Galston. Blue and White: goal - Ireland, Galston Bluebell;
backs - Stewart, Hurlford Thistle) and Coleman Stewarton Victoria XI; half-backs
- Kenna, Maybole Westend; Orr, Kilmarnock Portland and Boyd, Hurlford Thistle;
forwards - Fisher, Maybole Westend; White , Galston Ladyton Star; Armour, Hazelbank;
Turnbull, Hurlford Thistle and Morrison, Skares Burnton Lads. Black and White:
goal- McTurk, Cumnock Thistle; backs - Cook, Maybole Westend and Gillan, Skares
Burnton Lads; half-backs - Brown, Hurlford Thistle; Henderson, Maybole Westend
and Findlay, Galston Ladyton Star; forwards - White, Hurlford Thistle; Baird,
Kilmarnock Haslebank; Rutherford, Galston Ladyton Star; Vaines, Kilmarnock Portland
and McGarvie, Maybole Westend.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 February 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB SOCIAL
The Ardrossan Town Hall was on Friday evening (7 February 1902), the scene of
the annual social and dance held in connection with the local Celtic Football
Club. Followers of the winter pastime attended in full force. Mr J M McPhail,
who acted as chairman, was accompanied on the platform by a few members of the
Ayrshire Football Association. When duty had been done to the sumptuous repast
that had been provided, an enjoyable programme of songs and recitations was
gone through, the artistes being Messrs Armstrong, Aitken and Cochrane, Mrs
Murray and the Misses Markie and Cunningham. The dance, which was attended by
about fifty couples, thereafter took place.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 February 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (8 February 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
12
|
8
|
3
|
1
|
25
|
21
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
11
|
7
|
4
|
0
|
25
|
28
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
10
|
5
|
4
|
1
|
11
|
17
|
11
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Juvenile football, in fact, may be said to have been at a standstill in consequence
of the severe weather. Even had the weather been favourable, clubs identified
with the Ayrshire Juvenile Association would have been idle as the request went
forth from that body that no matches were to be played. This was owing to the
Trial Matches arranged to come off on Saturday last (8 February 1902) at Stevenston
and Galston respectively and, despite the frost and snow, the match at Stevenston
actually took place. This was contrary to general expectations - even one of
the selected players, McGill of Winton Rovers, concluded in his own mind
that the match would be postponed and McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic, filled
the vacancy in the Blue and White Eleven. It was not a day to test the merits
of the respective players but considering the conditions, the game was an interesting,
and at times amusing, one and we have no doubt several of the players will run
a good change of securing inter-county honours. The Red and White jersey eleven
won the game by the narrow margin of three goals to two. We hear that the Association
members were not satisfied with last Saturday's trial as a test and intend to
have another. As the Juvenile Association meet on Saturday first (15 February
1902), this matter will likely be brought up before the members. The members
and friends of the Ardrossan Celtic, as we mentioned in our last issue,
held their first social and dance in the Town Hall on Friday evening last (7
February 1902) and we believe a very jocund meeting was the result. We understand
Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Galston Bluebell have arranged to play their
postponed tie in the Galston and District Cup competition on Saturday first
(15 February 1902) at Winton
Park. The Rovers are expected to be represented by the following
team - Welsh, Carmichael, McMurray, Bennett, Findlay, McGill, Dow, Wilkie, Reid,
Templeton and Simpson. By another week, patrons of the game at Ardrossan will
have an opportunity of seeing that promising juvenile combination as the Vale
of Garnock Strollers. Ardrossan Celtic will contest their claim with
the Vale lads for a place in the third round of the Scottish Juvenile cup competition.
Tomorrow (15 February 1902), we are told, Ardrossan Celtic and Bartonholm
find employment in North Ayrshire League interests, this game having been arranged
to take place at Ardrossan at the last meeting of the Association. Seeing that
the Rovers will be at home, the Celts would perhaps do better to pay
a visit to Bartonholm.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 February 1902
SCOTTISH JUVENILE CUP DRAW
The draw for the second round of the Scottish Juvenile ties was made at the
above meeting and the Ayrshire clubs were pitted thus.
Ardeer Thistle v Stewarton Victoria XI
Ardrossan Celtic v Vale of Garnock Strollers
Springside or Kilwinning Rangers v Hurlford Thistle
Dalry Thistle - a bye
The ties are to be played on Saturday 22 February.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 February 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 6 - GALSTON BLUEBELL 1
At Winton
Park on Saturday last (15 February 1902), before a good attendance
of spectators, Winton Rovers and Galston Bluebell met and played off
their tie in the first round of the Galston and District Cup competition. The
ground was in a deplorable state with mud and not suitable for a game of any
sort but as the referee declared the pitch playable and as the Galston team
were desirous that a cup-tie should be played, the game proceeded as such. The
teams lined up as follows: Bluebell - Bruce, J Anderson, G Anderson, Howie,
Duncan, Bryce, Williamson, King, Paton, Ramage and McPherson. Rovers
- Welsh, Carmichael, McMurray, Findlay, Bennett, McGill, Dow, Wilkie, Reid,
Templeton and Simpson. On the ball being set in motion, the visitors immediately
assumed the aggressive and Welsh and his colleagues had a rather busy time of
it defending for a time. Once or twice, their citadel narrowly escaped downfall
but after Bluebell had forced a corner which was unproductive, the pressure
was at length relieved. The visitors were not to have matters all their own
way, however, and good work by the Rovers' forwards brought play into
the vicinity of their opponents' goal. Although temporarily checked, they returned
to the attack and a good cross shot from Dow was caught up by Reid who headed
the sphere safely between the uprights. The referee, however, seemed to think
that the centre-forward was offside and therefore the point was disallowed,
much to the chagrin of the locals. The game continued on even lines for a spell
but that spell was soon broken by the Rovers again taking up the running.
When about fifteen yards from goal, Reid got possession of the ball and his
parting shot was safely piloted through by Templeton who thus registered the
initial goal of the match. Restarting from the meridian, play once more drifted
into the visitors' lines and the efforts of the homesters were again rewarded,
the ball being rushed through by several of the forwards. Towards the close
of the first half, the Bluebell at length succeeded in breaking through their
opponents' defence and to the outside left who appeared to be the pot shot of
the team was the task entrusted of scoring their first and only goal which was
the result of a swift, high shot, Welsh's lack of inches being mainly responsible
for his inability to save. At this stage of the game, a regrettable incident
occurred which spoiled any pleasure the spectators had in witnessing the 'mud-larking'
display. It happened thus. A Galston player deliberately kicked a Rover and,
as the latter resented this horse-like conduct, the onlookers were about to
be treated to an exposition of the 'noble art' when the referee interfered and
the delinquents were ordered off the field. We do not think, however, that the
offence justified such an extreme step on the part of the 'knight of the whistle'.
A caution to the offenders would have sufficed. The game was resumed but no
further scoring was effected in this half and the teams changed ends with the
score standing two to one in favour of the Light Blues. The commencement
of the second period saw the Rovers again making the pace and from this
point to the finish of the game, the visitors' stronghold was subjected to an
almost continual bombardment. The Rovers were awarded a penalty kick
for one of the visitors handling the ball within the twelve yards limit and
from this, Reid added a third goal to the homesters' total. Seldom did the Bluebell
forwards get over midfield and Welsh had a slack time of it between the 'sticks'
compared with Bruce at the other end, the latter being kept continually on the
alert. As the game proceeded, the condition of the ground got from bad to worse
and several times the ball stuck fast in the mud when on its way through the
goal. Simpson, Dow and Carmichael each had a point to their credit and still
the Galstonians failed to extricate themselves, the game ending in a substantial
win for the Rovers by six goals to one. The Light Blues, we understand,
will have another opportunity of trying their mettle against their near and
dear neighbours, the Celts, in the course of a week or so and Trainer Fullarton
is already applying the flesh gloves with increased vigour in view of the coming
tussle. The Rovers journey to Largs tomorrow (22 February 1902) per the
2:16 train from South Beach to play Largs Neva. As the occasion is only a friendly,
one or two of the Winton Parkers will have on off day and subs will be
introduced to fill the vacancies.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC 10 - BARTONHOLM BRITANNIA 1
The Ardrossan Celtic and Bartonholm Britannia teams were ordered to replay
their recently unfinished league game at North
Crescent Park last Saturday (15 February 1902) but when the visitors arrived,
a little behind the advertised hour, they were minus several of their players.
Their eleven, however, was made up with substitutes and having granted the coveted
points to the Celts, a friendly game was started before a thin attendance of
onlookers. From the very start, the Celtic lads took the game in hand
and although playing against the wind, the Britannia youths could not prevent
the Celts from scoring repeatedly during the early stages of the game. The field
was in a somewhat soft condition but despite this fact, the Celts continued
to outplay their opponents and at the interval had a quintet of goals against
a solitary point for Bartonholm. With the breeze against them in the second
period, there were small hopes of Bartonholm making up the leeway they had lost
and this opinion was proved to the letter. The Celts were masters of the situation
throughout and at the close romped home somewhat easy winners by the very substantial
score of ten goals to one. As the score represents, the game was a rather one-sided
affair but it served to keep the Celts in trim for a tougher fight tomorrow
(23 February 1902). The occasion will be a Scottish Juvenile Cup tie and in
the Vale of Garnock Strollers, the Celts have a team to face that will, it is
expected, stretch them to the very utmost. It is to be hoped then that the Celtic
lads will step on the arena tomorrow fully prepared for a hard engagement and
at the close have their efforts crowned with a glorious victory.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
This was Ardrossan Celtic's best victory to date.
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (15 February 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
11
|
7
|
4
|
0
|
25
|
28
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
11
|
5
|
5
|
1
|
12
|
27
|
11
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Ardrossan Celtic, as will be noticed from the above table, are the present
leaders of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League body. Two points have been added
to their register this week, got at the expense of Bartonholm, Britannia. Bartonholm,
were are told, turned up several players short and subs had to be procured.
They, too conceded the point and it is said the game took the form of a friendly,
the outcome of which was a runaway victory for the Celtic lads. The two
local fields were in a most deplorable state last Saturday (15 February 1902)
- veritable quagmires - and the appearance which the players presented was most
pitiable. So soft were the pitches that the ball would not roll in the sea of
mud yet both the Rovers and the Celts scored big victories. At Winton
Park, the Rovers had Galston Bluebell as their opponents,
the occasion being a delayed Galston and District Cup tie and here the crowd
of spectators was much greater than at Celtic
Park. The Rovers won the game easily in the course of which
a couple of players were ordered off the field for fighting. According to the
draw, Ardrossan Celtic should have Vale of Garnock Strollers as their
guests and opponents tomorrow (22 February 1902), the occasion being a tie in
the second stage of the Scottish Juvenile Cup competition. We believe the Vale
is a team of good parts and we hope to see the Celtic lads at their best
on Saturday first. We hear that matches have been arranged for the benefit of
the North Ayrshire League to take place at an early date between Ardeer Thistle
and Kilwinning Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic and Winton Rovers,
the ground to be tossed for by the respective clubs. As the rivalry between
the above clubs is of a keen description and as the teams are very well matched
in point of merit, each of these contests should be the signal for a large turnout
of spectators. We would here express the hope that the play of each side will
be of such a nature as will command itself to the general public and that nothing
unruly will characterise either game.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS' SOCIAL AND DANCE
Tonight, Friday (22 February 1902), the members and friends of the Ardrossan
Winton Rovers hold the first social and dance in connection with the club.
Councillor George Guthrie will preside.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
SCOTTISH JUVENILE CUP DRAW
The Ayrshire clubs expected to take part in the Scottish ties tomorrow (22 February
1902) have been drawn thus.
Ardeer Thistle v Stewarton Victoria XI
Ardrossan Celtic v Vale of Garnock Strollers
Kilwinning Rangers v Hurlford Thistle
Dalry Thistle, having been awarded a bye, go into the third
round of the competition.
Both Ardeer and Vale of Garnock are in the running for Scottish honours, some
are of the opinion that each of these clubs will qualify for the third round.
What have Ardrossan Celts and Stewarton Vics got to say to this opinion?
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
GALSTON AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION MEETING
At a meeting of the Galston and District Association held at Galston on Saturday
night last (15 February 1902), the draw for the second round of the ties resulted
as follows.
Irvine Saint Andrews or Springside v Hurlford Thistle
Darvel Thistle v Cronberry or Troon Portland
Ladyton Star v Vale of Garnock Strollers
Ardrossan Winton Rovers or Galston Bluebell v Vale of Irvine
The ties are to be played on or before 8 March. Since we received the above
draw, we are informed that Galston Bluebell have lodged a protest with the Galston
and District Association respecting their cup tie with Ardrossan Winton Rovers
last Saturday (15 February 1902). The protest has been hatched on the ground
that the referee who acted was not officially appointed but, strange to say,
no intimation of the protest was made to either the referee or the Rovers
on the field which , according to Ayrshire Juvenile rules, should have been
done. So far as we have been informed, Galston Bluebell agreed to play a cup-tie
and while the teams were prepared to toss for a referee, the Galston lads remarked
there was an Association representative present who would act as referee. To
this the Rovers consented and the game proceeded on the understanding
it was a cup-tie, the Galston club at the close receiving their share of the
money drawn after meeting ordinary expenses. Moreover, to show that both teams
understood that the game was to take the form of a cup-tie, we have only to
mention that each captain handed up his paper containing the names and addresses
of the respective players and these, we are told, were duly signed by the referee.
To put the case in a nutshell, the Galston club were mainly responsible for
the game being played as a cup-tie and the Rovers' officials naturally
feel indignant at the unsportsmanlike procedure on the part of Galston Bluebell
framing a protest on the grounds indicated.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ASSOCIATION MEETING
At a meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League held on Friday evening last
(14 February 1902), it was agreed to try and arrange for games between teams
selected from the different League bodies in the county, such as the Beith and
District Juvenile League, the Kilmarnock and District League and the North Ayrshire
League. The object of these games is to try and benefit the funds of the respective
League bodies. The cases of Brannan of Ardrossan Celtic and Moore of
Irvine Saint Andrews for infringement on the rules of the game were adjourned
till the next meeting of the Association which has been fixed for Friday
28 February. The following are the North Ayrshire League fixtures arranged at
the meeting.
22 February - Irvine Saint Andrews v Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
at Irvine and Bartonholm Britannia v Dalry Athletic at Bartonholm
1 March - Dalry Athletic v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
at Dalry and Ardrossan Celtic v Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle at Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
AYRSHIRE
JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ASSOCIATION MEETING
At the Ayrshire Juvenile Association meeting held on Saturday last (15 February
1902), it was agreed to replay the Trial match at Warner Park, Stevenston on
Saturday, 1 March, the recent game at Wandhouse Field, owing to snow, not having
given the selectors the highest satisfaction. As McGill of the Winton Rovers
failed to take up his position at left half-back in the Blue and White team
on the first occasion, this means that McLaughlin of Celtic who filled
the vacancy takes up the said position on the date fixed. We give the teams
as follows. Red and White: Montgomery, Ardeer Thistle; Aitken, Dalry Athletic
and Kerr, Kilwinning Rangers; Weir, Bartonholm Britannia; Auld, Ardeer Thistle
and Rae, Kilwinning Rangers; forwards - Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers; Gray, Dalry
Athletic; Kilpatrick, Springside; Blair, Largs Neva and Tait, Ardrossan Celtic.
Blue and White: goal -Bartonholm Britannia; Carmichael, Ardrossan Winton
Rovers and Davidson, Longbar Rangers; Wilson, Irvine Saint Andrew's; Lusk,
Vale of Garnock Strollers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic; (James) Hunter, Ardrossan
Celtic; Nicol, Ardeer Thistle; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Bannerman, Kilwinning
Rangers and Watt, Kilwinning Rangers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 February 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - VALE OF GARNOCK STROLLERS 0
Bravo, Celtic! It was a glorious win after a hard-fought game and it
goes without saying the Vale of Garnock Strollers did not relish the reverse
of two goals to love. All the same, the Vale men deserved success and whatever
opinion the Celtic members and their admirers may hold to the contrary,
we think we do the local lads no injustice when we say that on the day's play
a draw would have been a better estimate. We, however, compliment the Celts
on their victory for it must not be forgotten they had to play the whole of
the second period with only ten men which was a heavy handicap and especially
against a team which showed they possessed much physical strength and endurance.
The reason why Celtic had to finish short-manned was owing to a nasty
kick on the face which Brannan met with after the first minute of the game.
He played up till about five minutes from the interval when he stepped outside
the arena and subsequently left the field. In the first period of the game,
the Vale played with the wind in their favour and during this half, they had
if anything the best of matters. Steed
in the home goal was frequently put to the test but rose to every occasion in
a cool and satisfactory manner. The Celtic, however, had their share
of the game and time and again, put the Vale's defence on the qui vive - in
fact, play might be said to have been fairly well divided, every inch of ground
being keenly contested. Some very narrow escapes were witnessed at each end
but nothing eventuated until after twenty minutes elapsed when a breakaway was
made by the Celts and coming within shooting distance, (James) Hunter with a fine slanting
shot from the right broke the ice and Celtic were one goal up, though
in the opinion of many was that offside in a measure contributed to the success.
This was all the scoring in the initial period of the game and everyone seemed
to be well-pleased with the exposition given. The second half was contested
on equally hard and fast lines and the Vale were first in evidence with a good
try. It was now felt in evidence with a good try. It was now felt that the Celts
would, with the change of ends, show to more advantage this half but so far
as play was concerned, the one team was as aggressive as the other, the attacks
of the Vale being particularly dangerous but the home custodian was not to be
beaten and time and again, the visitors were repulsed empty-handed when they
deserved success. With only one back, the Celtic played gamely and in
turn attacked only to be forced back pointless. The game, which was good value
for a voluntary subscription, proceeded on hard and determined lines, fouls
and corner kicks helping to keep up the enthusiasm of the crowd. Fifteen minutes
from time, there was no alteration in the scoring and more than once it looked
as if the visitors would draw but just at this point, the Celts broke away once
more and on Hunter propelling a shot, Taylor converted it into a second goal
and victory now seemed assured for the homesters. The stranger plodded on to
the finish but all their efforts to find an opening were completely nullified
and the Celtic scored a popular victory by two goals to nil.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 February 1902
LARGS NEVA 1 -ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
The Winton Rovers travelled to Largs last Saturday (22 February 1902)
and played a friendly game with Largs Neva. There was a fair attendance of onlookers.
Several of the Rovers A team donned the blue jerseys for the day in the
absence of some of the regular players. The Rovers had the wind in their
favour the first half and during this period had, if anything, a monopoly of
the play. Many good chances to score, however, were thrown away through weak
shooting on the part of the forwards and only once did they succeed in finding
the desired spot, the interval being reached with the Rovers leading
by one goal to nil. Commencing the second half in brisk fashion, the Neva within
five minutes notched the equalising point. The Light Blues had several
promising runs which came to naught, however and during the last fifteen minutes
of the game, the Rovers' defence had their work cut out in repulsing
the vigorous attacks of the Neva forwards who had extremely hard lines in not
scoring. The Rovers, however, kept their opponents at bay until the finish
of the game which ended in a draw, one goal each.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 February 1902
WINTON ROVERS A TEAM AND KELBURNE ROVERS TO PLAY TOMORROW
The postponed football match between Winton Rovers A team and Kelburne
Rovers of Fairlie will be played to Winton
Park, Ardrossan tomorrow (1 March 1902).
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 February 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
The result of the Scottish Cup tie at Wandhouse Field, Stevenston where Ardeer
Thistle swamped Stewarton Victoria may have been regarded as a foregone conclusion
but the victory recorded by Ardrossan Celtic against Vale of Garnock
was a bit surprising and perhaps to none more so than the Vale lads. The Vale,
though having the best of matters in the early period, found themselves one
goal in arrears at the interval and the fact that the Celts had to fight out
the second period with but ten players kept the issue in doubt until the last
fifteen minutes when the home lads improved their chance of victory by registering
a second goal. The visitors, however, played a strong, go-ahead game to the
finish and were very unfortunate in not securing a morsel of comfort. Steed,
the home custodian, save his charge very coolly and cleverly when there was
no other to save and earned the plaudits of the onlookers. Bartonholm Britannia
had some consolation afforded them for the heavy defeat they received at Ardrossan
the previous week. The Holm lads went two points higher in the North Ayrshire
League table by the victory they scored over Dalry Athletic on Saturday last
(22 February 1902). It will be noticed that the venue for the Trail Match has
been changed from Warner Park to Wandhouse Field. The teams will be the same
as played on the last occasion with the exception of Carrick Hamilton of Ardeer
Thistle who takes the place of Watt of Kilwinning Rangers at outside right in
the Blue and White team, the latter having left the district. The Ayrshire League
matches down for settlement on Saturday first (1 March 1902) are Dalry Athletic
v Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Ardrossan Celtic v Kilwinning Eglinton
Thistle. The Winton Rovers did well in drawing with Largs Neva on Saturday
- one goal each - considering that they were minus five of their regular team
- Welsh, Bennett, Dow, Reid and Templeton. Perhaps the previous night's 'balling'
had something to do with the non-appearance of these players.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 February 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS SOCIAL
On Friday last (21 February 1902), over a hundred members and friends met to
enjoy the club's first social. The meeting was held in the Town Hall and presided
over by Mr George Guthrie. After tea, excellently purveyed by the Co-operative
Society, a programme of songs was gone through, contributed to by Mrs Mackay,
Messrs James Reid, James Templeton, T Bannatyne, John Scott, John Cameron and
D Morris, at the close of which the company enjoyed a dance till the small hours,
Master James Barbour acting as master of ceremonies. The music was supplied
by Mr A Roy's band.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 February 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Juvenile matches were few in number last Saturday (28 February 1902) in the
northern districts of Ayrshire owing to the Trial match at Stevenston that day.
The other Trial match, arranged to take place at Galston, is expected to come
off tomorrow (8 March 1902) at Riverside Park. Speaking about Galston reminds
us that the protest lodged by Galston Bluebell in connection with their recent
Galston and District cup-tie with Ardrossan Winton Rovers was brought
up at a meeting of this minor Association held last Saturday and the tie ordered
to be replayed. The grounds for Bluebell protesting were that the referee who
officiated at the game in question was not officially appointed and the Association
therefore considered the game null and void. All the same, the action of the
Galston club in deciding to protest was not sportsmanlike especially after both
clubs agreed to play a cup-tie, divided the gate money and paid the acting referee
- a late Bluebell player - for his services. The fact that Bluebell received
a sound beating perhaps prompted them to lodge the protest in order to get another
chance to retrieve themselves. The Rovers, to whom no notice of protest
was made when the game was played, are however determined to have it out with
their Galston rivals when the replay comes off and we fancy there will be 'squalls'
on the field.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 March 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (1 March 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
12
|
7
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
32
|
14
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
16
|
29
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC
Saltcoats Seaside have Ardrossan Celtic at Brewery tomorrow, Saturday
(8 March 1902).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 March 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE MEETING
A meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League was held on Friday last (28
February 1902) in Harris's Station Hotel, Saltcoats. Brannan of Celtic
and Moore of Saint Andrews were censured for misconduct in the game between
these two teams on 1 February at Irvine. A very satisfactory arrangement has
been made between the Beith and District League and the North Ayrshire League,
namely that of the finances, half-gates are to be the terms. The dates of the
matches to come off will be settled at the next meeting. The name betwixt Ardrossan
Rovers and Celtic, for the benefit of the League, was arranged. The
ground which came out of the hat was Celtic so that the game will take
place at North
Crescent Park. It was left to the representatives of these teams
to settle on a date for the match. The game will be conducted by a neutral referee
and linesmen. The North Ayrshire League officials will be in attendance as the
match is under their jurisdiction.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 March 1902
THE TRIAL MATCH
RED AND WHITE TEAM 2 - GREEN AND WHITE TEAM 3
The replayed trial match came off at Wandhouse Field, Stevenston on Saturday
(28 February 1902) before a large concourse of onlookers in fine weather. There
were changes in each eleven from that originally chosen. In the Red team, Kilpatrick
of Springside was an absentee and Dunbar of Ardeer Thistle filled the vacancy.
In the Green and White eleven, McLaughlin of Ardrossan Celtic supplanted
McGill of Winton Rovers and Hamilton of Ardeer Thistle played outside
left instead of Watt of Kilwinning Rangers while Nicol of Ardeer Thistle and
Gray of Dalry Athletic exchanged teams as inside right wing forwards. The teams
were as follows. Red and White: Montgomery, Ardeer Thistle; Aitken, Dalry Athletic;
Kerr, Kilwinning Rangers; Weir, Bartonholm Britannia; Auld, Ardeer Thistle;
Rae, Kilwinning Rangers; Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers; Nicol, Ardeer Thistle; Dunbar,
Ardeer Thistle; Blair, Largs Neva and Tait, Ardrossan Celtic. Green and
White: Rae, Bartonholm Britannia; Carmichael, Ardrossan Winton Rovers;
Davidson, Longbar Rangers; Wilson, Irvine Saint Andrew's; Lusk, Vale of Garnock
Strollers; McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic; (James) Hunter, Ardrossan Celtic;
Gray, Dalry Athletic; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers and
Hamilton, Kilwinning Rangers. Mr Aitken of Ardrossan Celtic officiated
as referee. In the first period, the Greens played with the wind in their favour
and early were their forwards in evidence. Several ineffectual tries were made
and an occasional breakaway on the part of the Reds contributed to balance the
play. The Greens, however, were the most dangerous lot and Montgomery in goal
had to watch the parting efforts of his clubmate, Hamilton. Five minutes after
the start, Montgomery and his supports were put to the test and came out of
the ordeal with a clean sheet but the Greens were hard to force back and at
length another shot from their left caused Montgomery to avert disaster. He
did so but the sphere was smartly caught up and with Hamilton, who had a say
in the success which followed, on top of Montgomery lying on the ground, the
Green forwards clamouring round the goal had no difficulty in scoring the first
goal of the match, Hunter on the right giving the ball the finishing touch.
The Red shirts soon changed the scene of operations and for the first time,
a shot from their left gave Rae a fright, the ball striking the crossbar and
rebounding into play. The current continued to run best with the Greens, Duff,
Bannerman and Hamilton being specially prominent in the front rank and also
McLaughlin in the trio. After Montgomery had made one or two really clever saves,
a series of corners fell to the Greens and from the last of these, the sphere
found its way to Wilson at half-back who, with a fine effort, notched goal number
two for his side. Play opened out occasionally and the Reds, among whom Lynch,
Dunbar and Nicol were perhaps the most effective in the quintet, time and again
evaded Davidson and Carmichael in the back range causing Rae to look to his
colours and once or twice he saved pretty cleverly. About this stage, Duff got
nicely away for the Green jerseys but in passing to the left, Weir intercepted
and play hovered on the Reds' territory. Play, however, was not of a very brisk
order and science was not by any means very conspicuous. Nevertheless, the Greens
had the pull and Montgomery was eluded a third time but this point was disallowed
for offside. Half-time was signalled with the scores standing at two to nil
in favour of the Green shirts. The change of ends now gave the Reds the benefit
of a failing breeze and before the game was finished, there was little wind
to counteract the efforts of the respective sides. The Reds were the main aggressors
in this half and after Rae had accounted for a certainty, he had however to
acknowledge himself beaten soon afterwards for the first time in the match which
proceeded on very quiet lines. The Greens who had previously made an unsuccessful
raid instituted another attack and a slanting shot from their left collided
with one of the uprights and passed into the net before Montgomery could save.
The Greens were now leading by three to one and in the succeeding play, the
Reds strove well to make up the little bit of leeway they had lost. Now and
again, Rae got shots to negotiate and he got rid of them with some show of credit,
evidently gaining in confidence the more he was asked to perform. The current
surged backwards and forwards but then still inclined to run more in favour
of the Reds. Davidson and Carmichael had their hands full but despite their
efforts, Dunbar with the finest shot of the day, gave Rae no chance to save
and only a goal now separated the teams. Towards the finish, the Greens made
a gallant attempt to augment their total. Kerr and Aitken at back failed to
stop the attack and on three occasions in quick succession, Montgomery had to
avert downfall. Time was announced immediately thereafter, leaving the Green
and White team winners by three goals to two. That juvenile football is steadily
gaining in popularity, there is no reason to doubt and judging from the attendance
of spectators at the above Trial match, the impression is being formed that
this class of is fast becoming a strong rival to country senior teams. Those
who witnessed the twenty-two so-called juveniles chase the bounding ball at
Wandhouse must have been agreeably surprised at the fine appearance they presented
and also at the tactics they displayed. That several of the players have bright
prospects of yet earning distinction in the football world, we have every reason
to believe. It is true there were those in each eleven who excelled others in
point of play but this, we know, is common in all spheres of labour, as well
as in football. The teams pitted against each other on Saturday were very well
matched, however, and the opinion is strong that North Ayrshire can produce
eleven juvenile players who will take some beating in the forthcoming inter-county
struggles. Taking the game throughout, it was an exceptionally quiet affair,
lacking the enthusiasm of an ordinary club fixture from beginning to end. Nevertheless,
not a few of the onlookers were specially interested in the performances of
their own pet club's representatives. Commenting on the individual goalkeepers,
each got a fair share of work to perform but of the two, we thought Montgomery
of Ardeer had the more difficult shots to negotiate and one of his saves was
a clever piece of work. Nevertheless, Rae of Bartonholm evinced good merit between
the uprights but, as he seemed a little nervous at times, we would prefer Montgomery
for honours. As to the two sets of backs, we have no hesitation in saying that
Kerr of Kilwinning Rangers and Davidson of Longbar Rangers were the better men
on the day's play and, strange to say, they are both left-backs. Aitken of Dalry
Athletic and Carmichael of Winton Rovers were pretty much on a par in
point of merit as right-backs but not so pronounced as their mates. The half-backs
of both sides contrasted favourably with each other. As regards the left-halves,
Rae of Kilwinning Rangers was hardly up to club form but McLaughlin of Ardrossan
Celtic was quite himself and should have a chance of honours. As centre-halves,
Auld of Ardeer and Lusk of Vale of Garnock acquitted themselves fairly well,
the latter perhaps being the better of the two on the day's play. Wilson of
Irvine Saint Andrews carried off the palm at right-half but it must not be forgotten
that Weir of Bartonholm had the stronger and better wing to oppose. Coming to
the forwards, Bannerman of Kilwinning Rangers, Duff of Ardeer and Hamilton of
Ardeer were the most prominent on the one side and Dunbar of Ardeer and Lynch
of Kilwinning Rangers on the other. Bannerman made a most judicious inside left
to Hamilton but with his old clubmate Watt, whose place had to be filled, more
would have been seen of the little 'un. The other forwards were less noticeable.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 7 March 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (8 March 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
9
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
34
|
7
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
12
|
7
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
32
|
14
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
16
|
29
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
16
|
14
|
12
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC
Tomorrow (15 March 1902), we are to have another derby at Ardrossan when the
Winton Rovers and Celtic teams will cross swords on the ground
of the latter. The occasion is a benefit match for the North Ayrshire League
and as the match is under the jurisdiction of that body, the League officials
will be in attendance. Apart from the object of the game, the meeting of these
teams should be the signal for a big crowd, partisanship being particularly
strong. In their League games this season, it will be remembered Celtic
won the points easily at Winton
Park but the Rovers secured the next two at North
Crescent Park. It will thus be seen that the teams excelled each
other on their opponents' pitch and if this form of success is to hold good
tomorrow, another tough battle is sure to be the outcome as on their last appearance
at Crescent
Park the Rovers, playing the second half with ten men, only
gained the verdict by the odd goal. We express the hope that nothing will occur
to mar the pleasure of the game, that the referee will exercise his powers in
the way of keeping down rough tactics by ordering the guilty ones off the arena
and that the better team may win is, we feel sure, the wish of all true lovers
of the winter pastime. The event, it is needless to say, is creating the usual
excitement in local juvenile circles.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 March 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC TO PLAY KILWINNING RANGERS
The Ardrossan Celtic eleven have once more been favoured with the luck
of the ballot in the draw for the third round of the Scottish Juvenile Cup.
Their next tie is down for settlement at Crescent
Park, Ardrossan and when it is said they have to face Kilwinning
Rangers or Hurlford Thistle, one can hardly help from remarking that the Celtic
lads are a lucky lot. The Celts, we fancy, have not forgotten the way
in which the Buffs rubbed it into them at Kilwinning this season but the Celts,
previous to that downfall, have also some recollection of the drawn game which
took place at Ardrossan between the teams. It will thus be seen there is some
advantage in the choice of ground and if the Celts can only manage to
hold their opponents - we presume the Rangers - as well on the forthcoming occasion
as they did on their last appearance at Crescent
Park, there is no saying how matters might culminate.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 March 1902
SALTCOATS MERCHANTS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN MERCHANTS
One who signs himself A Baker, send us the following. As the Merchants are
to have a holiday on Wednesday, 19 March, I think a football match might be
arranged from that date between Saltcoats and Ardrossan merchants. Any of the
local clubs would give them the use of their pitch for the day with use of nickers
and jerseys and a collection could be taken and handed over to the club. The
following team could be got to line up for Saltcoats - 'Joey' Miller; J Jackson
and R Aitken; J Andrews, J Leitch and J Craig; Maule, Howie, J Wilson, H Crawford
and Chips. Our friend adds The above team is a light one and I am sure
they will not disgrace themselves. With such a sprinter as Jim Wilson to lead
them on, the forwards should make a good show. I trust this will waken up the
merchants in Ardrossan and Saltcoats to provide an afternoon's amusement on
the date mentioned above.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 March 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE TEAM CHOSEN FOR LANARKSHIRE MATCH
On Tuesday evening last (11 March 1902), the Ayrshire Juvenile Association selected
the following team to oppose Lanarkshire on Saturday week (22 March 1902) -
Montgomery, Ardeer Thistle; Aitken, Dalry Athletic and Davidson, Longbar Rangers;
Boyd, Hurlford Thistle; Muirhead, Kilwinning Rangers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan
Celtic; Fisher, Maybole Westend; Gray, Dalry Athletic; Duff, Ardeer Thistle;
Turnbull, Hurlford Thistle and Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 March 1902
SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2
In spite of the weather, a fairly large crowd of spectators turned out to witness
the game between Ardrossan Celtic and Saltcoats Seaside Rangers which
was the tit-bit provided for the frequenters of Brewery Park last Saturday (8
March 1902). The following players turned out for their respective teams. Celtic
- Steed, McKiernon, Haggerty, Macintyre,
Brannan, McLachlan, (James) Hunter, Knox, Norwood, Taylor and Tait. Seaside Rangers
- Glen, Bell, Kerr, Tait, Reid, Fleming, Allan, Fraser, Stevenson, Maxwell and
C Hamilton. The referee was Mr Alex Anderson. As will be seen, both teams were
fully represented, Seaside having the assistance of their old clubmate, C Hamilton.
Celtic had the good fortune to win the toss and chose to play with the
wind and rain in their favour. Stevenson started operations by kicking off for
the Seaside who at once made tracks for the Celtic goal but a pass from
Fraser to Allan was intercepted by Haggerty who with a huge drive transferred
the play to the other end. The Celts now took a turn at aggressive work
and Glen and Company had not altogether a happy time of it. From a goal kick,
the Saltcoats lads obtained possession and carried the ball well up the field
and Reid sent in a long shot right into the Celtic goal. Steed
caught it but returned rather weakly and Stevenson, lying in a good position,
ran in and drew first blood for Saltcoats. This was certainly good work against
the wind. This reverse did not go down well with the visitors and from the kick-off,
they now began to press the homesters but Bell and Kerr, the home backs, were
playing a great game and time and time again, sent the attackers back empty-handed.
Celtic forwards at this period were losing many chances, owing to their
trying too much fancy work - a game which did not pay against such half-backs
at the Seaside possess. At last fortune smiled upon the lads in green and white
and they obtained a goal from a well-placed kick by McLauchlan which Bell, in
attempting to clear, headed through his own goal, allowing Glen very little,
if any, chance to save. This placed both teams on a par and immediately after
the kick-off from centre, Celtic again returned to the attack. The home
lot very seldom got over midfield. Hamilton, with the assistance of Maxwell,
occasionally raised a gallop but all their efforts were nullified before they
were at all dangerous. About fifteen minutes from the call of half-time, Hunter,
with a magnificent long shot which just grazed the underside of the crossbar,
scored. Glen, seemingly thinking the ball was going over, made no great effort
to save. Celtic, however, on their play, thoroughly deserved the point.
The Rangers, owing to the wind and rain against which they were playing, now
commenced to act on the defensive and they managed it right well, their backs
and half-backs never giving the visitors a chance to settle but kept pegging
into them, Fleming in particular completely bottling up Hunter and Knox. The
remainder of this half was a series of corner and goal kicks but, strive as
they liked, Celtic could not augment their score though they nearly once
manage it from a scrimmage, the ball being just touch and go from being through
when Glen miraculously cleared his goal with three or four Celts on top
of him. It was not to be, however, and on the call of half-time, Celtic
had to be content with their one goal lead. Rosy hopes, notwithstanding the
rain, which about this time chanced to be very damp, were entertained by the
Seaside supporters that their pets would now make up the leeway and something
else with the elements to aid them. Without leaving the field, the teams crossed
over and resumed and Seaside at once began to force the pace and to test Steed's
saving abilities which they found out were quite equal to the occasion. Celtic
now started to open out and on Bell, who was well down the field, making a slip
which allowed Tait of Celtic to get away on the left, that player, after
having carried the sphere well up crossed neatly to Hunter who, with nobody
to beat but Glen, sent the ball past the post. From the free kick, Hamilton
got away on the left for the Rangers and after a spirited run, he centred. Stevenson
accepted the pass but offside was given against him. Seaside monopolised the
play and Maxwell, after manoeuvring round three or four Celts, placed
to Stevenson who, with a nice drooping shot, completely baffled Steed,
placing the teams on level terms. The excitement round the ropes was now intense
and opinions were freely expressed that the Saltcoats team would pull off the
game. Celtic were not, however, to be so easily disposed of and they,
in the most determined manner, forged their way to the Rangers goal where Taylor
forced a corner off Kerr. The kick was nicely taken by Hunter but Know headed
over. The Seasiders again took matters in hand and began to make things hum
for the Celts by swarming round their goal like wasps round a honey jar.
Twenty minutes of this half had barely gone when the referee decided to stop
the game in consequence of the rain which was coming down in torrents with the
score standing at two goals each. Thus ended the great game though we fancy
had the remainder of the second half been played, Seaside would have placed
a goal or two more to their credit. As it stands, the game has still to be fought
and won. Both teams are very well matched and the next meeting between the teams
should be a close thing though we are inclined to pin our faith on Seaside being
on the right side of the fence at the finish. We cannot close without complimenting
Mr Anderson on the able way in which he discharged the duties of referee by
keeping both teams well in hand and allowing no unseemly conduct to escape his
notice.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 14 March 1902
The phrase 'The excitement round the ropes' implies that
the field of play was cordoned off from spectators by ropes.
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (15 March 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
12
|
7
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
32
|
14
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
16
|
29
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
10
|
5
|
3
|
2
|
18
|
18
|
12
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION TO PLAY LANARKSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION TOMORROW
We beg to remind our readers of the inter-county match which takes place on
Saturday first (22 March 1902) at Warner Park, Stevenston between Ayrshire and
Lanarkshire representations. As the game is under the jurisdiction of the Ayrshire
Juvenile Association, clubs associated therewith are expected to have an off-day
tomorrow. The team selected to represent Ayrshire includes several capable players
but nevertheless, we thik it could have been stronger at certain points. The
names of the eleven expected to uphold the prestige of Ayrshire in juvenile
football are as follows - Montgomery, Ardeer Thistle; Aitken, Dalry Athletic
and Davidson, Longbar Rangers; Boyd, Hurlford Thistle; Muirhead, Kilwinning
Rangers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic; Fisher (Maybole Westend); Gray,
Dalry Athletic; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Turnbull Hurlford Thistle and Bannerman,
Kilwinning Rangers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 March 1902
ARDROSSAN PLAYERS BEING POACHED?
A correspondent signing himself Light Blue writes as follows. There is a
juvenile club not very far from Ardrossan whose officials do not seem to believe
in practising what they preach. Some time ago, it will perhaps be remembered,
they set up a plaintive appeal through the medium of this paper against certain
clubs in the neighbourhood trying to draw away their players but I am informed
that recently they themselves have been endeavouring to entice a certain player
in one of the Ardrossan teams - a back - into their ranks. Surely it is a very
questionable policy on the part of the club hinted at to blame others for that
which they themselves re guilty.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 March 1902
KILWINNING RANGERS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC IN SCOTTISH JUVENILE CUP
Kilwinning Rangers accounted for Hurlford Thistle on Saturday (15 March 1902)
and meet Ardrossan Celtic next in the third stage of the Scottish Juvenile
Cup competition on 29 March.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 March 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
A big crowd turned out last Saturday (15 March 1902) to witness a benefit match
between the two local rival clubs - Celtic and Winton Rovers -
which took place on the ground of the former club at North
Crescent. The proceeds of the match were in behalf of the funds of
the North Ayrshire League and, judging from the attendance, it was expected
a fairly good sum would be collected. As it invariably the case, rivalry between
two local clubs is particularly strong on and off the pitch and on this occasion,
no exception was made to the rule. It will perhaps be remembered the last time
the Rovers appeared at North
Crescent, they scored a meritorious victory against their Celtic
brethren and we are perhaps not far wrong when we say that the green and white
shirts have ever since been thirsting for revenge. Unfortunately, the Winton
Parkers were on this occasion somewhat weakened through the absence of four
of their regular players - three forwards and one half-back - and substitutes
had to be called in to fill the vacancies. Although thus greatly weakened in
attack, many of the Light Blues supporters hoped to see their pets pull
through while on the other hand, equally many predicted a win for the Celts
who were out at full strength, fully determined to avenge their recent reverse.
The ground, considering the weather experienced at the close of the week, was
in fairly good condition but a strong wind spoiled what would otherwise have
been a better-contested game. The Rovers were a little late in turning
up but once they appeared on the area, no time was lost in making a start. This
was done by Celtic, the Rovers' captain preferring to play against
sun and wind the first half, a decision which seemed passing strange to many
of the outside element. The game had a sensational start as in the first minute,
Celtic scored the initial goal - the Rovers' custodian, in attempting
to clear his charge, fisting the ball in a way through his own goal. It was
a good shot but there was a slice of luck connected with such an auspicious
opening for the Celtic lads whose hopes were no doubt already swelling
with the delightful thought that they would amass a big total ere the half-time
signal sounded. This reverse, however, did not seem to alarm the Rovers
very much and especially when they reflected on the conditions under which they
were contending. The subsequent few passages saw the Rovers quintet encroaching
on Celtic territory but it was soon apparent they lacked the necessary
dash to carry them on to victory. The Celtic defence proved too many
for the occasional breaks made by the Rovers' forwards, several of whom
seemed too much afraid of their opponents and as a result, the work of a fairly
good half-back line, among whom Findlay was the most effective, went for naught.
The Celts were the chief aggressors though much time was lost through
the ball being too often in touch. The groundsmen, however, put the visitors'
defence frequently to the test and right well did the latter answer the calls
made upon them. Time slipped away without any additional success and near the
close of this period, a row sprung up among a section of the crowd, causing
the game to be stopped for a brief space. It was shortly after this little bit
of rowdyism that Taylor, with a slanting shot, scored a second goal for Celtic,
the sphere grazing Welsh's fingers as it passed safely through and at half-time,
the Rovers were thus two goals in arrears. With the change of ends, it
was pretty generally felt that the Rovers would soon make up the leeway
they had lost but, as the sequel proves, their supporters were sadly disappointed.
The Rovers, however, had a monopoly of the play this half but do as they
liked, they could not break through the Celtic defence. At intervals,
the green and white shirts transferred the play to the other end and once or
twice, they were highly dangerous. While the Light Blues were doing the
pressing work at a later stage, the Rovers' outside right got hurt and
play was stopped but the injured player afterwards resumed. Near the close,
Celtic forged ahead and a parting shot from (James) Hunter struck the foot of
one of the uprights and as Welsh came to the rescue, Tait on the left was close
at hand when the latter eventually struck the custodian on the face with his
open hand and a scene followed which stopped the game. Restarting, the game
was now played to a finish, but no scoring resulted in favour of Celtic
by the half time score, two to nil. Taking the game all over, it was not a great
one, the bulk of the play being carried out at one end of the field and for
which the strong wind was largely responsible. The play of both teams, however,
was characterised with much earnestness but of the two sets of forwards, the
Celts were the more robust lot and this quality has often carried a team
on to victory as it did on Saturday. The three subs in the Rovers' quintet
were absolutely useless when they reached the crucial point and with their three
regular players, it is quite possible we would have had a different tale to
tell. The halves of the respective sides contrasted better but of the six, Findlay
of the Rovers was perhaps the most effective on the day's play. As to
the backs, the Celtic pair contributed greatly to the success of their
side and the same remark is applicable to Steed
in goal. On the other hand, the Rovers' backs also played a good game
and while Welsh cleverly accounted for several shots, still we think he ought
to have saved one of the points he post. The play was characterised by a lot
of faulty tactics and we express the hope that the guilty ones will mend their
ways in that respect and that several of the Celts will also learn to
curb their temper in future.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 21 March 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (22 March 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
12
|
7
|
5
|
0
|
25
|
32
|
14
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
16
|
29
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
10
|
5
|
3
|
2
|
18
|
18
|
12
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
14
|
5
|
9
|
0
|
16
|
45
|
10
|
ARDROSSAN TEAMS PLAY CUP TIES TOMORROW
The protested cup-tie between Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Galston Bluebell
in the Galston and District competition has, we understand been arranged to
be replayed tomorrow, Saturday (29 March 1902) at Winton
Park, Ardrossan. On the occasion of their first visit, it will perhaps
be remembered the Rovers defeated Bluebell by six to one. The same afternoon,
at North
Crescent Park, Ardrossan Celtic will find employment in Scottish
Cup interests with Kilwinning Rangers. This will be a strong counter attraction
to the above match and it goes without saying that the Celts will have
a difficult road to travel.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 March 1902
A CELTIC TRIBUTE
A friend of the Ardrossan Celtic Club, signing himself Emerald, sends
us a few verses of poetry, praising the doings of the green and white shirts.
As our space is limited, we are only able to give the following verses.
Ardrossan boasts o' fitba' teams, the Celtic
and Rovers twa
But the Celts can beat their neebors
despite the latter's blaw
In the Ayrshire League at present, oor lads
are higher placed
This shows superior merit and can alone
on that be based
An'
noo they only want to bate their freens, the Seaside Rangers
Although
this year they have not been just altogether strangers
Last
year the Saltcoats lads were best, Ardrossan wis clean bate
This
year the Celts will alter this an' wipe them aff the slate
An'
here in briefly closing allow me just to say
That
Saturday the lads in green will be a famous day
The
Buffs are met at Crescent
Park in the Scottish Cup third roon
Wha's
Scottish Cup ambitions will be knocked fair on the croon
We'd
rather met the Ardeer lot, the boasted Ayrshire cracks
This
we deny for Celtic lead wi' a' others in their tracks
An'
wha disputes this fact wi' me all wise discretion lacks
But
muckle judgement guid has he wha up this statement backs
Nae
doot, freen Harry Leckie, this tae you will absurd seem
But
we write it doon here plainly as we do not think your team
Worthy
to claim that title as long's we're to the fore
The
Scottish Cup will be the test, we'll see wha'll highest soar
Here's
a compliment tae oor worthy and oor only Jamie Aitken
Wha
in the Celtic's doings of late much interest has been taken
An
enthusiastic worker and a good man for his team
The
Celts will show their wisdom if they tae his counsels lean
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 March 1902
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION 3 - LANARKSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION 1
The first inter-county match between representatives form the Lanarkshire and
Ayrshire Juvenile Associations took place at Warner Park, Stevenston on Saturday
(22 March 1902) and attracted something approaching 1000 spectators. Heavy showers
of rain fell in the course of the afternoon which somewhat marred the pleasure
of the crowd, not to speak on the drenching the players received. Arrangements
were made to have the teams photographed before starting and on that account,
the patrons of the game were a little late in being admitted inside the enclosure.
The 'gates', however, were opened before the work of photographing had been
completed and the result was that the Ayrshire team had to be re-taken at half-time.
The teams lost no time in taking the field and lined up as follows. Lanarkshire
- McDonald, Glengowan; Miller, Glenboig Carrick XI and Bissett, Mossend Victoria;
Thorburn, Uddingston Victoria; Scougel, Glengowan and Sharp, Uddingston Victoria;
Campbell, Glenboig; McLintock, Glengowan; Hamilton, Mossend Victoria; Docherty,
Mossend Victoria and Thomson Wellshot Albion. Ayrshire - Montgomery, Ardeer
Thistle; Aitken, Dalry Athletic and Davidson, Longbar Rangers; Boyd, Hurlford
Thistle; Muirhead, Kilwinning Rangers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic;
Fisher (Maybole Westend); Gray, Dalry Athletic; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Turnbull
Hurlford Thistle and Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers. Ayrshire, clad in light
blue jerseys, won the spin of the coin and Hamilton kicked off for the Lanarkshire
lads who appeared in maroon jerseys. The latter started with the breeze favouring
them if anything but despite this little handicap which ultimately fell off,
the Ayrshire team showed more attack than their opponents at the outset and
as time advanced, Lanarkshire had to adopt pretty much a defensive attitude.
The play of the latter during this period was disappointing and especially when
one looked at the appearance of the respective elevens, the visitors being a
tall and hardy-looking lot which lead some to presume that the Ayrshire lads
would have a hard run for victory but what the county representatives may have
lacked in appearance, was fully compensated in the matter of individual and
collective play. Lanarkshire, it is true, made several breakaways but were rather
easily held by their opponents and during this period they could hardly be said
to have been extremely dangerous except on one or two occasions when Montgomery
answered to the few calls made upon him. On the other hand, the Ayrshire forwards,
backed by a stubborn trio of halves, fairly outplayed their opponents at times
and the Lanarkshire defenders stood the brunt of the battle this half. McDonald
in goal and Miller and Bissett got through their work fairly well for the first
twenty minutes but at this stage, the pressure told when Bannerman had a well-directed
shot which McDonald saved weakly and fell thus allowing Duff to walk practically
home with the ball and Ayrshire was one up. McDonald could hardly be blamed
for the loss of this point but there is no doubt Ayrshire on play deserved it.
The county lads continued to hold the upper hand of the Lanarkshire eleven whose
play showed no signs of improvement. Now and again, the latter would break loose
but Aitken and Davidson, occasionally at midfield, would give them no rope and
Montgomery in goal had a comparatively easy forty-five. At intervals, the Ayrshire
forwards combined well and simply out-manoeuvred the visitors. Bannerman and
Duff were especially prominent and Fisher, Boyd and Turnbull also played creditably
though for the first twenty minutes, the latter was a bit off. Much of their
success was due to the energy displayed by the halves, Muirhead, Boyd and McLaughlin,
each of whom evinced clever tackling abilities. So far, Ayrshire were decidedly
the better lot and after about thirty-five minutes play, preceded by a certainty
from Turnbull which McDonald saved, a corner was forced. This was well-placed
by Bannerman and as neatly headed between the posts by Turnbull. Ayrshire continued
to be masters of the situation and subsequently, another corner came their way.
The sphere passed within the post but no point was allowed. Shortly afterwards,
half-time was announced with Ayrshire who had three-fourths of the play leading
by two goals to nil. Twenty minutes were required for the photographing of the
Ayrshire team at the interval and shortly after, hostilities were resumed. The
opening phase went in favour of Ayrshire and Bannerman first caused McDonald
to save his trust followed with a shot by Turnbull which struck the upright.
A foul near midfield let Lanarkshire in through the aid of a big punt and Montgomery
had to avert disaster. Keeping up the pressure, the Lanarkshire lads next forced
a corner but the home goal was cleared and Fisher broke away to the meridian.
The Lanarkshire men were now heating up, better than they had done at any previous
stage of the game while Ayrshire seemed to fall off a little. The interest of
the crowd was certainly improving due to the form now being exhibited by Lanarkshire.
Their forwards had a fine turn of speed and coming once more, Thomson on the
left essayed a shot which went just outside the post. Thereafter, a corner was
forced by them and on it being taken, close fighting ensued in front of Montgomery's
citadel, the outcome of which was another corner for Lanarkshire and hard luck
was their lot at this point in not securing an opening. During the first quarter
of an hour, the play was of a brisk and well-balanced nature and each goal underwent
narrow shaves. Ayrshire, however, were hardly up to the form they exhibited
in the early period but were still holding their own with the visitors whose
half-backs, Thorburn, Scougel and Sharp, were evincing better work. Hamilton
started another invasion for Lanarkshire and passing away to Thornton on the
left, matters looked promising for a moment but not yet were the efforts of
the visitors rewarded. The home defenders cleared their lines and Ayrshire were
at the other end in a twinkling. A corner was forced but it passed away fruitless.
After twenty-five minutes stiff play, Lanarkshire again attacked and Montgomery
saved but the ball was smartly returned safely into the net, much to the chagrin
of the home custodian who evidently thought the ball would go clear as he made
no effort to save. This made the score two to one and in the succeeding play,
under a heavy downpour of rain, Ayrshire showed to better advantage. The pressure
on the visitors' goal was severe and after several failures, a shot from the
home right wing was seized by Bannerman who cleverly beat McDonald, a point
which was well wrought for. Defeat of the Lanarkshire men was now assured who
broke away in the closing minutes but only to be forced back again. The game
ultimately finished in a well-earned victory for the Ayrshire lads by three
goals to one. The Ayrshire players are to be congratulated on scoring their
first inter-county victory against Lanarkshire and those who witnessed the game
will, we feel sure, agree with us when we say that on the day's play, they were
the better combination. The Lanarkshire team included several promising players
but, as a whole, they did not rise to the standard of their opponents, each
of whom justified their selection which is more than can be said regarding the
visitors. The game was pleasantly contested throughout.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 28 March 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (28 March 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
13
|
7
|
6
|
0
|
29
|
35
|
14
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
1
|
16
|
29
|
13
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
10
|
5
|
3
|
2
|
18
|
18
|
12
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
TWO ROWDY CUP-TIES IN ARDROSSAN
The two cup-ties played at Ardrossan on Saturday (29 March 1902) were, we regret
to say, characterised by rowdyism. Two players were ordered off the field at
Winton
Park and one at the North
Crescent pitch. In each case, the home club came out on top and,
strange to say, the visiting teams have, we are told, both protested. The appearance
of the Buffs at Celtic
Park drew forth the larger crowd of spectators and the victory they
achieved, narrow though it was, was generally unexpected. All the same, the
Buffs on play were the better lot. The Celts, however, must not feel
to 'cocky' over their Scottish win for in the event of the tie being replayed,
the chances are that the Buffs will redeem themselves in the eyes of their supporters.
As to the protest hatched by Galston Bluebell at Winton
Park, it is to be regretted that a spectator gave cause for same
through interfering with one or other of the players. When will spectators learn
to mind their own business? During the rowdyism at Celtic
Park too, we noticed a spectator rush into the thick of the crowd
as if he meant to go for some one in particular but he was quickly run over
the touch-line by two or three spectators. The decision on the respective protests
and the penalties imposed on the players who had lost their temper, will, we
need hardly say, be awaited with some interest in Ardrossan.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 April 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - KILWINNING RANGERS 0
Ardrossan Celtic's poet predicted truly the fate of the Kilwinning Rangers
last week when he wrote 'Wha's Scottish Cup ambitions will be knocked fair on
the croon'. The Celtic lads naturally feel proud over their narrow victory
of one goal to love. The game, however, was simply spoiled owing to the strong
wind and, under more favourable conditions, we would in all probability have
had a different tale to tell. All the same, the solitary goal with which the
Celts won the tie was cleverly executed and for this success Tait and
Taylor were responsible. The former broke away on the left about a couple of
minutes from half-time wand when well in the corner, he shot the ball across.
The Rangers' custodian ran out to save but, failing in his duty, Taylor and
(James) Hunter in close attendance, got command of the sphere and the former literally
walked home triumphantly. The Celts were well cheered for this piece
of play and the Rangers' defenders were to blame for their own downfall. The
Buffs were the main aggressors during the early period but this need not be
wondered at when it is said they had a strong wind behind them. Repeatedly,
were they dangerous and repeatedly did Steed,
the Celtic custodian, rise to each occasion. But for him, the Buffs would
certainly have scored several times and the Celts have Steed
to thank in keeping their goal intact. Once the Buffs had the sphere between
the posts but it was allowed to get there and the point did not count. The ball
was in touch far too frequently and much valuable time was thus wasted but the
referee could not see the force of Taylor of the Celts deliberately kicking
the ball away a respectable distance from the pitch and for this uncalled-for
act, the referee ordered the offending player to go and bring the ball which
he reluctantly did. The second part of the game was the best and most exciting
but after about twenty-five minutes, in the course of which Celtic made
several close attacks, a row broke out while the Rangers were in home territory,
Brannan of the Celts attacking Lynch of the Rangers. The crowd rushed
on to the field and the game was abruptly stopped. The referee ordered Brannan
to leave the field but before he left he had another blow at the Ranger. The
Celts had now to fight out the remainder of the game with ten players.
Peace being restored, the closing twenty minutes saw the Rangers do most of
the pressing work and time after time they got in dangerous proximity to the
Celtic goal but Steed and
his supports would not allow a loophole and the Rangers sustained their first
defeat at the hand of the Celtic lads by one goal to nil. In the course
of the game, it leaked out that the Rangers had lodged a protestation on the
ground that the circle was not in accordance with the laws of the game and on
the strength of this protest the Rangers, no doubt, hope to have the tie replayed.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 April 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - GALSTON BLUEBELL 1
Galston Bluebell visited Winton
Park on Saturday last (29 March 1902) and played their protested
Galston and District Cup tie with the Winton Rovers. The weather was
good except for a strong breeze and there was a fair attendance of spectators.
The teams were: Bluebell - Ireland, G Anderson, J Anderson, W Steel, Nisbet,
D Steel, McHallam, Williamson, Duncan, King and Howie. Rovers -Welsh,
Carmichael, McMurray, Bennett, Findlay, McGill, Dow, McCulloch, Wilkie, Templeton
and Simpson. The referee was Mr McBlane of Springside. The visitors, having
won the toss, elected to play with the wind and sun at their backs in the first
half and Wilkie commenced operations for the Light Blues. McCulloch caught
up his pass and put the sphere to Dow but the latter did not proceed far and
play was soon transferred into Winton territory. Bluebell kept up the
pressure and Welsh's charge underwent some narrow shaves. The wind kept the
play confined to the one end of the field for the most part of the first half
and the home defence was at times taxed to the uttermost to keep the Galston
lads out. Corner kicks were pretty frequent for the visitors but from none of
these did they succeed in finding an opening. As the game went on, the Rovers
continued to keep their opponents at bay and it looked as if the teams would
cross over on level terms when a foul was given against Templeton within the
twelve yards line. From the penalty kick, the Bluebell scored the initial goal
of the match. This seemed to infuse a little more vim into the play and the
homesters had one or two promising breakaways. Shortly before half-time, they
made strenuous efforts to get the equaliser, a good shot of Dow's striking the
crossbar with terrific force. Play again drifted towards the Rovers'
end and the interval was reached with Bluebell leading by one goal to nil. With
the breeze in their favour, the Wintonians commenced the second half
in brisk fashion and the visitors' defence now received their share of attention.
The Light Blues continued to make the pace but the play of the forwards
lacked finish and several good openings were lost in consequence. However, a
penalty kick was granted them and McCulloch scored the equalising goal. Restarting
from the meridian, the Rovers again took up the running. With visions
of a draw and a replay at Galston in their minds, the Bluebell were rather unscrupulous
in the tactics they adopted to prevent the homesters getting the lead and hard
knocks were pretty frequent, the referee being kept busy chastening the offenders.
Naturally, the visitors desired to waste as much time as they possibly could
and when King of the Galston team kicked the ball away after it had been placed,
he was promptly ordered to fetch it back. This he very reluctantly did, assisted
by the linesman. Another little scene occurred which did not tend to lessen
the feeling of ill-will which had predominated from the commencement of the
game. Dow of the Rovers and Duncan of the Bluebell came to loggerheads
about something and in a twinkling, the pair were locked in a loving? embrace.
Of course, there was the usual rush to separate the combatants, both of whom
were sent to the pavilion to cool their tempers. The game was proceeded with
- ten men a side - and play once more drifted into the visitors' lines. A long
drive from Findlay was neatly caught up by McCulloch who finished by beating
the Bluebell custodian close in and thus placed the Rovers one goal in
the lead. No sooner was the sphere kicked off than the Light Blues again
invaded their opponents' territory and Simpson had a long shot for goal. Ireland
gripped the ball all right but his return was caught by Wilkie and the score
stood three to one in favour of the home team. This was quick scoring, indeed
and then the Bluebell seemed to realise that they were a beaten team as they
very seldom got over midfield. The wind also helped to keep the play at their
end and had the Rovers shown a little more tact in front of goal, they
would probably have increased their score. Simpson occasionally allowed his
trickiness to go a little too far and the right back of the Bluebell, become
nettled at the liberties taken by the 'little 'un', ultimately struck him on
the face. The game had to be again stopped until order was restored. The play
continued to be of a one-sided nature until the finish but no further scoring
was effected and the Rovers returned winners of a disappointing exhibition
by three goals to one. The backs of both teams were reliable while McGill for
the Rovers was the most judicious of the half-backs. We trust that the
ungentlemanly display given by the Bluebell is not a foretaste of what is to
come and that the game with Galston Vale of Irvine in the second round of this
competition will be contested in a more friendly spirit. The Bluebell, we understand,
have lodged another protest, this time against the interference of a spectator.
Such conduct on their part is unworthy of further comment.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 April 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 4 - KELBURNE ROVERS 1
The Rovers A team journeyed to Fairlie on Saturday (29 March 1902) and defeated
Kelburne Rovers by four goals to one. When these teams met at Winton
Park a few weeks ago, the Ardrossan youths won by the substantial
score of seven goals to two.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 4 April 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (5 April 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
14
|
6
|
6
|
2
|
19
|
35
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
11
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
20
|
20
|
13
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
It was arranged that Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Eglinton Thistle play
a League game at Kilwinning tomorrow, Saturday (12 April 1902) but this fixture
will have to be postponed owing to the former having a cup-tie on hand. The
League fixture between Ardrossan Celtic and Bartonholm which was down
for settlement tomorrow (12 April 1902) will also have to be postponed, the
latter having an off-day, we presume, on account of the Bogside races. Ardrossan
Winton Rovers play Vale of Irvine on Saturday first (12 April 1902) at Winton
Park in the second round of the Galston and District Cup competition.
The winner of this ties meets Darvel in the semi-final which will be played
at Galston. Galston Bluebell's protest against the interference of spectators
at Winton
Park on 29 March was thrown out by the Galston Association and the
players reported for fighting got off unpunished. The Saltcoats Seaside Rangers
had on off-day last Saturday (4 April 1902) owing to the International. The
Ardrossan Celtic lads will engage the Rangers at Brewery Field tomorrow
(12 April 1902) which will be their second visit to Saltcoats this season. It
will be remembered the last occasion the teams met a draw was the result of
an unfinished game so that Saturday's meeting should be interesting to the partisans
of the respective combinations. At the Scottish Juvenile Association meeting
held on Saturday evening last (5 April 1902), the protest submitted by Kilwinning
Rangers against Ardrossan Celtic for the centre ring being only seven
yards radius and encroachment of spectators was dismissed and money forfeited.
At the game in question, it will be remembered, Brannan of the Celtic
eleven struck an opponent and for doing so, he has been suspended for one month
to date from 29 March. J Campbell, who acted as linesman for Kilwinning Rangers,
was censured for his conduct towards the referee at the said game. The exit
of the Buffs from the Scottish Cup competition at the hands of Ardrossan
Celtic is a sore pill to swallow and especially when one recollects that
the Buffs played last season's final for the Scottish trophy. The fifth round
of the Scottish ties fall to be played on the 19 April and in the event of Ardeer
Thistle surviving the fourth round, Celtic will be their next opponents.
We fancy the Celts would have preferred to stay at home but the luck
of the ballot has gone against them this time.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 April 1902
A POETIC REPLY FROM A WINTON ROVERS SUPPORTER
We herewith publish the lines forwarded by Light Blue which were held over from
last week in reply to Emerald.
Ho, boaster from the Celtic camp,
come list awhile to me
Ye've said ye are the better team, with
you I don't agree
'Tis
true that in the Ayrshire League we're four points down or so
But
wait till the table's finished before your horn you blow
As
far as merit 'tween us lies in that same Ayrshire League
On
Winton
Park, we lost two points but did our name retrieve
By
thrashing ye on Crescent
Park in the return game
So
thus the honour's even, in the League we've held oor ain
In
the third match played between us two, 'twas played on your own ground
The
Greens were at their strongest, we were not strong or sound
So
this we fear you not nor will allow o'er us to craw
For
yet ye've us to reckon with in the game that's called fitba'
What
say ye to a neutral ground, say Seaside Rangers' field
And
the team which loses fairly to the other honours yield
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 April 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 5 - BARRHEAD FERENEZE 3
Celtic had Barrhead Fereneze, the Renfrewshire Juvenile Cup finalists,
as their guests at North
Crescent on Saturday. There was a fair attendance of spectators.
Neither team was at full strength and just as the game started, rain began to
fall heavily and continued for the greater part of the first half. Most of the
spectators sought shelter until the rain ceased but the teams did not leave
the field. The visitors played with the wind and rain at their back the first
half and were the first to score and shortly afterwards, Celtic equalised
matters very cleverly. Success again attended the efforts of the Fereneze players
and half-time found then leading by two to one. The second period was conducted
under fine weather auspices and in a few minutes, Celtic equalised, a
long kick by one of the home backs dropping beautifully in front of the visitors'
custodian who struck the ball with his fist only to see it slip past him between
the uprights. The Celts were the main aggressors in the play which followed
and a third goal was registered which was soon followed by a fourth. The Barrhead
players occasionally broke away but their efforts were always foiled when near
goal. There were one or two fair players among them but as a whole, they could
not cope with the Celts. The issue of the game was already looked upon
as a certainty for the homesters and as if to make it doubly sure, they bracketed
a fifth point, the result of a corner. Barrhead, however, continued to fight
gamely and, getting in on the home lines, they cleverly notched what proved
to be their third and last goal. The remainder of the game passed off without
further scoring and victory rested in favour of Celtic by five goals
to three. Being a friendly, the game lacked interest while the play shown was
mainly of the kick and rush order. On the day's play, the Celts were
the better lot, however, and deserved to win. As Renfrewshire finalists, the
play of the visitors did not come up to the standard expected. On Monday evening
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 April 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 6 - SAINT MARY'S SELECT, SALTCOATS 2
On Monday evening last (7 April 1902), the Celts engaged Saint Mary's
Select, Saltcoats at North
Crescent in a benefit match which the former won by six to two.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 April 1902
IBROX
DISASTER SHILLING FUNDS
We shall be pleased to receive, acknowledge and forward to the Funds instituted
by our Glasgow contemporaries, The Evening News and The Evening Times, any donations
our readers may desire to give towards the relief of the sufferers through the
disaster of Saturday last (5 April 1902).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 11 April 1902
The Ibrox
Disaster happened on 5 April 1902 at Ibrox Park, now Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
Following the collapse of a stand, twenty-five supporters at a Scotland v England
match died and 517 were injured.
THIRTY
DAYS OVER FOOTBALL ARGUMENT
Princes Street presented an animated appearance on Wednesday evening (16 April
1902). Crowds from all quarters flocked thither to witness a display of fisticuffs
by two young men who had quarrelled over the respective merits of their favourite
footballers. The struggle was fast and furious but happily, the ubiquitous policeman
appeared on the scene with the result that both combatants ere somewhat ceremoniously
march off to 'durance vile'. Both were sentenced to thirty days imprisonment.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
'WEE
MON' WAS ALL THERE
The 'wee mon' that sometimes does duty with an Ardrossan eleven was all there
- only more so. He who runs may Reid - tuts, I mean read - who I mean.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
The player called Reid 'that sometimes does duty with
an Ardrossan eleven' was Winton Rovers' centre-forward.
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (5 April 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
13
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
35
|
22
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
10
|
8
|
1
|
1
|
26
|
7
|
17
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
14
|
6
|
6
|
2
|
19
|
35
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
11
|
5
|
3
|
3
|
20
|
20
|
13
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
A meeting of the North Ayrshire League was held on Tuesday 8 March but no business
of any importance was done. The League fixtures for Saturday first (19 April
1902) are Bartonholm v Ardrossan Celtic and Eglinton Thistle v Kilwinning
Rangers. Ardrossan Celtic will be Ardeer's next Scottish Cup opponents
and the chance of success is again in favour of the Jags from the fact that
the tie falls to be played at Wandhouse Field. The Celts, flushed with
their victory over the Kilwinning Rangers, last season's cup finalists, will
have to be in their best playing vein when they turn up at Stevenston. The friendly
game at Brewery Park where the Seaside Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic met
was, we regret to say, characterised by rowdyism and several players had also
to leave the field injured. It is a pity when players resort to fighting and
the sooner it is given up, the better will it be for juvenile football in Saltcoats
and Ardrossan. We hope the guilty ones will take the hint. We hear that Reid
of Winton Rovers who has been an absentee for the past few weeks will
don the light blue jersey tomorrow against the smart combination known as Glasgow
Camphill. By their substantial win over Vale of Irvine last Saturday, the Winton
Rovers had graduated into the semi-final stage of the Galston and District
Cup competition. Keep it up, Rovers.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
SALTCOATS
SEASIDE RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
Saltcoats Seaside Rangers met Ardrossan Celtic on Saturday last (12 April
1902) at Brewery Field in a great 'slate-cleaning' competition before a large
gathering of spectators. The following were the teams: Celtic - Steed,
McKiernon, Haggerty, McIntyre, Norwood, McLaughlin, (James) Hunter, W Knox, Taylor,
R Knox and Tait. Seaside Rangers - McMurtrie, Bell, Kerr, Tait, Reid, Fleming,
Glen, Goldie, Stevenson, Allan and Duguid. The referee was Mr Murchie, Troon.
As will be noticed from the above, Brannan was absent from the Celtic
ranks and Maxwell from the Seaside. The last game between these two combinations
was, owing to the weather conditions, left unfinished, the cores being equal.
Since that match, the Celtic, through their bard yclept Emerald, have
been issuing a threat to 'wipe Seaside aff the slate'. Seaside, like Brer Rabbit,
lay low and said nuffin but were determined that no such thing would happen
if they could help it. Such being so, Saturday's game had every prospect of
being a rouser and it quite came up to expectations. Seaside won the toss and
Celtic started operations with a slight breeze in their favour. The ball
hovered about midfield for a short time and after a few passages, Celtic
obtained possession and W Know had a try at McMurtrie who cleared brilliantly.
The Rangers were awarded a free-kick for one of the Celts jumping at
McMurtrie. From the kick, Glen got away and after a short run, centred the ball.
Stevenson caught the pass and shot for goal but his efforts just missed by inches.
Both teams were straining every nerve to get the opening goal and somewhat forcible
play was the order of the day. Hunter for Celtic next had a run and passed
to R Knox who had a wild drive at the Saltcoats goal from about twenty yards
out but his shot went high over the bar. The visitors were now having, if anything,
the best of the exchanges. The green and white again returned to the attack
and Tait of Seaside, in endeavouring to block a pass from a Celt, allowed
the ball to skid off his foot and Bell, to save a corner, headed the ball over
the touch. The referee, however, awarded a corner kick and although the decision
was not very palatable to the homesters, a corner is had to be. This was nicely
placed by Tait and Hunter cleverly headed the sphere into the net. This reverse
put the Seasiders on their mettle and Steed
and Company had their work cut out for them in stemming the Rangers' rushes.
The Seaside forwards were proving a bit too speedy for the Celtic defence,
Duguid and Allan at times simply walking away from McIntyre and McKiernon. When
the Celts saw this, they were not the least chary of adopting very questionable
tactics in order to stop the man. The home lot now did some pressing and experienced
hard luck in not being able to find an opening, the ball striking the crossbar
and uprights. Steed also contributed
largely to their non-success. A goal was not to be their portion and half-time
arrived with the Celts leading by one to nil. On resuming, Celtic
had an early visit to McMurtrie but the ball was sent past. Once on the Rangers'
territory, they were not so easily got rid of and affairs were looking anything
but nice for Seaside until Kerr, with a huge punt, let Goldie away on the right
and that player transferred the scene of operations. He carried the ball well
up the field and then crossed to Stevenson who shot true and hard for goal but
Steed managed to fist out. Celtic
again returned and some give-and-take play took place on Seaside's half of the
field. At this period, one of the Celtic players lost his temper and
struck a Seasider and on one the home players going to act the part of peacemaker,
he struck him also. This seemed to be the signal for a general uprising and
the teams began to have a small Donnybrook with each other. The spectators now
broke in and after some time had elapsed, the field was cleared and the game
restarted. Hostilities proceeded on quiet lines and Seaside began to work their
passage to their opponents' goal. Almost simultaneously, Tait of Celtic
and Fleming of the Rangers got injured. The game was again stopped and both
players were assisted off the field. Allan dropped back into Fleming's place
but Celtic adopted the one-back game which, if football, was certainly
not sportsmanlike considering that both teams were equally handicapped. This
game time and again threw the Rangers offside, sometimes when they were only
about the centre of the field. Bell now had occasion to leave the field and
Tait took up his place at back, Glen falling into the half-back line. This left
the homesters with only three forwards - Duguid, Stevenson and Goldie - but
these three proved quite equal to the Celtic defence and had a good few
tries at Steed who was saving well.
After about ten minutes, Bell returned and took up the position of outside right.
Glen now went back and Tait resumed his old place. Goldie got possession of
the ball and passed to Bell who, after a severe tussle with McLaughlin got away
and sent in a stinger to the Celtic custodian who cleared rather weakly.
A scrimmage ensued in front of the Celtic goal and the ball came out
to Duguid on the left who planted it at Reid's foot and that player with one
of his own patent low shots equalised amid great cheering. Celtic were
now desperate and at once instituted a raid on the Seaside goal. The ball came
into McMurtrie who made a slight miskick and the ball landed at Taylor's foot.
This player should have scored but he sent the sphere past the upright. Seaside
again returned to interview Steed
but the offside game, as played by the Celtic, wrought havoc with their
intentions. They, however, through time managed to reach their opponents' goal
and Goldie sent in a beauty to Steed
who allowed the ball to slip through his hands. The Rangers' forwards bore down
on him like an avalanche and carried the ball through. The excitement was now
something intense and the Seaside supporters let their angelic voices rang out
to some purpose. From this to the finish, there was only one team in and that
was certainly not the Celts. Trainer Montgomerie seemed to have his men
in perfect fettle as they were now all over the Celts and it was only
the one-back game and the goalkeeper that kept the Seasiders from running up
a record score and the game ended in a win for the Rangers by two goals to one.
The Seaside Rangers are, therefore, still on the slate and the Celtic
seem as far off as ever from being able to do that little piece of work of wiping
them off.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
ARDROSSAN
WINTON ROVERS 4 - VALE OF GARNOCK 1
The Winton Rovers found employment in Galston and District Cup interests
last Saturday (12 April 1902) and a goodly number of spectators assembled at
Winton Park to witness the contest. As our
readers are aware, the Rovers accounted for Galston Bluebell in the first
stage of the competition and no doubt they hoped to serve the Vale lads in a
similar way. The Vale, we believe, lacked the services of two of their regular
players and in that the respect, the Rovers also suffered. Carmichael and McCulloch
failed to come to the scratch and at the last moment, Fullarton and Barclay
of the A team filled respective vacancies. Otherwise, the teams were at their
strongest. In giving a few notes on the game, we may first of all say that the
ground and weather favoured the occasion. Shortly after the start, Forsyth of
the Vale injured his leg with his first kick and had to retire. He returned
to the field but had again to give up play and the Vale may be said to have
played the initial period with ten men. The opening phases of the game went
in favour of the Rovers and after some close passages and dangerous shooting
in front of the visitors' goal whose custodian displayed good merit, Barclay
in centre notched the first point for the homesters with a really fine effort.
Ten minutes had passed away and so far the visitors could not be said to have
been extremely dangerous. They made headway several times and in this respect,
no one was more prominent than Oliver on the left but on reaching the home defence,
the attack was always frustrated though one of the ground backs once looked
as if he would bring disaster to his own side. There was no denying the facet
that the Rovers were having the best of the game and at a subsequent
stage they experienced very hard lines indeed. Crowding in on the visitors'
stronghold, they gave it piping hot to the opposing defences but Alcorn in goal
baffled the homesters splendidly though the play of the latter at this stage
certainly merited success. Relief at length came to the Vale and having reached
home territory, a shot from the left caused Welsh to save close on the post.
Quickly was the sphere caught up by one of the Vale lads and he made no mistake,
Welsh being at the wrong side of his charge when the sphere was shot safely
home without opposition. This success placed the teams on level terms with one
point each. To make the story as brief as possible, were may here state the
Rovers continued to be the more aggressive party and some hard work was
entailed before Barclay again placed his side in the lead, a success which was
the outcome of a scrimmage but which point the visitors disputed though the
referee granted it. The first period was brought to a climax with the Rovers
leading by two goals to one but on play, they deserved better. The second period
was conducted on somewhat similar lines as the first. Forsyth, who injured himself
at the start of the game, took Alcorn's place in goal and the Vale, now at full
strength, hoped of course to do better things. Play, which at times was dull
as ditch water, surged backward and forward with the current running best with
the homesters. The Vale made one or two breaks but these, as at the other end,
lacked decision. At length, a free kick fell to the Rovers and on Findlay
tipping it gently in front, McMurray, with an unerring shot, scored number three
for the Rovers. The Vale afterwards put in some pressing work and the
ground lads had to look to their colours. A series of corners were well-placed
by them and on each occasion the Rover's citadel underwent narrow shaves.
Still the Vale could not find an opening and it was evident that defeat was
to be their portion. The Rovers held the upper hand to the finish and
on the call of time. Barclay, close on the post, registered a fourth point,
the Vale being thus beaten by four to one. The game was pleasantly contested
and the Vale lads took their defeat like true sportsmen. The forward play of
the respective teams was not very noteworthy and as a whole the Rovers'
quintet have hitherto been seen in better form. Had the visitors' halves played
as well as McGill, Findlay and Bennett on the other side, there is no saying
how matters might have ended and we only do the home trio justice when we say
they had a good share in Saturday's victory. The two sets of backs contrasted
favourable with each other while the Vale's custodian had more to do than Welsh
and Alcorn in the first half saved his side well. The attraction at Winton
Park tomorrow (19 April 1902) will be Glasgow Camphill, a team that is expected
to make the Rovers run hard for honours.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
THE
CLEANING OF THE SLATE
The following lines have been received this week from one signing himself Sportsman.
Behold, much vaunted Celtic now -
vanquished and forced the knee to bow
Before the lads in black and gold, the Saltcoats
Rangers brave and bold
Emerald,
thou unit of a much-conceited lot, the Seaside surely you forgot
Or them
entirely set at naught when Ayrshire's pride to be you sought.
But
now you've got a demonstration, much better far than ostentation
Or
prating, boasting, vile oration - fine words, no deeds
Which
shows that in the two towns still the Seaside leads
Cooled
down must be your high elation, lowered quick from state of elation
And
selfish pride and jubilation to humble place
Now
'neath the Rangers is your station in honours race
Advance
ye victors who o'ercame, pursue right earnestly the game
Turn
out and diligently train, your future's bright
Send
forth a challenge to Ardeer and Buffs et cetera, have no fear
Ye'll
beat them if same form display as seen 'gainst Celts last Saturday
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
LETTER
TO THE EDITOR - THE GAME AT BREWERY PARK
Sir
Allow me space to say a few words with reference to juvenile football. I had
the pleasure to see the match played between Ardrossan Celtic and Saltcoats
Seaside Rangers last Saturday (12 April 1902) at Brewery Park and I must say
the ill-feeling evinced by several of the Celtic players was the worst
I have seen on a football field - and I have been on most of the popular fields
in Scotland. Why cannot the Celtic team take defeat without resorting
to their fists as was the case on Saturday? And why does the Celtic player
who created the disturbance not hire a boxing booth for Saturday afternoons
instead of playing football and allow the Celts to play peacefully? As
regards the Rangers, they are, as a playing team, to be feared by most Ayrshire
juvenile clubs and their victory on Saturday was merited by superior play. I
wish the young Breweryites every success and express the hope that greater victories
are in store for them that the one they last achieved.
I am et cetera
Fairplay
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 18 April 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (19 April 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
14
|
10
|
3
|
1
|
41
|
25
|
21
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
11
|
9
|
1
|
1
|
28
|
7
|
19
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
1
|
26
|
26
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
15
|
6
|
7
|
2
|
22
|
41
|
14
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
12
|
5
|
4
|
3
|
20
|
22
|
13
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
The two North Ayrshire League matches down for decision last Saturday (19 April
1902) were duly fought and won and Ardrossan Celtic and Kilwinning Rangers
added two points to their respective records. The losing teams were Bartonholm
Britannia and Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle, both of which it may be remarked,
fell on their own ground. The Celts scored a meritorious victory of six
goals to three against Bartonholm and the Buffs topped their near and dear neighbours
by two to nil. Ardrossan Winton Rovers found employment in friendly interests
with Glasgow Camphill. The game, which took place at Winton
Park, was pleasantly contested and ended in favour of the Rovers
by four to three. Last season, it will perhaps be remembered, Camphill defeated
the Rovers by exactly the same score. Both teams played a fine game and the
visitors expressed the opinion that the Rovers are a much-improved lot since
last season. Tomorrow (26 April 1902), the Rovers will be in the hunt
for North Ayrshire League points when they oppose Eglinton Thistle at Kilwinning.
Form similar to that shown last Saturday will make the Jags run hard for honours.
Conveyances will leave the Templars' Hall (shown below as the Gospel Hall in
2002) for Kilwinning at 2.30 pm. As regards Ardrossan Celtic, they travel
to Wandhouse Field, Stevenston on Saturday first in order to decide their Scottish
Juvenile Cup tie with Ardeer Thistle. This tie is expected to draw out the supports
of both clubs in strong force. We are also informed that the Buffs would like
to engage Ardrossan Celtic in another trial of strength on neutral ground.
The Buffs still feel confident they can stop the Celtic trumpets from
blowing and will be quite willing to play the green and while jerseys either
at Stevenston or Saltcoats, the proceeds of said match to go to the Ibrox
Disaster Fund.
From the foregoing, we presume the Buffs have not forgotten the recent Scottish
Cup exit they made at the hands of Celtic and would like to get an opportunity
to avenge that defeat. Be that as it may, however, we commend the Buffs' willingness
to devote the proceeds of such a match to the Ibrox
Disaster Fund and
it is to be seen how the Celtic officials will act in this matter. The
Buffs hope Celtic will agree to play such a match on a week-night.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 April 1902
The Ibrox
disaster happened on 5 April 1902 at Ibrox Park, now Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow.
Following the collapse of a stand, twenty-five supporters at a Scotland v England
match died and 517 were injured.
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC 3 - STEVENSTON THISTLE STROLLERS 3
The Ardrossan Celtic and Stevenston Thistle Strollers played a match
on the ground of the former on Wednesday evening (23 April 1902). The game was
evenly contested throughout and ended in a draw, three goals each, one of which
Celtic scored from a penalty.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 April 1902
SALTCOATS
SEASIDE RANGERS 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
On Wednesday evening last (23 April 1902), Ardrossan Winton Rovers and
Saltcoats Seaside Rangers played a friendly at Brewery Park. The game was an
interesting one to the habitués of the respective local clubs and especially
with the defeat of Celtic on the same pitch fresh in memory. The teams
were well matched and it was not until the closing stages of the game were reached
that the Seasiders were awarded the only goal of the match, a point which should
not have been allowed by the referee owing to one of the Rovers' backs
being held. The game was characterised by rowdyism and the treatment received
by the Rovers was anything but sportsmanlike on the part of the so-called
'gilded youths' and their supporters.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 April 1902
ARDROSSAN
WINTON ROVERS 4 - GLASGOW CAMPHILL 3
The attraction of the season was provided at Winton
Park on Saturday last (19 April 1902) when Glasgow Camphill were the guests
and opponents of the Winton Rovers in a friendly. It will probably be
remembered that when Camphill visited Ardrossan last season, a well-contested
game resulted in the Rovers being defeated by the narrow margin of four to three
after pleasing game and this fact was, no doubt, mainly responsible for the
large crowd who assembled to witness the second tussle between the representatives
of city and coast. Both teams, we understand, were fully represented. Camphill
were fortunate in the spin of the coin but decided to face the breeze the first
half and Reid set the sphere in motion for the Rovers. The homesters
started promisingly and in the opening passages the 'Hill defence as subjected
to a pretty severe baptism. On the pressure being relieved, the visiting forwards
had a breakaway but they did to make much progress against the breeze and the
home backs cleared their lines without much difficulty. Good work by the Rovers'
halves brought play in front of the strangers' citadel where Reid had an opportunity
of testing his shooting powers and one or two good tries from his foot served
to impress the man between the sticks the necessity of keeping his wits about
him. Indeed, Reid succeeded in finding the desired spot but as he handled the
ball just before shooting, the point was nullified. Following this, Camphill's
left got away nicely but on McMurray coming to the assistance of his partner,
they were sent back empty-handed. With a nicely combined run the homesters again
invaded and on Reid getting possession of the leather near the touch-line, he
opened the scoring with a swift, slanting shot which completely baffled the
Camphill custodian. It was a well-taken goal and was worthy by the cheer it
raised. The Rovers kept us the attack and as the outcome of several corner kicks,
the visitors' stronghold was at times on the verge of being taken. Welsh received
an occasional visit but the Campbell forwards were never really dangerous and
the home custodian had a somewhat easy times of it. The Light Blues again
invaded and from a well-placed corner, Hattie headed the ball safely between
the uprights and the Rovers were two goals up. On resuming, Camphill pressed
for a short time forcing a corner which proved fruitless, notwithstanding the
encouraging shouts of a strong-lunged supporter of the Saint Mungo team. The
centre of operations was again transferred and McGill endangered the 'Hill citadel
with three well-placed shots in quick succession but he misjudged his fourth
attempt by shooting just over the bar. After some give-and-take play, a brief
scrimmage took place in front of the strangers' goal, the outcome of which was
that, though the instrumentality of Simpson, the Rovers scored a third
goal. The Winton forwards were showing to advantage though Dow allowed
several chances to slip through dallying. Reid's nimbleness, combined with his
shooting, was a continual source of annoyance to the strangers' defence and
ere long, he was the means of scoring a fourth goal, the sphere slipping out
of the keeper's hands after he had saved. Towards the close of the first half,
Camphill wakened up a bit and a brace of corners at Welsh's end gave promise
of an opening but on the second kick being taken, the whistle sounded for the
interval with the scores standing four to nil in favour of the Winton Parkers.
After a short breather, the teams lined up and, with the breeze favouring them,
Camphill led off in go-ahead style. Welsh's charge was soon besieged and although
the Rovers offered a stubborn resistance, a shot from their right wing proved
too many for the home custodian. This success on the part of the strangers lent
more interest to the play for while they strove equally as hard to keep them
out, the backs and half-backs showing up well against the wind. Play, however,
was not entirely confined to one end of the field. Extricating themselves, the
Rovers' front rank got over the meridian and Dow, with no one but the goalkeeper
to beat, was almost on the point of scoring when Templeton, who was clearly
offside, nipped the ball away and, of course, the effort went for nothing. As
time went by, it seemed as though the homesters would maintain their substantial
lead when McMurray handled the ball within the dreaded twelve yard limit and
on the penalty kick being taken, the Wintonians found themselves only
two goals in the majority. Play proceeded on comparatively even terms for a
spell and then shortly before time, the visitors once more forced matters and
succeeded in sending the sphere home for the third and last time. The Rovers
failed to increase their total and the game terminated in their favour by four
goals to three. The game throughout was an excellent one and what helped to
make it more enjoyable was the almost entire absence of shady tactics. Taking
the play all through, there was not much to choose between the teams in point
of merit. Tomorrow (26 April 1902), the Rovers journey to Kilwinning
to fulfil their return League fixture with Eglinton Thistle. The Light Blues
will be at full strength and they hope to snatch the full complement of points
from the Jags on Blacklands Park.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 25 April 1902
SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
One goal to nothing! Such was the result of the long-expected tussle between
Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Saltcoats Seaside Rangers which took place
on Wednesday evening of last week (23 April 1902) at Brewery Field, Saltcoats.
We have only space for a few of our correspondent's notes on the said game.
He says one of the bad features of the game was the large number of fouls against
one or two of the Seaside players and the encouragement they received from a
section of their supporters did not tend to improve matters. Of course, it is
not meant to be inferred that the play of the Rovers was entirely free
form blemish but it is questionable if a team composed of saints would have
kept their tempers under such trying circumstances. The second half, we regret
to say, was characterised by scenes which were discreditable in the extreme
and several times, play had to be suspended until peace was restored, both players
and spectators joining in the melee. It was during this half that Seaside scored
the only goal of the match, the result of a long drive by one of their backs,
although many spectators who were standing near the goal declared that during
the scrimmage which followed one of the Rovers' backs had been held.
After the game, the visitors were awarded a most 'enthusiastic' send-off and
as a memento of the occasion, received a farewell volley of stones et cetera
from a howling mob of youthful admirers of the Gilded Youths. To say the least
of it, the Winton Parkers came in for a pretty severe handling and naturally,
they will not readily forget their first visit to Brewery Field. We trust that
when the return game comes off in Ardrossan, they will uphold their own reputation
at any rate by striving to win in a fair and gentlemanly manner.
A second report is given below.
Winton Rovers met Seaside Rangers on Brewery Field on Wednesday night
week (23 April 1902) when Seaside had again the pleasure of coming out on top
by one goal to nil. As our space is limited, we give the following few notes.
The Rovers had a large crowd of followers with them and we may state
they were the worst conducted that have ever appeared on Brewery since the opening,
anything but a credit to Ardrossan. We wonder how there are so many Saltcoats
and Stevenston players in the two Ardrossan teams. Can anyone suggest a reason?
A strange thing happened after Seaside got their goal. A spectator or spectators
who was looking through the game through 'light blue' spectacles remarked that
he had observed one the Rovers' backs being held by a Seasider while
the ball was going through, Of course, this observation was eagerly seized upon
by the Rovers' supporters and made the most of. The rumour reached the
ears of the Rovers' backs who at once corroborated but as it was not
stated which one of them had been held, they both complained of receiving that
treatment. The phenomenal part is that they both blamed the same player for
holding them, namely, Maxwell. As a matter of about twenty yards separated the
backs at the said period, it will be seen it was no mean fear which Maxwell
performed. Keep it up, Johnnie and when next you meet the Rovers, you
may be able to include the half-backs and goalkeeper also in your mighty grasp
while your mates put the ball through.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
One North Ayrshire League fixture was played off last Saturday (26 April 1902)
and the full complement of points went to Eglinton Thistle. This was at the
expense of Ardrossan Winton Rovers. The Rovers, it is only fair
to mention, had to play the greater part of the game with ten players and in
addition to this, their front rank was practically players from the A team,
four of the regulars being absent. Bell of the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers assisted
Ardrossan Celtic against Ardeer Thistle in the Scottish cup at Wandhouse
but he could hardly be voted a success at centre-half. As showing the interest
in juvenile football, we have only to state that the gate at the above match
realised £11 odds. Some of our senior clubs could appreciate a return
like this.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
KILWINNING
EGLINTON RANGERS 4 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
On Saturday (26 April 1902), the Rovers played their return League game
with Eglinton Thistle at Blacklands Park, Kilwinning. The Light Blues
were weakly represented, Simpson being the only one of the regular front rank
who were able to take the field and the subs were introduced from the A team.
The game resulted in a win for the Jags by four goals to two. A strong breeze
kept the play confined pretty much to one end of the field and when half-time
was called, the Thistle led by three goals to nil. In the second period, the
Rovers playing with the wind, completely hemmed in their opponents but
were weak at goal and only succeeded in scoring twice, whereas the home team
added a fourth point to their total shortly before time. The Winton forwards
gave a poor display while their defence was also shaky and the homesters got
their goals comparatively easily. As a referee, Mr Coulter, Bartonholm, was
not quite a success, his decisions at times being altogether unreasonable while
he allowed things to slip which no one could fail to notice. In fairness to
the Rovers, it should be stated that for the greater portion of the game,
they played with ten men, one of their forwards being forced to retire owing
to a knee injury.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (26 April 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
14
|
10
|
3
|
1
|
41
|
25
|
21
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
11
|
9
|
1
|
1
|
28
|
7
|
19
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
10
|
9
|
1
|
0
|
38
|
9
|
18
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
13
|
6
|
4
|
3
|
24
|
24
|
15
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
14
|
7
|
6
|
1
|
28
|
30
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
15
|
6
|
7
|
2
|
22
|
41
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
A BIASED SCRIBE?
A word in the ear of the scribe who writes under Our Juveniles - change the
heading into Our Rovers. If he is going to be a neutral man, let him give his
opinions unbiased. Not only we, but others, have noticed his partiality for
the Rovers. He has no call to take a mean advantage of his position by
writing to the detriment of other teams when they defeat his favourites and
to rake up childish excuses to explain their non-success. If he is unable to
do this, let him gracefully abdicate his post to someone who can write without
prejudice. An open field an no favour is all that is required. A word to the
wise et cetera.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
At the Ayrshire Juvenile Association meeting held on Saturday evening (26 April
1902) and at the suggestion of Mr Adams, secretary, it was unanimously agreed
to start a charity competition to be played by eight teams selected by the Association,
the proceeds to be divided between the Ibrox
Disaster Fund and the Ayr and Kilmarnock Infirmaries. The money to
the infirmaries is for the purpose of ensuring beds for players under the jurisdiction
of the Association who may happen to get hurt. The teams selected were placed
and drawn for choice of ground as follows.
Ardrossan Celtic v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
- Mr McBeth, referee
Kilwinning Rangers v Ardeer Thistle - Mr Adams, referee
Vale of Garnock Strollers v Dalry Athletic - Mr Paterson,
referee
Galston Bluebell v Hurlford Thistle - Mr Wilson, referee
The above ties fall to be played on the ground of the first-named clubs and
the semi-finals and final will be at Warner Park, Stevenston. The dates for
games to be played were left over till the next meeting of the Association.
Gold badges are to be presented to the winning team.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ASSOCIATION MEETING
At the North Ayrshire League Association meeting held last Friday evening (25
April 1902), a team was chosen to represent the Association against a Beith
and District League eleven. The North Ayrshire League team is as follows - Rae,
Bartonholm; Aitken, Dalry Athletic and McMurray, Winton Rovers; Wilson,
Irvine Saint Andrews; Muirhead, Kilwinning Rangers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan
Celtic; Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers; Nicol, Ardeer Thistle; Duff, Ardeer Thistle;
Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers and Hamilton, Ardeer Thistle.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
ARDEER THISTLE 5 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
This event, which came off on the ground of the former at Wandhouse Field on
Saturday (25 April 1902) attracted a large concourse of spectators, many of
whom hailed form the surrounding districts. Unfortunately, a strong easterly
breeze blew and the general opinion of the crowd was the game would be greatly
marred in consequence. Such proved to be the case. Ardeer were first on the
arena while Celtic turned up several minutes behind the advertised hour.
The fact that Celtic had disposed of the Kilwinning Rangers in this competition
lifted them high in the estimation of their supporters and there were those
among them who hoped to see the Ardrossan lads serve the Ardeer cracks
with a similar dish. Both teams lacked the services of one of their regular
players but capable subs were found in Bell of Saltcoats for the Celts
and Hughes of Stevenston Strollers for Ardeer. As luck would have it, Celtic
won the spin of the coin and decided to play with the element in their favour.
Duff started the race for honours with Ardeer but little progress was made by
them. It was felt that if the Celts were to score, now was the time to
pile on the agony but in the Ardeer defence, they found opponents worthy of
their steel. It is hardly necessary to give details of the play this half as
the battle was mainly conducted on Ardeer territory and during its progress,
the sphere was repeatedly in touch. The Celts' efforts to score were
somewhat crude and as a whole lacked decision badly. Now and again, the Ardeer
forwards, by good combination, broke away but their visits to the other ends
were few and far between. Once they did get in the vicinity of Steed
but the Celtic defenders repulsed them before they got time to shoot.
Time slipped away and still Celtic could not score, neither from corners
or anything else. Ardeer held their stronghold safe to the finish and at half-time,
the teams stood pointless. Having failed to secure a morsel of comfort, the
Celts' chance seemed gone as it was not a forwards day by any means and
the general opinion was that Ardeer would win the tie in the second half in
a canter. Resuming, Ardeer assumed the offensive at the outset and, after a
narrow shave, Biggam registered the first goal of the match before five minutes
had elapsed. Play was all in favour of Ardeer and the Celts defence were
taxed to the utmost. They stood bravely to their guns, however, and several
minutes slipped away before Duff, clever player as he is, bracketed goal number
two for his side. It was all up with the Celts now though in the next
few minutes, they opened out better and got beyond the meridian only to be forced
back again. At this stage, it looked a case of how many and when it is said
it that marksman Duff added two more goals to his team's total ere twenty-five
minutes had gone, it will be readily understood how the Ardeer lads went about
their work. The game, which was stopped on some four or five occasions through
players getting hurt, was conducted on very quiet lines and no one outside the
arena seemed inclined to give the Celts a cheer. Steed
was beaten for the fifth time by Duff and in the closing stages of the game,
the Celtic forwards broke away and got in close proximity to Montgomery
before they were forced back. The remaining few minutes passed off without any
additional scoring and Ardeer retired easy winners of a rather poor game by
five goals to nil.
A second
report is given below.
The Great Scottish Juvenile cup, as the tie was termed in the posters, proved
a rather lob-sided affair, both in point of play and goal-scoring but there
is no doubt the better team survived the ordeal. In Ardeer Thistle, any of the
clubs still in the running for the cup will find them a difficult lost to master.
The Celtic lads may feel a little downcast over the result but there
is not any need for sad reflections. They have performed very well in their
first venture in the Scottish Cup and by steady perseverance, they may reach
a higher pinnacle next season. With one exception, each team was fully represented
so that in this respect, they faced each other on fair and square lines. Bell
of Seaside Rangers occupied Brannan's place in the Celtic eleven at centre-half
and Hughes of Stevenston Thistle Strollers filled a similar post in the Ardeer
team instead of Auld who was unable to turn out. Play in the first half went
mainly in favour of Celtic and although Ardeer broke away several times
through clever combination and once looked as if they were going to score, yet
Steed
in goal was never asked to save his trust. The Celtic attacks were very
weak and their shooting was not of the most deadly description. Had they secured
a goal when playing with the wind, it might have encouraged them to do better
but beyond striking the upright on one occasion and one or two other narrow
things, the efforts of the Celts to pierce the Ardeer defence proved
abortive. Much time was lost through the ball being frequently in touch and
for this, the strong wind that prevailed was in some measure responsible. The
initial period was practically defensive on the part of Ardeer and it must be
said that they acquitted themselves well in finishing with a clean sheet. Montgomery
in goal had a number of balls to negotiate but he was not tested to the same
extent as Steed
in the second half. With the start of the second half, the Celtic lads
had every reason to dread the worst and they had perhaps some serious qualms
as the ultimate issue. Having stood the brunt of the battle in the first half,
the Ardeer defence were not allowed to breathe easier and their forwards set
about their work in such a way as foreshadowed success. Ardeer's attacks were
more dangerous and from the very outset, Steed
and Company had their work cut out for them. Steed
did his best to relieve the pressure by kicking the ball on almost every occasion
to leeward which generally went into touch and consequently some valuable time
was again lost. It looked bad and some of the spectators went to the length
so say that such play was meant. The wind certainly spoiled the game and against
the element, neither set of forwards made much headway, although in this respect,
Ardeer had the pull in the matter of combination. Both teams were once within
shooting range of the windward goal but were forced back without a try and as
a result, Steed
and Montgomery were simply spectators when their side had the benefit of the
wind which was a strong factor. As the scores at the finish indicate, Ardeer
were the better team but it was generally regretted that the breeze militated
against the finer points of the game.. Had it been otherwise, we would perhaps
have seen the respective sides at their best but enough was noticed to justify
our opinion in saying that the better team survived. The game was characterised
by several stoppages, players on each side being winded but beyond this, nothing
serious happened. Comments on the players are unnecessary as it was not a day
to witness the forwards of either team at their best. The respective defensive
sections, however, were thoroughly well tested and here we would remark that
Hughes of the Stroller deserves a word of praise for turning out and assisting
Ardeer. His play contributed to ensure victory for the homesters.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
POEM
One signing himself Thistle furnishes us with the following lines.
The Scottish Cup will be the test, we'll
see who'll highest score
These were the words in Emerald's poem,
that test is past and o'er
With what result is now well-known, superiors
now the Celts us own
We played with them as with a toy and quickly
did their hopes destroy
Did
Emerald for a moment think his team would beat Ardeer
If so,
he made a huge mistake as Saturday showed clear
Five
goals to nil, 'twas easily done and had the Thistle striven
The
game at finish would have been ten, maybe or eleven
And
so, as said, we've put an end to Celts' ambitions great
And
with the conquered, conquerors lie, the Buffs the Celts now mate
Now
Ardeer want to meet Seaside at Brewery Park where they reside
And
mean to beat them by the same score as last year with as many more
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 2 May 1902
ARDROSSAN
CELTIC 3 - KILWINNING RANGERS 3
The Ardrossan Celtic lads found employment at home last Saturday (3 May
1902) in North Ayrshire League interests. Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle were the
visitors who, flushed with their victory against Winton Rovers the previous
week, hoped to pull Celtic's number down next. The Celts were
weaker than usual, several of their regulars being absent and among these was
included McLaughlin at half-back who was showing his form at Barrhead that day
in the Ayrshire v Renfrewshire inter-county match. The vacancies in the team,
however, were well filled by subs and, generally speaking, a win for the Celts
was anticipated. A strong wind slightly favoured Celtic in the initial
period and for the first thirty minutes, they had the best of matters. Eglinton
broke away at stated periods and once had the sphere between the posts from
a free-kick which Steed allowed
to pass through untouched and Eglinton thus failed to count. At times, Celtic
pinned their opponents somewhat closely to their stronghold but the shooting
of the Celts lacked sting and effectiveness. On one occasion, they banged
the sphere against the Eglinton crossbar but this effort and all others went
for naught. The Eglinton defenders stood pluckily to their work and it seemed
Celts were to have a harder run for honours than they perhaps bargained
upon. Twenty minutes had slipped away and the teams stood pointless but shortly
afterwards, Celtic opened the scoring department and having tasted blood,
they thirsted for more. Two goals we quickly added to their total and being
now three up, it was felt they were on the sure road to victory but as the sequel
at half-time showed, 'it is never safe to shout until you are out of the wood'
and in the last fifteen minutes preceding the interval, Eglinton, picking up
courage, put quite a different complexion on the probable issue of the game.
Their turn had come and first one goal and then another was registered against
the homesters in rather smart and easy fashion. While these reverses no doubt
set our boys a-thinking, they on the other hand encouraged the visitors to press
forward but the remaining minutes of the first half passed away without further
scoring and Celts led at the interval by three to two. The change of
ends now gave Eglinton what benefit there was in the wind and with only one
point separating the teams, it was difficult, on the strength of the doings
of each in the first half, to say which would come out on top. The chances seemed
more in favour of Eglinton but the opening phases of the second half showed
that Celtic were determined to maintain the upper hand if at all possible.
It was not to be so, however, for some ten minutes from the resumption with
Eglinton on home territory, a shot was propelled at Steed's
charge which the custodian failed to hold and the referee awarded a goal which
placed the teams on an even footing. This point the Celts and their custodian
protested against, we presume on the ground that the ball did not pass underneath
the bar. The referee, however, allowed the point, much to the displeasure of
the homesters. The succeeding play was characterised by much earnestness, if
not scientific play, and of the two teams, the Celts were the more aggressive
party. Eglinton, of course, had their look-in by turns but occasionally, their
visits were spoiled by being ruled offside. The Celts wrought hard to
the finish to secure the winning goal but they could not pierce the Eglinton
defence this half so the game ended in a draw, three goals each. On the day's
play, such as it was, the Celts deserved better, however.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - ARDEER THISTLE 7
A much better attraction than the above (Winton Rovers A Team v Largs
Athletic), however, was provided at Winton Park
on Tuesday evening last (6 May 1902) when the Rovers and Ardeer Thistle
contested their claim for North Ayrshire League points. It was Ardeer's first
visit to Winton Park this season and as they
have earned distinction in the so-called juvenile football world, the turnout
of spectators was large and enthusiastic. The evening turned out remarkable
fine after a passing thunderstorm and as each team was strongly represented
for the occasion, an interesting match was promised although the current of
opinion went in favour of Ardeer winning the game and the coveted points. In
giving a few notes on the game, we begin by saying that the Rovers had
the best of the choice of ends from the fact that a setting sun was at their
backs though the Ardeer defenders were the worst sufferers from the sunshine
which only covered half the length of the pitch. The initial period of the game
was the best contested, the play being of a well-balanced nature and replete
with interesting incidents. First the one goal and then the other was the order
but of the two teams, Ardeer were certainly the more dangerous lot when thy
got in the vicinity of the target. The respective defences, however, stood the
test well and time slipped away without either side being rewarded for their
labour of love and the interest of the spectators, as may be expected, was well
maintained. Twenty minutes of exciting play had been witnessed and during that
period, each custodian had to avert disaster. The Rovers' supporters,
no doubt, felt pleased at the stand their pets were making against the Ayrshire
Cup finalists who, to the eye, seemed the bulkier and abler lot and apparently
going for all they were worth. In this latter respect, we feel sure the Rovers
were exerting themselves to the full but, despite their best efforts, their
citadel was captured after about half an hour's play. Carrick Hamilton sent
in a dangerous corner from Ardeer's left and lo, McMurray of the home team beat
his own custodian. This was an unfortunate piece of play but no blame could
be laid against Welsh for the loss of this point as he got no chance to play
his part. The Rovers continued to have their share of the game and in
the open seemed as effective as their opponents but at goal lacked decision
badly. Ardeer improved their position by registering a second goal and certain
defeat seemed to stare the Rovers in the face when ends were changed
and when the merits of the respective teams were taken into consideration. Shortly
after resuming, however, the dark cloud which hung over the Winton Parkers
at this stage had soon a silver lining as 'wee' Simpson succeeded in beating
Montgomery for the first time with a sure shot, a success which was loudly cheered
by the home crowd. This bit of success did the ground lads no harm for after
some give-and-take work, they came again and Montgomery was eluded for the second
time, thus placing the teams on a level. These successes put quite a different
complexion on the game and now the spectators encouraged the Rovers lustily
on to victory. For a brief space, they persisted breaking in on the visitors'
lines but beyond this, their efforts were futile. Ardeer got away to the other
end and in quick time, they were once more in the ascendant. From this point
to the finish, Ardeer remained masters of the situation and it turned out to
be the most disastrous half-hour in the game for the Rovers. Ardeer asserted
their superiority in fine style and, playing the better game, ran out winners
by the very comfortable score of seven to two. Of the seven goals scored by
Ardeer, three of these at least ought to have been safely negotiated. Tomorrow,
Saturday (10 May 1902), the local clubs, Celtic and Rovers meet
at Winton Park and it is to be hoped this
match will be characterised by a spirit of rivalry similar to that shown in
the above game.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 10 - LARGS ATHLETIC 1
The Rovers having an off-day last Saturday (3 May 1902), Winton
Park was utilised by the Rovers' Reserves and Largs Athletic
for the day. The game was a somewhat poor one and terminated in a rather easy
victory for the Reserves by ten goals to one. A much better attraction, however,
was provided at Winton
Park on Tuesday evening last (6 May 1902) when the Rovers
and Ardeer contested their claim for North Ayrshire League points.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
Eglinton Thistle and Ardrossan Celtic robbed each other of a North Ayrshire
League point last Saturday (3 May 1902) at Celtic
Park. The equalising goal scored by Eglinton was strongly disputed
by the Celts but the referee, Mr Paterson, Kilwinning, stuck by his decision.
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers had an off-day on Saturday but on Tuesday evening last (6
May 1902), they opposed Ardeer Thistle at Winton
Park under North Ayrshire League auspices. The game, which attracted a good
turnout of spectators, terminated seven to two in favour of Ardeer. Ardrossan
Celtic and Winton Rovers seem to be on the best of terms with each
other and, we understand, have arranged to provide the football public of the
district with another local derby on Saturday first (10 May 1902) at Winton
Park. The match is a friendly one and we express the hope it will
be so in every sense of the term. All we wish to see is a game free from foul
and mean tactics and this is possible on both sides.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (3 May 1902) -
actually Tuesday 6 May 1902.
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
15
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
44
|
28
|
22
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
12
|
10
|
1
|
1
|
34
|
10
|
21
|
||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
11
|
10
|
1
|
0
|
45
|
11
|
20
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
14
|
6
|
4
|
4
|
27
|
27
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
15
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
30
|
37
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
16
|
6
|
8
|
2
|
25
|
47
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
CHANGE OF OPPONENTS FOR WINTON ROVERS
With reference to the paragraph which appears under Juvenile Football Notes
on page seven, intimating the match for tomorrow (10 May 1902) between Winton
Rovers and Celtic at Winton
Park, we are authorised to state that it has been declared off owing
to the Celtic club having a fixture with an outside team for the same
afternoon. We need hardly say that such an action as this on the part of the
Celtic officials cannot be appreciated by their near and dear neighbours,
the Rovers and especially after the match had been duly announced by
posters. The Rovers, however, are not to be beaten at this little game,
as we are instructed to state that the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers have come to
the rescue and will play the Rovers at Winton
Park tomorrow instead of Celtic. We hope to see a big crowd
and a pleasant friendly.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC AFRAID OF KILWINNING RANGERS?
Can the Ardrossan Celtic not give Kilwinning Rangers the game they were
wanting or are they afraid of another ten to one defeat?
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
ANCIENT FOOTBALLERS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC
Last night (8 May 1902), the ancient footballers of the district were to play
Ardrossan Celtic at Winton
Park, the proceeds of the match to go to the Ibrox
Disaster Fund. At the time of writing, were have not been favoured
with the names of the Ancients' eleven but we have no doubt a fairly representative
team will be turned out.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
LETTER TO THE EDITOR -- BIASED ARDROSSAN SCRIBE?
We are in receipt of the following letter.
Ardrossan, 5 May 1902
Sir
It was very interesting and amusing reading that which was provided under Seaside
Ripples in last Friday's (2 May 1902) issue in reference to the game played
the previous week between Seaside Rangers and Winton Rovers. The writer's
high opinion of Ardrossan spectators and the manner in which he scolded the
individual who writes under Our Juveniles was indeed well in keeping with the
traditions of the Seasiders. Poor Seaside! You have been unjustly wronged for
it must have been ill-will that prompted the statement that a Seaside Ranger
would so far forget himself to hold an opponent. The Saltcoats correspondent
generously informs us that a 'blue spectacled' supporter of the Rovers
thought he saw Johnny holding the back and, as I distinctly witnessed this myself,
it may be taken for granted that I am the party referred to. I can really sympathise
with Seaside Rippler in his learned advice to the writer of Juvenile Notes and
the only remedy I can suggest is that the Rangers run a newspaper themselves.
The Seaside Chronicle would, I think, be an most appropriate title and with
such a model of impartiality as the Saltcoats scribe in the editorial chair,
the effort could not fail to succeed. Then would he have ample scope to 'praise
and magnify' the doings of his pets; then would there be an 'open field and
no favour'; and then no more would the actions of the Brewery youths be subjected
to the censure of a prejudiced writer. However, should the latter think himself
unworthy of his position and decide to retire, it might possibly benefit a number
of clubs in the district - the Seaside Rangers in particular - if his successor
proved to be such another as he who writes on behalf of the Gilded Youths.
I am et cetera
Lance
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 9 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (10 May 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
12
|
11
|
1
|
0
|
50
|
15
|
22
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
15
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
44
|
28
|
22
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
12
|
10
|
1
|
1
|
34
|
10
|
21
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
14
|
6
|
4
|
4
|
27
|
27
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
15
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
30
|
37
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
BEITH AND DISTRICT AND NORTH AYRSHIRE LEAGUES PLAY TOMORROW
The inter-League match between representations from the Beith and District and
North Ayrshire Leagues has been fixed to come off tomorrow, Saturday (17 May
1902) at Garnockside Field, Glengarnock. This will be the first match of the
kind between these juvenile associations. Looking at the team selected to represent
North Ayrshire, we find the majority of the players are the same as did so well
in the recent inter-county games against Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, the Ayrshire
representatives winning each game very handsomely. Tomorrow's match, however,
is League v League and should the North Ayrshire eleven turn out as selected,
we fancy victory should be theirs. The North Ayrshire League team is as follows
- Rae, Bartonholm; Aitken, Dalry Athletic and McMurray, Winton Rovers;
Wilson, Irvine Saint Andrews; Muirhead, Kilwinning Rangers and McLaughlin, Ardrossan
Celtic; Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers; Nicol, Ardeer Thistle; Duff, Ardeer Thistle;
Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers and Hamilton, Ardeer Thistle.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - GLASGOW MAXWELL XI 2
It was unwise policy of the part of the Celtic officials to throw off
the Winton Rovers last week and play Glasgow Maxwell XI on Saturday (9
May 1902) after the local rivals had been billed to try conclusions. There was
a meagre attendance of onlookers at North
Crescent Park and we are afraid the benefit match was a financial
failure. Celtic's victory of three to two on that account had not the
ring about it it would otherwise have had. The counter-attraction at Winton
Park killed the above attraction and the Celtic officials
have themselves to blame. To say the least of it, the action of the Celtic
in throwing off the Rovers during the week was unsportsmanlike and one
wonders what they would have said had the Rovers been the sinners. We
will perhaps hear more about this matter later on.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 1
The Rovers have Saltcoats Seaside Rangers to thank for filling the unexpected
breach (caused by the cancellation of their game with Ardrossan Celtic)
and although the match was only announced at the last hour, the turnout of spectators
was large and enthusiastic. This was expected but the game was not by any means
a great affair, so far as play was concerned. From the glowing accounts hitherto
given respecting the form of the Seasiders, we fully expected to see a good
thing but we were very much disappointed. The game, which culminated in favour
of the Rovers by two to one, was a somewhat poor one and after Saturday's
exposition, neither team has any room to crow about their capabilities. The
Rovers, however, cull pleasure at the thought of avenging their recent
one to nil reverse at Saltcoats.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - WEST KILBRIDE AMATEURS 0
On Tuesday evening last (13 May 1902), Ardrossan Celtic tried friendly
conclusions with West Kilbride Amateurs at North
Crescent Park. The game resulted in favour of the Celts by
three to nil.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - ARDROSSAN AND DISTRICT ANCIENTS 3
Last week, a series of evening matches were inaugurated at Winton
Park, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the Ibrox
Disaster Fund. Mr W Fullarton of Queen's Park fame has organised
a senior eleven of Ancient players residing in the district, several
of whom have earned distinction in the football world. The team opposed to them
was Ardrossan Celtic and it goes without saying that the Ancients
gave the aspiring Celts a fine run for honours. The game, which ended
in favour of the Ancients by three to one, ranked as one of the best
played at Winton
Park this season in the course of which several of the Ancients
evinced fine form. We would like to give their names but have not authority
to do so. The crowd was a large one and we are pleased to state that the gate
was the best ever taken at Winton
Park. The second match was billed to take place last night, Thursday
(15 May 1902) on the same pitch between the Ancients and Winton Rovers.
A word of praise is due to Mr Fullarton and his Ancients and to the local
clubs in playing matches for such a commendable object as the Ibrox
Disaster Fund.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN AND DISTRICT ANCIENTS 2
The second of a series of football matches in aid of the Ibrox
Disaster Fund which was played last night, Thursday (15 May 1902)
on Winton
Park between the Ardrossan and District Ancients and Winton
Rovers resulted in a win for the veterans by two goals to one. Tomorrow,
the Stevenston Thistle Strollers will try friendly conclusions with the Rovers
at Winton
Park.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE LEAGUE ELEVEN TO PLAY IN WINTON ROVERS' JERSEYS
The Light Blue jerseys belonging to the Ardrossan Winton Rovers have
been pretty much in demand this season. These were the colours which the Ayrshire
representatives donned at the inter-county games with the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire
elevens and now, we are told, these are to be the colours under which the North
Ayrshire representatives will play against the Beith and District lads at Glengarnock
tomorrow (17 May 1902). If the success which has attended the Light Blue jerseys
in the inter-county games is to be repeated tomorrow, more lustre will be added
to the colours and the players who wore them.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 1
In the early part of last week, it was publicly intimated that Ardrossan
Celtic and Winton Rovers were to provide the local habitués
with a game last Saturday (10 May 1902) at Winton
Park but when the tail-end of the week had been reached, it leaked
out that Celtic had cancelled the fixture and had arranged to play a
Glasgow club on their own pitch. Such reprehensible conduct as this naturally
occasioned much comment in football circles and the action of the Celts
at this time has not in any way raised them in the estimation of the lovers
of the popular pastime. We have not learned what the Rovers intend doing
but we think the case is one which ought to be reported to the Association.
Fortunately, representatives of the Rovers and Seaside Rangers met on
Thursday night (15 May 1902) and, as the latter club had their match with Irvine
Thistle postponed, it was there and then agreed that the Saltcoats lads would
play the Rovers at Winton
Park. This was a lucky arrangement and it was felt the match would
also command the larger share of public attention, as it did. The other week,
it will be remembered, Seaside go the better of the Rovers at Brewery
Park by the narrow margin of one goal to nil and no doubt, they hoped to assert
their superiority once more on Saturday. The Rovers, on the other hand,
though lacking the services of Dow, Hattie and Bennett, held quite a different
opinion and to make a long story short, the Rovers were successful in
wiping out the small account contracted at the Brewery. Taking the game all
through, it was a rather tame affair, neither team showing good form. In the
first half, with the breeze blowing across the pitch, the Rovers had
just the best of matters. After some fifteen minutes play, from a free kick,
the Rovers secured the first goal, which one of the Seasiders unfortunately
headed through. The visitors made a number of dangerous incursions into home
territory and the custodian got one or two balls to negotiate. In the last quarter
of an hour, the Rovers notched a second point and half-time sounded with
the Seasiders two goals in arrears. The second period saw the Seasiders more
in evidence and about fifteen minutes from the resumption, they were awarded
their initial goal, a point which looked suspiciously offside but which the
referee allowed and which would probably have been averted had Carmichael, one
of the home backs, not made a miskick. From this stage to the finish, runs and
counter-runs followed with the balance of play in favour of the Seasiders who
seemed to stay the game better than the home lads. The Rovers made several
attempts to improve their position but, like their opponents in the first half,
they could not force an opening and as a result, all the scoring was done at
the other end of the field. Time and again, it looked as if the Seaside lads
were to draw the game but it was not to be and for this McMurray at back was
largely responsible. At times, he saved his side when all seemed lost. The game
finished in favour of the Rovers by two goals to one. Several incidents
occurred during the progress of the game and on one occasion, it was stopped
through a spectator interfering with one of the home players. Spectators who
cannot stand and watch a game without molesting players, verbally or otherwise,
should learn to stay at home.
A second
report is given below.
Owing to Irvine Thistle disappointing Seaside on Saturday (10 May 1902), the
Rangers travelled to Ardrossan to play their return friendly with the Rovers
and the latter turned the tables on their rivals by two goals to one. The teams
this cry quits on the two games this season. We don't want to particularise
as we fancy our old friend of the Echoes will be desirous of having his say
this week. We hope Lance and a few of his self-righteous friends were present
to witness the 'send-off' Seaside got at Ardrossan. A Seaside player got his
eye cut with a stone before he left the field but that was only a beginning
as the brake which conveyed Seaside was literally besieged along Winton Street
and Glasgow Street with stones, common or garden, 'kale runts' et cetera. We
fancy, after this, the Rovers scribe has no room to talk but he will
likely sink dumb on the matter. We have to thank the Rovers' committee
and players for their efforts in trying to stop the 'bombardment' and had it
not been for their commendable energy, there is no saying how Seaside would
have fared. With reference to Lance's letter, we observe it is dated from Ardrossan
thus accounting for its general tone. After having done our best to arrive at
what he means to be at, we at last come to the conclusion that he should like
to see us abjectly and humbly apologising to that all-wise and mighty writer
of Our Juveniles for having the presumption to question any of his statements
and especially for having the temerity to voice any views of ours which did
not coincide with that paragon's. Our opinion of the Ardrossan supporters was
not so far out as Saturday's treatment of Seaside showed. With regard to the
little bit about the holding of the back, another look at our report would do
him no harm. He is so hopelessly mixed up in his argument that we don't see
any great necessity for commenting thereon. Taking his letter all through, we
have no hesitation in describing it simply as 'twaddle', the result of that
very prevalent complaint, namely, 'swelled-head'.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
WILLIE FULLARTON HAS BROKEN COLLAR BONE
As a result of the Queen's Park v Stevenston Thistle football match, there has
been handed over to the Stevenston Nursing Association £17 11s 5d. This
is a bit behind last season. Still, considering that there were a great many
other collections going on, it is creditable to the working classes of Stevenston.
Included is the above is a sum of 34s collected from the Queen's Park Players
themselves which was quite unlooked for and very generous on their part. Willie
Fullarton whom, I learn, hails from Ardrossan and who played with his team,
Queen's Park, on that occasion, has since, I learn, met with and accident, his
collar-bone being broken.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 16 May 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 5 - IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 3
In the first round of the Gold Badge competition, under the auspices of the
Kilwinning Eglinton Football Club, Winton Rovers defeated Irvine Saint
Andrews by five goals to three. The game was played at Blacklands Field, Kilwinning
last night (22 May 1902).
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (17 May 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
13
|
12
|
1
|
0
|
53
|
16
|
24
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
15
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
44
|
28
|
22
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
12
|
10
|
1
|
1
|
34
|
10
|
21
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
15
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
30
|
37
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
ARDROSSAN CELTIC DRAW WITH IRVINE THISTLE
Representatives of the Orange and the Green did battle at North
Crescent, Ardrossan on Saturday last(17 May 1902). The contending
teams were Celtic and Irvine Thistle and although the game ended in a
draw, the Celts were the better lot on football. After the first ten
minutes, the Celts fought with only ten players owing to Tait being badly
hurt on the face.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
WINTON TO PLAY SAINT ANDREWS AND CELTIC TO PLAY THISTLE STROLLERS
We understand the Winton Rovers and Irvine Saint Andrews were to play
at Kilwinning last night, Thursday (22 May 1902), the occasion being a tie in
the first stage of the Kilwinning Eglinton juvenile tournament. The same evening,
Ardrossan Celtic were to play the Thistle Strollers at Stevenston in
a return friendly.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
A CELTIC POEM TO THE ROVERS
We are in receipt of the following lines from one who signs himself Light Blue.
Such teams as Celtic should shut
shop, a truly mean deceitful lot
High time they showed some sportsmanship,
they've shown enough their nasty bit
To do their neighbours out a gate, outcome
of spite and jealous hate
Arrangement made at Rovers' cost
and this much would to them been lost
But
Seaside proved our friends in need, how fared the Celts with all their
greed
I feel
to state their feelings plain, they lost instead of reaping gain
For
shillings theirs we drew our pounds, complete financial dressing
In this
as well as at the game we've taught the Greens a lesson
Besides
all this Celts feared the meet, they looked for certain sure defeat
The
Blues intended this to do but lo, the Celtic take the rue
But
be it known without a doubt, we'll take a higher place
And
oust the Celts from badges all, we'll shift them in short space
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - IRVINE THISTLE 2
Our boys found employment last Saturday (17 May 1902) at North
Crescent Park, the visitors being Irvine Thistle. There was a thin
turnout of spectators, no doubt due to the other attraction the same afternoon
at Winton
Park. We played with the breeze the first half and we had the best
of the exchanges. Some ten minutes from the start, while the Celts were
attacking, one of the Irvine backs, as Tait on the left rushed in on him, received
a nasty looking fall and the game was suspended for a brief space. Fortunately,
matters turned out better than was at first anticipated as the Irvine player
resumed again but unfortunately, Tait was so badly injured about the eye that
he had to retire, leaving the Celts to finish the game with ten players.
Despite this handicap, the homesters were first to score which was easily registered.
The visitors made repeated attacks but some time elapsed before they succeeded
in equalising matters. The Celts continued to do most of the pressing
work and eventually, after the Irvine keeper had first saved his trust, the
ball was returned and seemed to strike the corner of the goal and pass through.
Some doubt was felt as to whether a goal had been scored or not but the 'knight
of the whistle' awarded a point and at half-time, Celts led by two to
one. Previous to this, one of the Irvine players seemed inclined to fight but
better counsels prevailed. The second half opened best for Irvine and the Celts'
keeper had one or two certainties to negotiate which he did well. As time advanced,
Celtic, though short-manned, made several gallant attempts and once or
twice, the Irvine stronghold was somewhat luckily saved. The game continued
to be hard fought and no doubt, the home lot were showing themselves to best
advantage so far as football was concerned. The home attacks, however, were
frustrated and in the last ten minutes of time, Irvine equalised matters with
a well-taken goal. The game ended in a draw, two goals each. On the day's play,
Celtic were the better team and one could not have grudged them victory.
Brannan appeared in his old position at centre-half while Steed,
who played at back, was supplanted by a newcomer in goal, and he acquitted himself
well.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
Phrases like 'Our boys' and 'We played' suggest that
the reporter was an Ardrossan Celtic supporter.
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - STEVENSTON THISTLE STROLLERS 4
On Saturday last (17 May 1902), the Winton Rovers had a friendly visit
from the junior combination know as the Stevenston Thistle Strollers. There
was a fairly good turnout of spectators. The Rovers were without Carmichael,
McCulloch, Simpson and Reid whose places were filled by subs and the last-named
player caused some comment by turning out for the visiting team. The opening
passages were of a give-and take nature and play was mostly contested in midfield.
The visitors were rather fortunate in the scoring of their first goal which
came as the result of a long high shot from one of their half-backs, the ball
dropping through the top corner of the goal without Welsh making any attempt
to stop it, he apparently thinking it was going over. After this reverse, the
Light Blues played up better and the Strollers' stronghold now came in
for some attention. The efforts of the homesters at length culminated in a penalty
kick being awarded them but this proved fruitless, McMurray shooting over the
goalkeeper's hands. On the Rovers' returning to the attack, the Strollers'
custodian brought off several smart saves but after an exciting scrimmage at
the goal, he was ultimately beaten which success put the teams on level terms.
The homesters had the best of matters for the greater part of this half and
tried hard to find another opening but the interval arrived without any further
scoring being effected. Shortly after resuming, the Rovers notched a
second point and a few minutes later the Strollers equalised matters once more.
Another penalty looked promising for the juveniles but, alas for his side, Findlay
sent the ball past. Following this, the Strollers again took the initiative
and Nicol, with a swift, low shot, gave the strangers the leading goal. The
Rovers made strenuous efforts to gain the equaliser but there was a lack
of finish about the play of the forwards which nullified their efforts. The
visitors succeeded in registering a fourth point and the game ended in their
favour by four goals to two. During the second period, McMurray of the Rovers
received a nasty blow and play had in consequence to be suspended for a little.
He was badly bruised about the face but played on to the finish of the game.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 23 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (24 May 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
13
|
12
|
1
|
0
|
53
|
16
|
24
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
15
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
44
|
28
|
22
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
12
|
10
|
1
|
1
|
34
|
10
|
21
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
15
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
30
|
37
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL NEWS
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers journeyed to Galston on Saturday (24 May
1902) and met Darvel in the semi-final of the Galston and District Cup. As the
game culminated in a draw of three goals each, the teams fight their battle
o'er again. The Rovers, we are told, held the winning card till near
the call of time when Darvel succeeded in equalising. Seeing that the clubs
receive nothing out of the semi-final and the fact that the Rovers have
been put to some expense travelling to Galston, it is thought the Association
should endeavour to have the undecided tie played at, say, Stevenston or Kilwinning.
It is hardly fair that the Rovers should be saddled with more expense
than Darvel Thistle. We understand a protest was lodged by Irvine Saint Andrews
at their game with Winton Rovers last Thursday night week (22 May 1902)
under the auspices of the Kilwinning Eglinton Juvenile Tournament. The protest
- "We protest against you." - is quite a novel one and, it is feared,
will not be very favourably entertained. Tomorrow, Saturday (31 May 1902), Ardrossan
and District Ancients will play the Winton Rovers at Winton
Park. It is said this will be the last appearance of the Old Brigade.
The kick off is timed for 4 pm.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 May 1902
STEVENSTON JUVENILE COMPETION CUP DRAW
At a meeting held in the Warner Park clubhouse last Saturday (24 May 1902),
the draw for the first round of Stevenston Thistle's Juvenile Competition resulted
as follows.
Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Irvine Saint Andrews
Kilmarnock Portland v Irvine Thistle
Bartonholm Britannia v Kilbirnie Ladeside
Ardrossan Celtic v Dalry Athletic
Ardeer Thistle v Saltcoats Seaside Rangers
Kilwinning Rangers v Stevenston Strollers
The first game, we are officially informed, will be played on Thursday 5 June
when Winton Rovers and Irvine Saint Andrews will play their tie. These
teams, it may be mentioned, were also first to open the Kilwinning Eglinton
club's juvenile competition last week and on that occasion, the Rovers
stepped out the winners by five to three. The Saints have an opportunity to
wipe out that defeat at Stevenston on 5 June.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 May 1902
DARVEL THISTLE 3 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
At Riverside Park, Galston on Saturday (24 May 1902), Ardrossan Winton Rovers
met Darvel Thistle in the semi-final for the Galston and District Cup. The Rovers
had a good following and there was a fair attendance of onlookers. Owing to
the rain, the ground was in a very slippery condition. The teams were as follows.
Darvel - Greig, D Wishart, B Ross, Baird, Lawson, Young, Russell, McIlroy, D
Ross, J Wishart and Craig. Rovers - Welsh, Carmichael, McMurray, Bennett,
Findlay, McGill, Anderson, Hattie, Stevenson, Davidson and Simpson. Winning
the toss, Darvel chose to play with the assistance of the wind in the first
half and Stevenson kicked off for the Rovers who immediately assumed
the aggressive. Play continued in the vicinity of the Darvel goal for a little
but latterly became more open, both defences having their share of the work.
For something like twenty minutes, the game proceeded on uninteresting lines,
the play on both sides being unsteady. A long drive from one of the Darvel half-backs
sent the sphere well towards the Rovers' end and, although Carmichael
had ample time to clear, he hesitated so long that Welsh come out in order to
save his charge with the result that they bungled matters between them and the
ball went trundling into the net. This success seemed to put new life into the
Darvel youths for a few minutes later, they returned to the attack and their
outside right, taking advantage of an opening caused by slackness on the part
of the Winton defence, beat Welsh for a second time with a rocket shot.
This state of affairs was not at all satisfactory to the Light Blues
and it became apparent that they must play up of say goodbye to their chance
of entering the final. Against the wind and rain, they battled bravely to pierce
an opening and had the forwards shown a little method in their attack would
have been more fruitful. They at length succeeded in getting the ball through
but as Hattie had bee a little premature in his attention to the goal keeper,
the point was disallowed. During the remainder of this half, both ends were
visited but the interval arrived with no alteration in the score. The Rovers
commenced the second period with evident determination to regain their lost
ground and the Darvel custodian was early called upon to save. A quarter of
an hour elapsed and still the Darvelites kept their citadel intact for which
they had in a great measure to the thank the man between the sticks. As the
outcome of a corner kick, the sphere was again hovering dangerously near the
Darvel stronghold and after some exciting passages, the Winton Parkers
had the satisfaction of seeing the leather safely banged in the net. Nothing
succeeds like success, it is said, and a couple of minutes later, they registered
the equaliser which resulted from a foul against one of the Darvel backs. Findlay
who was entrusted with the kick, tipped the ball across to McMurray whose shot
found the mark with terrific force. On the resumption, play was evenly contested
for a brief space. The Rovers again took up the running, forcing another
corner which was nicely placed and presto!, Stevenson notched the leading point
for the Light Blues, the third within ten minutes. In the closing minutes
of the game, the Darvel forwards had a breakaway but the ball was sent past.
Prior to this, however, one of the Rovers received an injury about six
yards form the goal and as play was suspended for a little, on resuming, the
ball was thrown up. A short scrimmage ensued, the result of which was that Darvel
secured the equalising point. A little later, the whistle announced time and
the game this terminated with the teams on level terms, three goals each. Commenting
on the game, it was somewhat 'scraggy' throughout and mistakes were frequent
although some excuse might be found in the fact that the ground was in a bad
condition and the ball exceptionally heavy. The Rovers had a monopoly
of the play, taking the match all through and had they taken advantage of all
their opportunities, they would doubtless have a point or two more to their
credit at the finish. The goalkeeper and outside right were the pick of the
Darvel team while Findlay and Anderson, the latter a recruit from the A team,
were prominent for the Rovers. The refereeing of Mr W Murchie, Troon,
gave general satisfaction.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 30 May 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (31 May 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
13
|
12
|
1
|
0
|
53
|
16
|
24
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
15
|
10
|
3
|
2
|
44
|
28
|
22
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
12
|
10
|
1
|
1
|
34
|
10
|
21
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
15
|
7
|
7
|
1
|
30
|
37
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
CHARITY MATCHES
It would seem as if some of the juvenile trundlers were to have no relaxation
from their sport. Only a few weeks ago, the Ayrshire Juvenile Association announced
a series of charity matches from which it hoped good results will follow. None
of these proposed matches have as yet been played but it is to be hoped a move
will soon be made to have these carried out. The matches are as follows.
Ardrossan Celtic v Ardrossan Winton Rovers -
Mr McBeth, referee
Kilwinning Rangers v Ardeer Thistle - Mr Adams, referee
Vale of Garnock Strollers v Dalry Athletic - Mr Paterson,
referee
Galston Bluebell v Hurlford Thistle - Mr Wilson, referee
This is quite a district draw and each match should be a signal for a good turnout
of the partisans of each club.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS SECRETARY TO RETIRE?
We have been informed Mr James Wallace, the energetic secretary of the Ardrossan
Winton Rovers has lately signalled his intention to resign office. Should
this be true - and we have no reason to doubt our informant - it goes without
saying that the Rovers will be the losers as in Mr Wallace they were
fortunate in having the services of a faithful secretary. Untiring in his efforts,
Mr Wallace has always had the best interests of the club at heart and the fact
that this has been the case since the formation of the club, his retiral from
the secretaryship is regretted by the Rovers. We express the hope of
many of the members that Mr Wallace will reconsider his decision and, for the
sake of the club, continue to render his valuable services for, say, another
season at least.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
ARDROSSAN AND DISTRICT ANCIENTS v WINTON ROVERS GAME POSTPONED
Owing to the inclement nature of the weather last Saturday (31 May 1902), the
match announced to take place at Winton
Park between Ardrossan and District Ancients and Ardrossan
Winton Rovers was postponed. This match, however, may be played later on.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY NEWMILNS THISTLE
The Rovers, we believe, have secured a fixture for tomorrow, Saturday
(7 June 1902) with Newmilns Thistle, the game to take place at Winton
Park, Ardrossan. As a number of excursionists from the Newmilns district
will pay a visit to the town that day, there is some chance of a good gate and,
let us hope, a good game being the outcome.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
NORTH AYRSHIRE LEAGUE v BEITH AND DISTRICT LEAGUE MATCH REARRANGED
We have been informed that the inter-League match between representatives of
the North Ayrshire and Beith and District Leagues which was recently postponed
has been arranged to take place on 14 May at Glengarnock on the ground of Vale
of Garnock Strollers. By way of refreshing memory, the team chosen to represent
North Ayrshire is as follows - Rae, Bartonholm; Aitken, Dalry Athletic and McMurray,
Winton Rovers; Wilson, Irvine Saint Andrews; Muirhead, Kilwinning Rangers
and McLaughlin, Ardrossan Celtic; Lynch, Kilwinning Rangers; Nicol, Ardeer
Thistle; Duff, Ardeer Thistle; Bannerman, Kilwinning Rangers and Hamilton, Ardeer
Thistle.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
STEVENSTON THISTLE JUVENILE TOURNAMENT
In connection with the Stevenston Thistle Football Club juvenile tournament
which, as stated in last week's issue was expected to have been started last
night, Thursday (5 June 1902), we have been officially informed that new arrangements
have been made and that the competition will begin on Tuesday evening, 10 June.
We are in receipt of the order of the different ties and from these it will
be noticed that two local clubs provide the first game. The ties are as follows.
Tuesday 10 June - Saltcoats Seaside Rangers v Ardeer Thistle
Thursday 12 June - Kilwinning Rangers v Stevenston Strollers
Tuesday 17 June - Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Irvine
Saint Andrews
Thursday 19 June - Ardrossan Celtic v Dalry Athletic
The kick-off each evening is at 7 o'clock.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
WEST KILBRIDE AMATEURS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
Like many other clubs, Ardrossan Celtic had an off-day last Saturday
(31 May 1902) and we feel sure they did not regret their inaction, the weather
conditions being against football. The Celts, however, have not finished
the season and on Tuesday evening last (3 June 1902), they journeyed to West
Kilbride to play a return friendly with the Amateurs of that village. The Celts
did not manage to score a victory but they did the next best, a draw of one
each being the result of the game.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 6 June 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (7 June1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
14
|
13
|
1
|
0
|
56
|
18
|
26
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
13
|
11
|
1
|
1
|
39
|
11
|
23
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
16
|
10
|
4
|
2
|
46
|
31
|
22
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
16
|
7
|
8
|
1
|
31
|
42
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - ARDEER THISTLE 3
One North Ayrshire League fixture was trundled off last Saturday (7 June 1902)
at Ardrossan between Celtic and Ardeer Thistle. The points, as was generally
expected, went to the Jags but they must admit they had to play hard for them.
The Celts deserved defeat and this was only brought about through a penalty
kick being awarded Ardeer in the closing stages of the game. No less than four
penalty kicks were given during the ninety minutes of which Ardeer had three
and Celtic one. Ardeer scored from two of them and Celtic also
turned theirs to good account. The play of the Ayrshire champions did not reach
its highest standard and when the scores stood at two goals each, it looked
as if the Celts, who played with ten men for the greater portion of the
game, were to win the honours. Fouls were numerous and referee Anderson had
his work cut out for him in penalising illegitimate tactics on each side. Ardeer
did not get settling down to their usual game and although Celtic were
narrowly defeated, they were not by any means disgraced by the result. Ardeer's
officials were highly pleased at the play of their newest recruit but (James) Hunter
of the Celts did not raise himself any in the estimation of the Stevenston
spectators by his dirty play against the lad. The Stevenston spectators were
also glad to see Hunter getting from Leckie what he tried to give to Galt, even
though it cost a penalty.
A second
report is given below.
It was an ideal day for football last Saturday (7 June 1902) and a fair field
and no favour presented itself to Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Celtic
when they lined up at North
Crescent Park to contest their claim for North Ayrshire League points.
The Celts were out at full strength, a Troon player being secured for
the occasion while Ardeer lacked the services of Frew, half-back and Robb, back,
whose places were filled by Galt and Rodger respectively. Otherwise, the Ayrshire
juvenile champions were all out and a large attendance of spectators turned
out to witness what was termed the game of the season. The last time Ardeer
appeared at Celtic
Park, it will be remembered, they only managed to draw with the green
and white shirts and though the latter have tasted the bitters of adversity
several times since that at Wandhouse, they nevertheless cherished the hope
that the coveted League points would come their way last Saturday. They, however,
had to concede these and were in no doubt unfortunate to lose them at the time
and way they did, Ardeer winning the honours with a penalty kick. When the game
was started by Celtic kicking off, there was a slight breeze but nothing
to interrupt play in any way. Celtic played against it with the sun in
their eyes and Ardeer were early in evidence. The Celts resisted but
before a minute had rightly elapsed, McCulloch at half-back had Steed
beaten and Ardeer were one up. This was a most auspicious start for the visitors
and impressed many with the idea that they had come to assert their superiority
at North
Crescent Park. Celtic, no doubt chagrined at this early reverse,
at length opened out and on Tait getting away on the left, the ball was finally
crossed into goal which was all but sent home, the Ardeer citadel having a miraculous
escape from being captured. The outcome of this attack was a corner which resulted
in other two being taken but from neither of these did anything satisfactory
eventuate, the Celts experiencing hard lines in not scoring at this juncture.
Ardeer again assumed the offensive and several times assumed a dangerous attitude
but the home lot defied their good intentions and the game proceeded without
anything more notable occurring if we except frequent fouls which contributed
to spoil the game. So far, the current ran best with Ardeer but the Celts
continued to break away at stated periods in strong fashion and the game was
thus prevented from being termed a one-horse affair. From one of theses breaks,
the Celts made good ground and while Cowie, the Troon Player, was in
the act of heading the ball, he was unfortunately kicked on the forehead near
the left eye and play was suspended for a little. The nature of the accident
necessitated the retiral of the injured player from the field and Celts
were left to do battle with ten players some twenty minutes after the game had
commenced. This was an unfortunate handicap and especially when it was considered
the Celts were contending against the crack juvenile combination of Ayrshire,
although their combination on this occasion did not by any means reach a high
standard of excellence. With a view of saving themselves as much as possible,
McKiernon was pushed forward and the one-back was introduced. It was now felt
Ardeer's efforts would be spoiled and the game too, and in some instances, this
was the case. Steed,
however, got several good balls to negotiate and he answered well to the calls
made upon him.. Although short-manned, Celtic offered a stubborn resistance
and continued to have a share of the game but when near goal, their efforts
were always repulsed. After about thirty minutes play, Ardeer made a renewed
effort to raise their total and, when within the dreaded line, Duff was foully
thrown and the referee awarded a penalty kick. This was entrusted to Duff who
sent the sphere against Steed
but, as the players rushed a bit prematurely, the kick had to be retaken and
this time the ball was propelled safely between the uprights, making number
two for Ardeer. The remaining minutes of the first half passed off without further
scoring and Celts this found themselves two points in arrears at the
interval. The second period opened with as much vim as the first, Celtic
still playing with ten men. They, however, had the assistance of the breeze
which was steadily increasing in strength and was accompanied by a passing shower
of rain. The opening phases of this half went in favour of Ardeer and ere the
first five minutes had elapsed, a penalty was awarded the visitors. This was
a bad beginning for Celtic and the general opinion was that their stronghold
would again be taken but no the effort was lost and the homesters had some cause
to heave a sigh of relief. The play which followed this saw the Celts
pretty much in evidence. Ardeer vainly endeavoured to break through the opposing
lines and as a result, Montgomery in goal was occasionally put to the test.
Foul work was now and again noticeable and on one occasion, a player retaliated
with his fist. The Celts were doing most of the pressing work at this
stage and about twenty minutes from the resumption, an attack culminated in
the referee awarding Celtic a penalty from which Brannan notched the
first goal for his side. The success roused the enthusiasm of the home crowd
who now cheered their pets lustily. There is no need burking the fact Ardeer
at this point of the game had to play all they were worth to maintain their
lead but the Celts would take no denial and some five minutes later,
Tait scored the second and equalising point of the game for the Celtic
boys, a success, too, which was warmly cheered. The excitement now rose and
many of the outside element perhaps fancied the Celts would yet come
out on top. They certainly had the best of the weather conditions and they strove
hard to bring the much-desired victory. Ardeer made several breakaways but these
were always spoiled when within shooting range. Steed,
however, had to save his colours at intervals and time slipped away without
either side doing damage. At length, Ardeer resumed a more aggressive attitude
and a resolute attack on their part culminated in another penalty - the fourth
in the game - being awarded the visitors from which they bracketed a third goal
some eight minutes from time. To draw the game was now Celtic's ambition
but the succeeding passages saw Ardeer again in evidence and for a short space,
it looked as if they were to succeed in capturing the home citadel once more.
It was not to be, however. The Celts forced their opponents back empty
handed and the closing minutes of the game saw Ardeer acting on the defensive.
Celtic worked with might and main to square matters but their efforts
proved futile and on the sphere reaching the meridian, the referee's whistle
sounded time, leaving Ardeer winners of a well-fought game by three goals to
two. To be only beaten by a penalty says a deal in favour of the Celts
who, it would seem, are steadily becoming a stiff lot to master on their own
pitch. Ardeer, however, have been seen to better advantage than they were on
this occasion and they may consider themselves lucky in securing the coveted
points last Saturday.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 June 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - NEWMILNS THISTLE 1
On Saturday last (7 June 1902), at Winton
Park, Ardrossan, Winton Rovers engaged a mixed eleven hailing
from the Newmilns and Galston districts. The combined force, however, did not
suffice as the Rovers emerged winners by the narrow margin of two goals
to one. A large number of Newmilns folk came Ardrossan way on Saturday, the
occasion being the annual 'schule jaunt' and a juvenile team under the name
of Newmilns Thistle took advantage of the holiday and engaged in a friendly
game with the Winton Rovers at Winton
Park. The weather was fine and there was a fair turnout of onlookers.
The Rovers' front rank had evidently undergone some alteration, Anderson
playing inside right to Dow and Reid partnering Simpson on the left. Stevenson
was to have been centre-forward but on his non-appearance, a sub filled the
position for the day. The first half of the game was somewhat one-sided. The
Rovers were mainly the aggressive side and their efforts certainly merited
something more than a lead of one goal at the interval. Erratic shooting at
goal was in a large measure responsible for their non-success as their play
in the open was quite up to the mark. The Thistle had a capable custodian who
several times saved his charge when it was within an ace of downfall. The visitors
frequently got over midfield but the Winton citadel was seldom endangered
and Welsh had a comparatively easy time of it. With a change of ends, Newmilns
played up better and as the outcome of a spirited attack, were awarded a penalty
kick for McMurray of the home team handling the sphere within the dreaded limit.
From this, the Jags snatched the equalising point. Following this, the Rovers
paid repeated visits to their opponents stronghold and after many strenuous
but futile attempts, ultimately registered the winning goal, Anderson being
instrumental in scoring this. Another penalty against the Rovers afforded
the visitors a chance of getting on level terms again but on the kick being
taken, the ball went outside the post. Previous to this, a slight misunderstanding
of opinion too place between two of the players - one on either team - and they
seemed inclined to give an exposition of the 'noble art' in order to settle
matters, the game had to be stopped until tempers cooled. The game came to a
conclusion without any forther scoring being effected, leaving the Rovers
winners by two goals to one.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 June 1902
KILWINNING RANGERS 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
On Tuesday evening last (10 June 1902), the Rovers journeyed to Kilwinning and
played their first North Ayrshire League fixture with Kilwinning Rangers. It
takes a better team than the Rovers to 'rub it in' to the Buffs and the defeat
of the former occasioned no surprise. Two points have thus been added to the
Kilwinning club's League record. Who's to blame? When the Winton Rovers
arrived at Kilwinning, no preparation had been made by the Buffs to play the
game on Tuesday evening. They, however, mustered their team in very smart time
and Mr Strannigan, Kilwinning, acted as referee. The Buffs, we believe, expected
the game to be played on Wednesday night (11 June 1902).
A second
report is given below.
A more important fixture took place on Tuesday evening (10 June 1902) when the
Rovers journeyed to Kilwinning and played the first of their League games
with the Kilwinning Rangers. Neither team was at full strength. In the first
half, the Buffs had the greater share of the play yet they were not allowed
to monopolise matters altogether. The Rovers' defence stood up well and
their forwards were several times offered good openings. The homesters, however,
resisted all their attempts and at the interval led by three goals to nil. The
second half saw an improvement in the form of the Light Blues and the
game became more evenly contested. The Rangers, nevertheless, succeeded in notching
a fourth point ere the Winton Parkers broke the ice and for some time,
the scores stood at four to one. Despite the fact that they were three goals
to the bad, the Rovers struggled energetically to pierce the home citadel
and gave their opponents quite enough to do but shortly before the finish, the
Buffs again scored and the game terminated in their favour by five goals to
one. From a spectator's point of view, it was a good game, notwithstanding the
margin in the scores. While the Buffs fully deserved their victory, it was not
by any means a one-sided game and, taking it all through, a score of three to
one would have been a better index of the play. The Rangers were usually dangerous
in their attacks and any opportunity was invariably taken advantage of. The
Rovers, on the other hand, were less vigorous and slight tendency to selfishness
on the part of the forwards rather hindered than helped them. The Winton
custodian - a sub, by the way - effected some clever saves. Tomorrow (14 June
1902), the Light Blues again do battle with their fond neighbours, the
Celts at North
Crescent Park, the occasion being the first stage of the charity
competition instituted by the Ayrshire Juvenile Association. We hope the 'knight
of the whistle' will keep firm control of the game and check anything bordering
on rough tactics.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 June 1902
ARDROSAN WINTON ROVERS v DARVEL THISTLE FIXTURE
We hear there is a likelihood of the Galston and District undecided semi-final
tie - Winton Rovers v Darvel Thistle - being played at Warner Park, Stevenston.
It will be remembered the teams played a drawn game at Galston the other week
and should the tie come off at Stevenston, something like justice will be meted
out to the respective clubs in the matter of expenses. Should the tie not come
off on Saturday first, we are told that Ardrossan Celtic and Winton
Rovers will play their charity match under the auspices of the Ayrshire
Juvenile Association at North
Crescent Park. A meeting of the locals has always been the signal
for an enthusiastic crowd and on this occasion, the partisans of the two clubs
are expected to be out in full force. If the inter-League match comes off at
Glengarnock, McLaughlin of Celtic and McMurray of Winton Rovers
will perhaps be absent but we have no doubt substitutes will be secured for
the local engagement.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 June 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (14 June1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
14
|
13
|
1
|
0
|
56
|
18
|
26
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
13
|
11
|
1
|
1
|
39
|
11
|
23
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
16
|
10
|
4
|
2
|
46
|
31
|
22
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
14
|
8
|
6
|
0
|
33
|
36
|
16
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
16
|
7
|
8
|
1
|
31
|
42
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
0
|
19
|
47
|
12
|
WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY DALRY ATHLETIC
Winton Rovers travel to Dalry tomorrow (21 June 1902) in North Ayrshire
League interests. Team and supporters will leave per brake from the foot of
Glasgow Street at 2.15 pm prompt.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 June 1902
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION CHARITY TIES
So far as we are aware, two of the Charity ties promoted by the Ayrshire Juvenile
Association have taken place but only one of these has been decided, namely,
Vale of Garnock Strollers v Dalry Athletic which the former won easily. The
game between Ardrossan Celtic and Winton Rovers, which was played
on Saturday (14 June 1902), ended in a draw so that a replay is necessary.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 June 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
In compliance with the Ayrshire Juvenile Association, under whose auspices the
match was played, the Ardrossan juvenile combinations lined up on Saturday (14
June 1902) to determine which should go into the semi-final stage of the Charity
competition. A meeting of these teams has always been the signal for a big gathering
of the respective partisans and on this occasion, no exception was made to the
rule, the crowd as usual being an enthusiastic one. Each side was represented
by their best available eleven, a new player being introduced in each team and
although Celtic had the advantage of the choice of ground, the Rovers
nevertheless hoped to spring a surprise on their opponents who, judging from
their recent performances, have become a stiff lot to deal with on their own
pitch. The teams were: Rovers - 'Blair', Carmichael, McMurray, McCulloch,
Findlay, McGill, Simpson, Anderson, Stevenson, Davie and Reid. Celtic
- Steed,
McKiernon, Haggarty, Tyre, Brannan, McLaughlin, (James) Hunter, Knox, Taylor, Thomson
and Tait. It will this be seen that the Rovers' front rank underwent
a complete change by way of experiment. Ends being tossed for, the teams lined
up and on Mr McBeth giving the signal to start, the Rovers kicked off.
A strong wind blew across the pitch and as this favoured the Rovers best, it
was presumed they would be most in evidence during the initial stage. The opening
phases of the game, however, saw the Celts' first invaders through Tait
on the left getting away and the final effort collided with the Rovers' upright.
This took place in the first minute of the game and it goes without saying the
Winton Parkers got an early fright. The Rovers now began to open
out but the strong wind spoiled the play. The sphere was frequently in touch
and at times sent there when it might have been otherwise but there was no denying
the fact that the current now ran best with the Rovers and the Celts
has to play all they were worth to stem the tide. Now and again, the Winton
Parkers taxed the opposing defence but when in close proximity, their efforts
were nullified. Steed
got several certainties to negotiate, however, and he accomplished his work
with some show of credit but with a more daring pack of forwards against him,
he would perhaps not have been so successful. The Celts broke away on
their right at intervals but once they got beyond the meridian the were invariably
relieved of the ball. They, however, got in dangerous proximity to the Rovers'
stronghold once or twice but their efforts were futile. 'Blair', the Rovers'
custodian, had a somewhat easy time of it and those of the spectators who wished
to see him perform had to wait until ends were changed. There was a lot of faulty
play but thanks to the referee who had occasion to check one or two of the players,
he discharged his duties well. Time rolled on without anything definite being
done although on the play shown, Rovers deserved success. After about
thirty minutes play and just as Reid was about to do the deed, he was foully
brought down near the post by Haggerty and a penalty kick was justly awarded
the Rovers. This was entrusted to McMurray but he propelled the sphere
against Steed
who saved amidst cheers. From this point to the interval, the Rovers were the
main aggressors but when the whistle sounded a halt, the teams stood on level
terms, no goals being scored, the Rovers having experienced very hard
lines in not counting. The second half, it was generally felt, would now see
the Celts more in evidence and in that respect, at least nobody was disappointed
but they found out that the road to success was as difficult to travel as it
was to their opponents. The Celts were first on the aggressive but their
attack proved of no avail. The Rovers relieved the pressure and by clever
tactics, they got in the vicinity of Steed
who had to look to his colours. At this point, the Rovers evinced good
play against the wind and left the impression on some minds that their forwards
possessed a better knowledge of the game than the opposing five. Steed,
however, averted disaster and the Celtic defence cleared their lines.
The Winton Parkers had again to adopt the defensive and in the play which
followed, 'Blair' and Company had their work cut out for them. Repeatedly dangerous
were the attacks made by the Celts but, like their opponents in the initial
period, their attempts at scoring were rendered abortive. The general opinion,
however, was that the Celts would ultimately win the game thought the
task set them was a difficult one, The Rovers offered a stubborn defence
and at different stages, their forwards relieved the pressure, a Celtic
half on one of these occasions tripping up 'wee' Anderson which did not meet
the approval of the spectators. This is a bad feature of the play of some of
the Celtic lads and pretty often occurs too after they are beaten by
an opponent. They should learn to give over the mean habit while one of two
of the Rovers also are not altogether free from blemish in this matter.
Play continued to be of an exciting nature and no doubt the Celts had
by this time experienced hard lines. At length, success crowned their efforts,
the outcome of a determined attack. 'Blair' performed well at this juncture
and for a few seconds looked as if he would avert disaster but on the sphere
finding its way to Tait on the left, he sent it home, the goalie having little
chance to save his trust. This triumph was warmly applauded and Celts
not doubt fancied they were on the safe road to victory but as the sequel proves,
the Rovers had not shot their bolt. There were still ten minutes to go
and during hat space of time, the Rovers did not by any means lie on
their oars. Celtic, on the other hand, were equally earnest in their
work but nothing satisfactory eventuated until the last two minutes of time
when the Rovers invaded. Steed
was pressed to save his charge and having done so twice, Davie latterly met
the ball with his cranium and placed it between the uprights before Steed
could reach it amidst the plaudits of the onlookers. The last minute of time
had been entered upon and restarting from the meridian, the Rovers immediately
pressed forward but only to be pulled up by the sound of the referee's whistle
announcing that time had expired. The game, as might be expected, had a most
sensational finish and that the fact that it culminated in a draw, one goal
each, will make the replay a specially interesting match to the respective teams
and their supporters. The result of the game gives a pretty fair indication
of the run of the play and while the Rovers were very fortunate in equalising
at the time they did, yet had they been defeated, Celtic could hardly
have claimed superiority on the day's exposition. The play of the Celts
was of a strong go-ahead style but the work of their forwards, though bustling
and tricky at times, did not excel the Rovers five in their finer and
less faulty movements. The latter's quintette mainly belong to the light brigade
and had they exhibited less timorousness while attacking, they might have won
the game they only managed to draw. The three 'wee' forwards in the Rovers'
front rank - Reid, Simpson and Anderson - displayed clever work at times, the
latter, drawn from the A team, giving much satisfaction. Davie, who had the
honour of scoring the equalising point, also played hard and well but Stevenson
hardly came up to expectations. The Celtic quintette as a whole were
hard and determined workers and once Hunter and Tait got on the run, they required
some stopping. Taylor and Knox were useful to a degree and the latter has weight
with his usefulness which sometimes comes in handy while Thomson acquitted fairly
well in his new company. In Tyre, Brannan and McLaughlin, the Celts have
a capable trio, each of whom put in good work, the former's play being less
tarnished than that of his mates. Tyre is a most consistent half. None the less
were McCulloch, Findlay and McGill in their work for the Rovers and in the matter
of ability, the two half-back lines were pretty much on a par. The same might
be said with regard to the respective backs - McKiernon and Haggarty on the
one hand and Carmichael and McMurray on the other - while the fact that Stead
and 'Blair' had only a single point scored against them shows how well they
got through their work. 'Blair' was a 'dark horse' to most of the spectators
and it is generally believed the Rovers have unearthed a capable custodian.
The teams, judging from last Saturday's play, are well matched and there is
little room for either side to crow until they are out of the wood. We expect
the replay will take place at Winton
Park at an early date.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 June 1902
STEVENSTON THISTLE JUVENILE COMPETITION
On Tuesday evening last (17 June 1902), in the Stevenston Thistle Juvenile competition,
Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Irvine Saint Andrew's played off their tie,
the former running out winners by four to one. Last night, Thursday (19 June
1902), Ardrossan Celtic and Dalry Athletic were to provide the bill of
fare.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 June 1902
IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4
Pleased with their draw at North
Crescent Park last Saturday (14 June 1902), the Wintonians
journeyed to Warner Park on Tuesday evening (17 June 1902) where they met Irvine
Saint Andrew's in the first round of the competition being held under the auspices
of the Stevenston Thistle Club. The Rovers lacked the services of Carmichael
at back and 'Blair', their latest capture in goal, these positions being filled
by Sweet and McEwing respectively. The Rovers had slightly the best of
the exchanges at the outset and opened the scoring through Simpson about fifteen
minutes from the start. The Saints made determined efforts to do likewise and
latterly found an opening. With the teams on a level footing, the game was pretty
evenly contested although the Winton Parkers were somewhat handicapped
by the loss of Reid who received an injury which necessitated his retiral for
the greater part of the first half. At the interval, the score remained unaltered.
Reid reappeared shortly after the resumption of play which again drifted in
favour of the Light Blues and two more goals were registered for the
Ardrossan team. The Wintonians continued to force the pace and
Simpson put on number four. No further scoring took place and the game ended
in a victory for the Rovers by four goals to one. The Rovers travel
Dalrywards tomorrow (21 June 1902) in order to fulfil their return League fixture
with Dalry Athletic. The Light Blues secured the points at Winton
Park with three goals to spare and it is anticipated they will give
the Athletic a stiff hour and a half.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 20 June 1902
WINTON ROVERS TO PICNIC IN LOCHWINNOCH
Ardrossan Winton Rovers Football Club forsake the football field tomorrow
(28 June 1902) for the Calder Glen, Lochwinnoch. The occasion is their second
annual picnic.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
NORTH
AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition
up to and including last Saturday (21 June 1902).
Played
|
Won
|
Lost
|
Drawn
|
Goals
For |
Goals
Against |
Points
|
|||
Ardeer
Thistle
|
15
|
14
|
1
|
0
|
61
|
19
|
28
|
||
Kilwinning
Rangers
|
13
|
11
|
1
|
1
|
39
|
11
|
23
|
||
Ardrossan
Celtic
|
16
|
10
|
4
|
2
|
46
|
31
|
22
|
||
Dalry
Athletic
|
15
|
9
|
6
|
0
|
35
|
37
|
18
|
||
Kilwinning
Eglinton Thistle
|
15
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
28
|
30
|
16
|
||
Ardrossan
Winton Rovers
|
17
|
7
|
9
|
1
|
32
|
44
|
15
|
||
Bartonholm
Britannia
|
17
|
6
|
9
|
2
|
29
|
52
|
14
|
||
Irvine
Saint Andrew's
|
16
|
6
|
10
|
0
|
20
|
52
|
12
|
DALRY ATHLETIC 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
Accompanied by a goodly following of supporters, the Winton Rovers journeyed
to Dalry on Saturday (21 June 1902), under League auspices and sustained defeat
at the hands of Dalry Athletic by the narrow margin of two goals to one. Mr
Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic, was referee. Anderson scored the first goal
for the Rovers after about fifteen minutes play. On returning to the
attack, Reid sent in a fine shot from the left which the Dalry custodian partially
stopped but the ball skidded off his foot and went through the goal. For this,
the Rovers ere awarded a corner! With the current of play mainly in favour
of the visitors, the score stood one each until about two minutes from the interval
when the Athletic registered the equalising point. The teams remained on an
equal footing until well on in the second period when the Athletic invaded and
the sphere went past. The referee intercepted it, however, and it rebounded
into play again whereupon one of the Dalry team banged it through and without
hesitation, a goal was granted. Following this, the Rovers experienced
more hard luck when Davie beat the Dalry custodian with a twenty yard drive
and was adjudged offside. In fact, whenever the Winton forwards got anything
like set for goal, the sound of the whistle for offside immediately put stop
to their efforts. The game terminated in a win for Dalry by two goals to one
- a score which, taking the play all through, ought to have been the reverse.
Ill luck, one way or another, seems to have dogged the footsteps of the Rovers
during their progress up the League ladder. Mr Aitken, we regret to say, handled
the game with a degree of partially which could not possibly escape notice and
it caused comment among the supporters of both teams.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
REFEREE BEATS WINTON ROVERS?
Referring to the match played at Dalry, the Winton Rovers, it may be
said, were a trifle suspicious as to the ultimate issue of their game with the
Athletic and a defeat that is half-suspected thus loses much of its sting. Defeat
did overtake them though they were not by any means disgraced. To put it straight,
it was the referee who beat them - not the Athletic. Mr Aitken has not a warm
side to the Rovers and we have no hesitation in saying that he did his best
to prevent them from winning last Saturday (21 June 1902). Goals were scored
by the Rovers which no one but himself could explain why these were disallowed
and after all, a single point separated the teams at the finish - two to one.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
ARDEER THISTLE 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 at
Warner Park, Stevenston
Ardrossan Celtic passed into the second stage of the Stevenston Thistle
Football club juvenile tourney last Thursday evening week (19 June 1902). They
were expected to be met by Dalry Thistle at Warner Park but after the Celts
arrived, they learned that their opponents had scratched. By way of providing
the Celts with a game, Ardeer Thistle with a somewhat disarranged eleven,
played a friendly with the Ardrossan lads which ended in favour of the
Jags by five to nil.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - KILBIRNIE LADESIDE 2 at
Warner Park, Stevenston
Something similar to the above also occurred on Tuesday evening last (24 June
1902) in connection with the juvenile tournament when Kilbirnie Ladeside and
Bartonholm Britannia were due to play their tie. Bartonholm failed to come forward
and a team representing Ardrossan Winton Rovers opposed the Kilbirnie
eleven in a friendly. A draw of two goals each was the result.
A second
report is given below.
On Tuesday evening (25 June 1902) at Warner Park, Stevenston, the Rovers
played a friendly with Kilbirnie Ladeside. The reason for this meeting was that
Bartonholm Britannia were billed to play the Kilbirnie team that evening in
the first round of the Stevenston Thistle's competition but were engaged in
a similar tie at Kilwinning so that a match of some sort had to be hurriedly
arranged. The Rovers were minus Carmichael, Anderson and Reid, subs being
procured. Ladeside were first in evidence with a try at 'Blair' but nothing
noteworthy eventuated. The Rovers carried the sphere to the other end
and after some aggressive work in which the defence figured as prominently as
the attack a scrimmage took place at the Ladeside goal which ended in Davie
piloting the sphere safely into the net. In the subsequent exchanges, both strongholds
were attended to and the play for some time was pretty well balanced. On Ladeside
getting away, they were awarded a penalty kick for one of their number being
fouled by McMurray from which they netted the equaliser. The teams crossed over
with one goal each to their credit and on restarting, the Rovers were
forced to defend. Ladeside kept up the attack vigorously and after having saved
twice in succession, the Rovers' custodian had to acknowledge himself
beaten for the second time. After the resumption, two of the players came to
loggerheads and on their fighting spirit getting roused, they both received
their marching orders. The Rovers had several tries after this to get
on a level footing and Findlay ultimately brought relief. In the latter part
of the game, both teams adopted the one back system which robbed the play of
much interest as the offside bogey was continually in evidence. A draw of two
goals each was quite satisfactory and the result gives a good idea of the run
of the play. Curiously enough, the above teams are drawn against each other
in the second round of the Stevenston competition and the meeting should prove
interesting.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
STEVENSTON THISTLE JUVENILE COMPETITION DRAW
The draw for the second round of Stevenston Thistle juvenile competition is
as follows.
Irvine Thistle v Ardrossan Celtic
Kilwinning Rangers v Irvine Victoria
Ardeer Thistle v Beith Britannia or Longbar Rangers
Kilbirnie Ladeside v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
ARDROSSAN CELTIC TO PLAY WINTON ROVERS NEXT WEEK?
We hear that the Ayrshire Juvenile Association has requested the clubs who have
their Charity ties still to play get these decided with all possible haste.
The undecided tie between Ardrossan Celtic and Winton Rovers will
likely be replayed some evening next week at Winton
Park.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902
KILWINNING EGLINTON THISTLE JUVENILE COMPETITION DRAW
The draws for the second and third rounds of the Kilwinning Eglinton Football
Club eleven-a-side competition have resulted as follows.
Second Round
Longbar Rangers v Irvine Independent Order
Of Good Templars
Kilwinning Buffs Reserves v Irvine Thistle
Vale of Garnock Strollers v Bartonholm
Ardeer Thistle, Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle,
Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and Kilwinning Rangers
have byes.
Third Round
Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Garnock Strollers
v Bartonholm
Eglinton Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
Irvine Independent Order Of Good Templars
or Longbar Rangers v Saltcoats Seaside Rangers
Kilwinning Rangers v Irvine Thistle of Kilwinning
Buffs Reserves
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 27 June 1902