Four Ardrossan football clubs were named in documents in 1879. These were Ardrossan Ensign, Ardrossan Seafield, Ardrossan Clydesdale and Ardrossan Waverley. Seafield Football Club maintained a minute book for six meetings in the first five months of 1879. It appears that Parkhouse Farm in Ardrossan was used as the home ground of Saltcoats Crescent Football Club who also played at Plantation Park, Saltcoats.
MINUTES
OF COMMITTEE MEETING OF ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB
Minutes read and approved of.
Fees collected as follows: G Carrick 6d, J Allison 6d, W Deacon 1/-, R Barbour
1/-, J Mearns 6d, W Tait 1/-, W Baird 1/-, W Mills 1/-, W Watt 2/-, R Glen 6d,
J Reid 1/-, A McNeil 6d - total 10/6.
H Finn proposed we play Overton 15/3/79, seconded by W Thomson.
First eleven play at Ardrossan, second eleven play at Overton and Stevenston
to be played if Overton can't come.
W Mills proposed we play Rovers at Irvine on 22/3/79, seconded by Harry Finn.
H Flinn proposed we play Barkip on 29/3/79, seconded by A McNeil. Second eleven
to go to Barkip.
Minutes of General
Meeting of Ardrossan Seafield Football Club, 3 March 1879
CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH - SALTCOATS CRESCENT v ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD
From our advertising columns (shown below), it will be observed that our two
local clubs, Saltcoats Crescent and Ardrossan Seafield have agreed to
play a charity match on the ground of the former, Plantation Park, Parkhouse
on Saturday next (8 March 1879). The object which the respective teams have
in view is to aid in supplementing the donations hitherto subscribed in behalf
of the destitute in our midst. Such a movement reflects great credit on the
members of both clubs and evinces the ardent desire they possess to mitigate
the prevailing distress amongst our poor. We therefore trust the general public,
upon whom the issue chiefly depends, will encourage them in their laudable object
by turning our in large numbers, an object which is altogether worthy of our
hearty support. Should the day prove favourable, it is believed the match will
be an interesting one. By kind permission of the captain and officers, the band
of the Fourth Ayrshire Volunteer Artillery will be present and discourse several
pieces of music at intervals. Admission tickets can be had at the booksellers'
shops in Ardrossan and Saltcoats.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 1 March 1879
SALTCOATS
CRESCENT TO PLAY ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD
A football match between the Crescent and Seafield clubs has been arranged
to come off at Plantation Park, Parkhouse today (8 March 1879) when the band
of the Fourth Ayrshire Volunteer Artillery will be in attendance.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 8 March 1879
CHARITY
FOOTBALL MATCH: SALTCOATS CRESCENT 0 - ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD 1
This match was played on the ground of the former, Plantation Park, last Saturday
(8 March 1879) under the most favourable circumstances. The afternoon was one
of the finest we have had this season. Although rather warm for the players,
it was very pleasant for the spectators who turned out in large numbers and
the band of the Fourth Ayrshire Volunteer Artillery, in their usual good style,
rendered several selections which added very much to the afternoon's enjoyment.
About 3:45, the teams appeared on the field and, to the eye of the spectator,
it would appear that the Seafield lads would prove rather many for the Crescent
being upon the whole of somewhat heavier build but, as shown afterwards, they
were pretty well matched. The ball being set in motion by the Crescent forwards
was carried well up to the opponents' goal when it was smartly returned by one
of the Seafield backs. It was then run up to the Crescent ground when it was
likewise ably returned by one of the half-backs. The play continued pretty even
up till within ten minutes of half-time when Finn, one of the Seafield forwards
carried the ball well up to the opponents' goal and passed it to McNeil who
made a good shot for goal but Murchie, in his usual praiseworthy play, stopped
the ball before going under the bar. Finn, however, was not long of seeing this
and he, with the dash of a good forward, got the ball and made a shot for goal
which proved fatal thus securing one goal for the Seafield. The remainder
of the first half passed off without anything further of importance occurring.
During the second half of the game, the Crescent had a number of corner kicks
and pressed their opponents pretty much although none of the attempts were attended
with success and about half past five, time was called without any more goals
being scored the result being in favour of the Seafield by one goal to
none. For the Crescent, Messrs McCubbin, Shedden senior and Stewart showed good
play while John Goodwin captain, showed excellent play throughout. For the Seafield,
Messrs Finn captain, McNeil, Dick and Reid also played well. Space, we are sorry
to say, forbids us particularising the play of individual members on either
side. The match was in every respect a success and we are sure none who turned
our either grudged the time or the money. It is expected that, after paying
expenses, almost five pounds will be handed over for the benefit of the poor.
(Letter on the game next week.)
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 15 March 1879
The next week's Herald was missing so the content of
the letter is not known. The Herald of 5 April 1879, however, suggests that
the letter was written by "Observer", possibly a member of Seafield
Football Club.
MINUTES
OF COMMITTEE MEETING OF ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB
Proposed by R Glen that first and second elevens play on Saturday 29 March.
H Flinn proposed that the second get a handicap of two goals, seconded by J
Welsh.
J Allison proposed that J McAlston, Pavilion, be written to for to become a
patron of club, unanimously agreed to.
Minutes of General
Meeting of Ardrossan Seafield Football Club, 21 March 1879
CHARITY
FOOTBALL MATCH - PROCEEDS GIVEN TO THE POOR
The treasurer of the Crescent Football Club has handed over to a Committee of
Saltcoats ladies for distribution among the deserving poor of the town, the
sum of £2 10/-, being half the proceeds of the charity football match
played on 8 March.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 5 April 1879
LETTER
TO THE EDITOR - CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH
We have had reason for some time back to clip the wings of football correspondents
to economise our limited space for matters of greater public interest but notwithstanding
our vigilance, a communication lately crept into our columns which has drawn
forth a spirited reply from a member of the Seafield club which our space
and the likelihood of its giving rise to further discussion alike forbid us
inserting as the upshot would be a case of "you're another". In his
communication, a member of Seafield observes that charities of whatever
kind they may be, ought to be given with a charitable spirit, the givers thereof
contenting themselves in knowing they have done a goodly action. Instead of
this being the case in this instance, however, "Observer", whom I
presume is none other than a member of one of our local clubs, sets himself
to think and for want of a more fitting theme to write about, sends a letter
to you, Mr Editor, for publication for no other purpose, one would think, but
of bringing their so-called charity once more before the eyes of the public.
Like the Pharisees of old, they sound a trumpet in the street when they do their
alms that they may be seen of much people. "Observer" goes on to point
out the finer qualities in the game of football as if these were not sufficiently
well known to most of your readers, more especially to those "Observer"
seems inclined to enlighten. I will not enter into the merits of the two clubs
as "Observer" has already done this to his entire satisfaction. I
may, however, be permitted to remark that the "merit" of the Crescent
and the "demerit" of the Seafield seems to be concerning "Observer"
pretty much at the present time.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 5 April 1879
MINUTES
OF COMMITTEE MEETING OF ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB
Proposed
by Harry Flinn that the second eleven stay at home on 17 April to assist gatekeepers
in collecting gate money at Crescent match and agreed to.
Proposed by W Thomson that the challenge from Highfield Star, Dalry be accepted,
seconded by J Allison and unanimously agreed to.
J Allison proposed that Mr J Craig, Police Commissioner, be seen regarding policeman
to be on field at matches, seconded by A McNeil and agreed to.
J Cameron proposed that honorary members' tickets be printed immediately, seconded
by R Carson and unanimously agreed to.
Tickets to be sent to the following gentlemen, viz: W G Barron esquire, Seafield
Tower; H Muir, Bellevue; G Johnstone, Bellevue; W Mutter, Crescent Park; John
Gibson, Potato Merchant; R Hogarth, Grocer; Hugh Cameron, Shipping Agent; J
Barbour, Reporter; W Guthrie, Publisher; J Barr, Kilmahew; D Goodwin, Arran
Place; J Goodwin, Iron Founder; J Goodwin junior; J Moffat, Crescent; Bailie
McDonald esquire, Redholm; J Craig, Coneagcut; G M Neilson, Burnfork; R Harris,
Bablieay; H Crawford, Baker; J C Stevens, Postmaster; Captain Guthrie, 4th AACOLS;
Captain McMillan, Alexandria Place; R T Aitken esquire, Nog Crescent; Mercer
esquire, Bath House.
Minutes of General
Meeting of Ardrossan Seafield Football Club, 10 April 1879
MINUTES
OF COMMITTEE MEETING OF ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB
J Allison proposed that swearing be prohibited under penalty of a fine of one
penny for each and every offence on field. H Finn seconded and agreed to
Minutes of General
Meeting of Ardrossan Seafield Football Club, 6 May 1879
The minutes refer to H Finn, H Flinn, Harry Finn and Harry
Flinn. There is uncertainly on whether these names refer to one person or different
people.
ARDROSSAN
SEAFIELD 0 - KILBIRNIE 3
A match between the Kilbirnie and Seafield clubs was played on the ground
of the latter and resulted in favour of the strangers by three goals to none.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1879
ARDEER
3 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 0
A match between these two clubs was played (probably on 10 May 1879) on the
ground of the former, Stevenston Moor, and after a keenly contested game resulted
in favour of Ardeer by three goals to none.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1879
SALTCOATS
MELBOURNE 0 - ARDROSSAN WAVERLEY 3
A match was played between these two clubs on Saturday last (10 May 1879) on
the ground of the former and after a toughly contested game, victory resulted
in favour of the Melbourne by three goals to none.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1879
SALTCOATS
CRESCENT SECONDS 0 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 1
A match was played between the above teams on Saturday last (24 May 1879) which,
after an evenly contested game, resulted in favour of the Ensign by one
goal to none. The play, on account of the recent rains was very heavy but some
good runs were made by both teams. The Crescent made a shot or two at the Ensign's
goal, but the goalkeeper, J Shearer, who is ever on the alert was ready with
his hands and saved them. A run by Malloy and Loudoun on the left wing ended
in a goal for the Ensign, Loudoun with a long shot, neatly passing the ball
between the posts. Half time was called. The ball was shortly afterwards kicked
off. The Crescent seemed determined to score and now, having a good breeze in
their favour, they broke away once or twice on the left wing where Smith showed
some good play. All their efforts to score, however, proved unavailing and the
game thus ended as above. For the Crescent, Smith, Sheddan, Guthrie and Crawford,
forwards played well while for the Ensign, T Shearer and Banks, half-backs
and Davidson and Wyllie, backs played in their usual good form.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1879
LETTER
TO THE EDITOR - ROUGH PLAY AND SWEARING
Mr Editor
I would like our local players to ask themselves the question "Are kicking,
tripping and heavy charging necessary accompaniments of football playing?".
By kicking, I mean kicking the players and not the ball. If they are, then the
sooner public sympathy is enlisted to cry down the game the better as what is
otherwise an excellent game is likely, if these cruel practices be tolerated
to prove (in fact, has already proved) a means of maiming many young men for
life and causing them much trouble and their parents much grief and expense.
The public press of Glasgow has already given a note of warning of such things
which occurred at some recent games there and I am sure you will have the thanks
of the community here if you say a word or two against all such practices in
this as I think now popular game. Another hint - players should not indulge
in profane swearing. It degrades them and shocks spectators.
Parent, Ardrossan, 28 May 1879
(We have always, while we admire the athletic stamina shown by members of football
clubs and their power to withstand knocks that would put any ordinary machine
out of gearing, deprecated the high pressure pitch to which they rise. We wonder
that cricket, a less boisterous but more scientific game, does not come in for
a greater share of support as one of the finest of all outdoor recreations.)
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1879
ARDROSSAN
ENSIGN 1 - ARDEER 0
The second Ardeer (Stevenston) and Ensign (Ardrossan) clubs met on the
Seafield club's ground on Saturday last (7 June 1879) to play a return
match. The Ardeer, having won the toss, agreed to play with the wind and the
Ensign kicked off the ball. Rain fell heavily during the game which made
it very disagreeable for the players and onlookers. The Ardeer, aided by a good
breeze, pressed their opponents pretty hard once or twice during the first half
but when half-time was called, they had failed to score. The ball having been
kicked off from midfield, the Ensign ran into their opponents' ground
where it was mostly confined except when an occasional run was made by the Ardeer
forwards. About twenty minutes before the close, a goal was kicked for the Ensign
but a hand having been claimed by them before it went through, it was disallowed.
Shortly afterwards, however, Armstrong for the Ensign ran the ball between
the Ardeer goalposts. No more goals having been scored by either side, the match
ended in favour of the Ensign by one goal to none. It may be stated that
about a month ago the Ardeer beat the Ensign by three goals to none.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1879
MALICIOUS
MISCHIEF
Between Saturday night (5 July 1879) and Sunday morning (6 July 1879) last an
outrage was committed in the field occupied by the Crescent Football Club on
Parkhouse Farm. On Sunday afternoon, some members
of the club in passing the field observed that the goalposts had been removed.
They entered the field and made a search in the ditch and burn that bound it
and found the crossbars in broken pieces of about a yard in length in the ditch
and the goalposts in the burn about a hundred yards apart. It is evident that
the act was not done for the sake of gain but from some motive of spite which
can hardly be understood. We understand that several young men are suspected
and strenuous efforts will be made to have them apprehended and convicted. A
reward of ten shillings has been offered by the club for their discovery
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1879
CRESCENT
FOOTBALL CLUB - AMATEUR ATHLETIC GAMES
We beg to remind our readers that these sports take place today Saturday (26
July 1879) at Plantation Park commencing at two o'clock and we heartily recommend
all to be present on the field. The prizes, which have been on view during the
week in Mr Fullerton's window, are very handsome and it is not surprising that
the competitors are numerous and many of them from a distance. The programme
contains twenty-five events including the various flat races, hurdle races,
dribbling race, sack race, three-legged race, leaping and a football contest
of four a side. The entries for all these events are sufficient both in quantity
and in quality to ensure exciting contests. For the football competition, we
observe a team from the famous Queen's Park club has entered. During the afternoon,
the Artillery Band under Mr Muirhead will play a selection of choice music.
With such excellent sport and good music, an enjoyable afternoon is in prospect
and if the weather prove propitious, we hope to see a very large crowd of spectators
on the ground.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 26 July 1879
CRESCENT
FOOTBALL CLUB - AMATEUR ATHLETIC GAMES
The lovers of outdoor sports had an opportunity of seeing some good contests
in the snug little enclosure of the Crescent Football Club, Plantation Park,
Parkhouse on Saturday afternoon last (26 July 1879). The day was fine and a
large concourse of spectators (1100) turned out to countenance and enjoy the
performance of local athletes and competitors from a distance. The presence
of some crack athletes from a distance greatly lessened the chance which, but
for the circumstance, would have added to the prizes taken by local competitors
but the variety thus introduced and the opportunity it afforded of comparing
the style and noting the staying powers, the graceful actions and the pace of
the more highly-trained entrants made the events all the more attractive to
the spectators while it had a tendency to keep down that asperity of feeling
which often arises when such gatherings are confined. As this was the first
event of its kind we have seen conducted under the auspices of the Crescent
Football Club, some slight hitches might have been expected to occur but the
forethought of the managing committee obviated anything of the kind and the
various events on the card were entered into with commendable promptitude to
time. The result of the various races, flat and hurdle, and the football contests
were watched with an interest, the more keen that there was, so far as we noticed,
an entire absence of betting on the results. The band of the Fourth Ayrshire
Rifle Volunteers was on the ground all day and made the meet all the more cheery
by playing at intervals several selections of music under the leadership of
Mr Muirhead, bandmaster. The progress of the different ties in this competition
were watched with great interest both by the partisans of the local club and
others who predicted that Parkgrove Club would have hard lines in a tussle with
Beith players who have hitherto proved invincible in all foursome matches. The
play was hard for the ten minutes over which each tie extended. Some little
disappointment was felt at the non-appearance of the Queen's Park men which
gave Beith a bye. Parkgrove and Kilbirnie tried hard for a goal but neither
succeeded in getting one, the former scoring one touch-down. For the Crescent,
Duncan Stewart and Tom Glen distinguished themselves most. The final was a hard-fought
struggle and there were some quick and precise bits of passing between the Parkgrove
and Beith representatives. The first prize was four gold badges; the second
prize was four silver Maltese Crosses. There were six entries. Beith won by
one goal and two touches to Parkgrove's one goal and one touch. The other competitions
were first tie: Parkgrove - one touch to Kilbirnie's nothing; second tie: Crescent
Saltcoats Number Two - one goal and two touches to Crescent Number One one goal
and one touch. The Beith was first placed against Queen's Park four but this
team not appearing, Beith therefore had a bye.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 2 August 1879
SEAFIELD
FOOTBALL CLUB
At a meeting of this club, the following office bearers were elected for the
ensuing season, viz: H Finn, captain; A McNeill, vice-captain; R Barbour, captain
second eleven; G Carrick, treasurer; W B Baird, 44 Glasgow Street, secretary
and R Glen. The secretary then read the following report of matches played last
season: matches played 27, matches won 14, matches draws 8, matches lost 5,
goals taken 48, goals lost 28.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 2 August 1879
ARDROSSAN
SEAFIELD SECOND ELEVEN 0 - KILBRIDE 0
A football match between the Kilbride and Seafield clubs was played here on
Saturday last (16 August 1879) which resulted in favour of the Seafield
second eleven by six goals to none.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1879
DALRY
TO PLAY ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD
We understand that a team from Ardrossan Seafield Football Club have
willingly agreed to play a charity match with the Dalry Football Club today
(6 September 1879) on the ground of the latter on behalf of one of their members
who unfortunately received an injury at their annual sports some time ago. Viewing
the circumstance of the case, we hope that the game will be a success and, should
the weather prove favourable, we trust the committee will be enabled to hand
over a handsome sum for the party of whose benefit the game has been got up.
This being the opening game of the season for the Seafield, we hope that
the committee will have their arrangements completed in due course and feel
confident, if such is the case, the public will be highly pleased with the result
of the game.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1879
There
was no match report in the following week's Herald.
ARDROSSAN
SEAFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB'S OPENING MATCH OF THE SEASON
The Seafield Football Club play their opening match today, Saturday (20
September 1879).
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1879
There
was no match report in the following week's Herald so the opponents and result
are not known.
ARDROSSAN
CLYDESDALE 1 - WEST KILBRIDE HUNTERS 0
The Clydesdale of Ardrossan went to Kilbride on the 11 October 1879 to
play a return match there. The ball being placed in the centre, the Hunters
kicked off with the wind against them and a hard tie was played in the centre
for about twenty minutes when a run was made down the field by the Clydesdale
but the ball was kicked out. The goalkeeper kicked off the ball when the Clydesdale
pressed the Hunters at their goal for a considerable time but no goal was taken.
Time being called, the ball was placed in the centre again when the Clydesdale
kicked off. They made a run to the Hunters' goal but the ball was turned and
knocked down to the Clydesdale backs who dribbled it half-way up then
gave a strong kick but here a hand was claimed by the Hunters. When the free
kick was knocked off, the Clydesdale kicked it back to the left wing,
who made a run up the field, the ball being passed to the centre and then to
the wing again where Allison, making a run up to the goal, passed it to Allan
who kicked it through. The ball being placed again, the Hunters kicked off and
made a rush for goal when the Clydesdale backs turned the ball and had
a hard try for another goal, several runs being made up and down the field.
When time was called, the Clydesdale had scored one goal to nothing.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1879
ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD TO PLAY AYR IN CUP TIE
We would remind our local readers of the football match which is to be played
today, Saturday (18 October 1879) in Clutha
Park, head of Glasgow Streeet, Ardrossan (the site of which is shown below)
between the Seafield and Ayr Football Clubs. The game is one of the ties
for the Association Cup and an exciting trial of strength may be anticipated.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1879
This
was the first time an Ardrossan team played a competitive match.
ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD 2 - AYR 2
This Ayrshire Cup tie was played at Ardrossan (on 18 October 1879). During the
first quarter of an hour the home team pressed their opponents pretty hard and
by some spirited play, they secured their first goal in admirable style, though
the strangers fought ably to prevent this result. Ends having been changed,
the strangers for a time had decidedly the best of play, but their onslaughts
were frequently repulsed by the home team. Ultimately the strangers succeeded
in securing the next goal. Afterwards the home team, by good work, passed the
ball between the strangers' posts a second time. The play then became fast and
furious, and both citadels had narrow escapes, admirable runs being made by
both clubs, the backs doing good service. In the last quarter-hour, the strangers
were fortunate enough to equalise matters by scoring a second goal. With a great
determination the home team still persevered, shot after shot being made at
the strangers' fortress, the goal-keeper doing good work. The game thus terminated
in a draw, two goals each.
Glasgow Herald,
20 October 1879
AYR 3 - ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD 2
This undecided tie was played off on Springvale Park, Ayr, in presence of a
large concourse of spectators on Saturday last (25 October 1879). The weather
was favourable but the ground, owing to the recent rain, was in a very soft
and slippery condition. Immediately on the ball being kicked off, the left wing
of the home team secured the leather and, after a short run, shot the ball through
the posts amidst great applause. On the resumption of play, one of the Ayr forwards
got disabled and had to retire by his head coming into contact with that of
one of the Seafield backs, the home team, playing the rest of the game
a man short. Owing to the slack play of the strangers who did not play with
their accustomed spirit, the home team had the best of the play during the greater
part of the first half and in a short time had another goal placed to their
credit. On the ball being again kicked off, the strangers wrought the ball into
close proximity to the home goal but the backs relieved the pressure and the
ball was again brought into the strangers' territory where owing to one of the
backs fouling with the goalkeeper, the ball was again sent through the posts.
This success of the home team seemed to put the strangers on their mettle for
immediately on the kick-off, the right wing ran the ball up the field and centring
well, Dick with a good shot, sent it thought the posts. From this until half-time
was called both goals were frequently in danger but ended without any further
score being made. On the change of ends, the strangers seemed determined to
score and the home team had some hot work to defend their citadel. After some
good play on both sides, the strangers, by a combined rush, ran the ball up
to their opponents' goal, passed it over to the left wing when it was put between
the posts by Tait. On play being again resumed, the strangers tried to equalise
matters. Several good shots were made but, owing to the darkness, these frequently
went past or over the posts. Time was called without any further score being
made. The goals were kicked for Ayr by Fullerton, two and Sim, one. The tie
thus ended in their favour by three goals to two. Previous to their departure,
the strangers were entertained to tea in the Star Hotel.
Ardrossan and
Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1879
SALTCOATS CRESCENT 4 - ARDROSSAN SEAFIELD AND ARDEER COMBINATION 2
Last Saturday afternoon (22 November 1879), the Crescent Football Club, in lieu
of the Ayr Football Club which did not come forward, played a game with a combined
team of the Ardeer and Seafield Clubs. The play was good on both sides,
although now and again, there was a noticed a want of combined action, several
individual players playing somewhat selfishly. Darkness set in before time was
up but at the close it was found that the Crescent had scored four goals to
two taken by their opponents.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats
Herald, 29 November 1879