In 1888, Ensign was still the dominant Ardrossan team with first and second elevens. Ardrossan Waverley played its first reported game since 1885 and Ardrossan Zingari played its first reported game since 1887.
SALTCOATS VICTORIA
2 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 5
On Saturday
last (7 January 1888), the Ardrossan Ensign and Saltcoats Victoria clubs
played a return match at Saltcoats and at the close Ensign proved victorious
by five goals to two.
Ardrossan
and Saltcoats Herald, 13 January 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN SECOND ELEVEN 3 - SALTCOATS VICTORIA SECOND ELEVEN 1
The above clubs met at Ardrossan (probably
on 7 January 1888) and the victory ended in favour of the home team by
three goals to one.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 January 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 1 - KILMARNOCK RANGERS 3
This match, which was well-contested on both sides, took place on Saturday last
(14 January 1888) on Seafield Park, Ardrossan
before a fair of attendance of onlookers. The play for the most part was of
a somewhat jostling kind, several of the players being more frequently brought
to earth than was necessary. Among the cleverest points exhibited were the admirable
runs effected by Craig for the home team and by Campbell for the strangers.
By the first of these, Craig scored the first goal of the match for the Ensign
after twenty minutes hard work while after five minutes later, Killie's Rangers
equalised matters and the first part ended with one goal for each side. In the
second moiety of the fight, the strangers had the best of it, being more fortunate
in scoring than their opponents whose efforts on every occasion were completely
foiled. Before time was announced, the Rangers had scored another two laurels
and the match ended in their favour by three goals to one.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 January 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 7 - LARGS THISTLE 0
A friendly match was played between these clubs at Ardrossan on Saturday last
(21 January 1888). The weather was most unpropitious, rain having fallen heavily
and especially so during the last half of the game when the atmospheric elements
fell with unabated force and which had the effect of thinning the field of spectators.
The game, in the second part, was therefore rendered uninteresting while the
play on the whole was very tame. The strangers, who kicked against the wind
in the first half, made a poor show, the pressure of their opponents having
confined them chiefly to their own territory and whose fortress the home team
successfully charged on four occasions before the first half ended when the
game stood Ensign four goals, Thistle nil. A change of ends now gave
the strangers the full benefit of an increasing wind but all their attempts
to score were in vain, their defence being very weak, the home team managed
to add other three soft points to their score and the match thus ended in favour
of the Ensign by seven goals to nil.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 January 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 1 - KILMALCOLM 0
The game of Saturday last (28 January 1888) was a most interesting and well-contested
one, in fact one of the best played this season on Seafield
Park, Ardrossan. Owing to a sever frost, the ground was a shade hard but
otherwise the afternoon was all that could be wished while the turnout of onlookers
was very interesting. The strangers won the toss and the home team commenced
the attack against a brilliant sunshine. Runs and counter runs were the order
of the game but nothing worthy of note occurred until the game was twenty minutes
old when an exciting scrimmage took place at the mouth of the Kilmalcolm citadel
but the strangers, playing with might and main, pluckily succeeded in keeping
their goal intact. The home team still continued to play aggressively but for
them to score seemed an utter impossibility though the chances to do were very
numerous and not a little dissatisfaction was expressed at their wild an somewhat
promiscuous shooting for goal. Despite these assaults, the strangers played
a very effective defensive game while, at intervals, they also acted on offensive
lines but their efforts to score on these occasions were altogether fruitless
and the first forty-five minutes ended with no goals for either side. In the
second half, play was somewhat similar to that of the first, the home team having
again the best of the battle and after twenty minutes work, the first hardened
goal was registered by Ensign while a few minutes later, the leather
was passed a second time between the strangers' uprights but which was disallowed
on the plea that the ball had previously crossed the goal-line. The remainder
of the game was characterised by some exciting points on both sides, the strangers
playing mainly on the defensive. No more goals being scored, the match, which
was a pleasant one, terminated in favour of the Ensign by one goal to
none. The strangers' forwards played a hard game throughout and they were, for
the most part, weak while the same section of the home team worked with more
dash which carried them through their opponents much better. This remark also
applies to the Ensign's back divisions who, on the whole, played a good
game but in one or two instances, there was a perceptible roughness which we
should like to see amended in future. Respecting Kilmalcolm's stalwart back
division, their play was excellent and but for them, the issue of the game would
doubtless have been more successful for the home team. The respective goalkeepers
did good service.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 February 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN FOOTBALL CLUB ASSEMBLY
Last
Friday evening (3 February 1888), the annual assembly of this club and their
friends was held in the Eglinton Hotel (shown right in the early 1960s). About
fifty ladies and gentlemen were present. Excellent music was provided by Mr
Leckie's quadrille band and dancing was spiritedly engaged in until an early
hour next morning. The purveying of Mr Butcher gave every satisfaction. Mr William
Craig, Yarborough Place, ably acted as master of ceremonies.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 February 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 0 - GLASGOW RAWCLIFFE 2
This match was played at Ardrossan on Saturday last (4 February 1888). The game
was well-contested on both sides and the strangers, with good combination, defeated
the home team by two goals to nil.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 February 1888
This defeat of the Ensign might be accounted for by the
club assembly mentioned above which ran 'until an early hour' on the morning
of the game!
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - QUEEN'S PARK HAMPDEN ELEVEN 2
These teams played at Seafield Park on Saturday
last (25 February 1888) before a fair turnout of spectators. We may mention
this is the third time this season that the Hampden representatives have met
the local club for football honours, the first occasion being at Hampden Park
on 16 August last when they defeated Ensign by seven goals to one while
on 22 October, they again conquered them, but on their own soil, by four goals
to one but on this, the third occasion, the home team succeeded in making the
game a drawn one of two goals. Whether the home team is improving or not, we
are not disposed to say at present but, without question, they played a remarkably
good game on Saturday last which somewhat surprised their opponents. Ensign
was the first to score but not until thirty-five minutes play had been engaged
in, so well did both sides defend their respective citadels. At forty-five minutes,
no further scoring had been effected and the first half ended with one goal
for the home club. After a change of ends, it was thought the Hampdenites would
soon equalise matters but at fifteen minutes Ensign notched goal number
two. The strangers were now looking serious at the prospect of being defeated
and an alteration of several fields was apparent on their side after which they
played with great determination for the next ten minutes when they registered
their first laurel and the game now stood Ensign two goals, Hampden one.
At thirty minutes, the home team passed the leather a third time between the
Glasgow side's posts but which they disputed on the plea of offside and subsequently,
it was disallowed. This decision caused a little dissatisfaction among the onlookers,
some of whom were loud in their expressions. With but fifteen minutes to play,
both teams wrought hard but beyond some exciting sieges at each end, nothing
definite occurred until about one minute from the finish when the Hampden team
equalised matters and the game thus ended in a draw, two goals each.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 March 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - GLASGOW UNIVERSITY 0
This game was played on Seafield Park (probably
on 10 March 1888) and resulted in favour of the Ensign by two goals to
nothing which were scored in the last half of the game. The home team had the
best of the play throughout but for the clever work of Ritchie of Monkcastle
who kept the strangers' goal, the defeat of the University would doubtless have
been larger.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 March 1888
SALTCOATS VICTORIA SECOND ELEVEN 4 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN SECOND ELEVEN 0
Saltcoats Victoria met Ardrossan Ensign at Saltcoats on Saturday afternoon
(24 March 1888). The Saltcoats team won by four goals to none.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 March 1888
SALTCOATS IVANHOE 1 - ARDROSSAN WAVERLEY 1
This game was played on the ground of the former, Caledonian Park, on Wednesday
evening (16 May 1888) and resulted in a draw, one goal each.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 May 1888
This was Waverley's first reported game since 1885.
SALTCOATS VICTORIA 7 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 0
This match was played off on the Brewery Field, Saltcoats, the Victoria
being victorious by seven goals to none.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 June 1888
SALTCOATS VICTORIA 0 - ARDROSSAN ZINGARI 2
This match was played on the Brewery Field, Saltcoats, on Wednesday evening
(4 July 1888) when the Zingari were victorious by two goals to nil. The
Zingari team was made up of players from the Stevenston Thistle and Ardrossan
Ensign clubs.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 July 1888
This is the first reported match played in the month of
July. Games have been played in every month of the year.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN -
IMPROBABLES BEAT PROBABLES
The members of the above club formally opened
their field (probably Seafield
Park on Saturday 18 August 1888) for the season by a friendly match
between Probables and Improbables which resulted in favour of the latter by two
goals to one.
Glasgow Herald, 20 August 1888
This game was played on the ground of the former, Seafield
Park (probably on Saturday 8 September 1888).
In the first half, the home team scored one goal and in the second, two.
The result ws Ensign 2 – Athletic 0.
Glasgow Herald, 10 September 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN v QUEEN'S PARK HAMPDEN ELEVEN
Tomorrow, Saturday (22 September 1888), the Hampden Eleven of the Queen's Park
will try conclusions with the Ardrossan Ensign on Seafield
Park. Who will win, Johnnie?
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 September 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 4 - QUEEN'S PARK HAMPDEN ELEVEN 2
This match was played at Ardrossan and resulted in favour of home team by four
goals to two.
Glasgow Herald, 24 September 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN v QUEEN'S PARK HAMPDEN ELEVEN
'Offside' says that McNeil, one of the backs of the Ardrossan Ensign
team, was the best man on the field in the match last Saturday (22 September
1888) with the Hampden Eleven of the Queen's Park. His play was splendid and
with him and Allan, the latter
having been playing in front of late, as backs, that division of the team would,
the writer thinks, be in trustworthy hands and he hopes to see them both occupy
these respective positions yet Bannatyne, no doubt, plays a fair game but 'Offside'
believes he would do quite as well with Barbour and Nicol at half-back.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 September 1888
Although
there was a report on this game, the score was not given. The Glasgow Herald
report above gives a the score as 4-2 for Ensign.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - IRVINE SECOND XI 7
This match was played at Ardrossan on 29 September 1888.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 October 1888
ANNBANK v ARDROSSAN ENSIGN
The Ardrossan Ensign goes all the way to Annbank
to play off their first round with that prominent club for the Ayrshire trophy.
We trust that they may be able to muster their best eleven on this occasion
for they will require it. We believe they will not fare so sumptuously as their
brethren over the way, the knights of the thistle but let us hope, however,
they will not be disgraced and that the unexpected may, as it sometimes does,
occur. Nil desperandum.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 October 1888
Nil desperandum
is Latin for Do not despair.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 4 - PARTICK THISTLE STROLLERS 2
This match was played at Seafield Park,
Ardrossan before a small attendance of spectators. The Strollers, having won
the toss, Ensign kicked off with a brilliant sun and an unsteady breeze.
With the wind in their favour, the strangers were the first to score after five
minute's play and although enjoying the best of the remaining part of the first
half, they failed to score further. The home team wrought fairly well against
wind and play but beyond several ineffectual close shots at their opponents'
citadel, they also failed to register a single point and the first half ended
Strollers one goal, Ensign nil. After changing ends, the home team, in
three minutes equalised matters. They now felt the benefit of the weather element
and in turn had the best share of the play. The strangers were, nevertheless,
playing hard and, after finding a way of escape, they notched goal number two
after ten minutes work. Five minutes later, the home team again equalised the
game while at twenty minutes, they scored their third laurel and at thirty minutes,
their fourth. The remainder of the game was much in favour of the Ensign
but they failed to increase their score. No more goals being scored for either
side, the match thus ended in favour of the Ensign by four goals to two.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 October 1888
ANNBANK 7 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2
The battle between Annbank and Ardrossan Ensign in the first round of
the Ayrshire Cup (on 20 October 1888) is now fought and won and won too, as
we expected, though the score, great as it is, is not what was supposed to be
by many of the Ensign's followers - seven goals to two. This result,
we understand, is not a representation of the play from which we infer that
Annbank had not the game all their own way. Annbank, no doubt, found that they
had more to fight against than they had bargained for and it was well for them
that they refrained their excellent Fitzsimmons from going to the Dunbartonshire
match or the issue might have been more favourable for the losers. All things
considered, the result is not so bad for Ensign who, though exhibiting
signs of timidity in the front rank, played a fine game all round. Speaking
on this match, the Scottish Empire says the Ensign created a favourable
impression in the mining village. There village critics say they are the smartest
team that they have played against this season and, with practice, they might
early take a leading place in the county. Now, lads, here's an encouragement
- let your Ensign be hoisted!
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 October 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - GLASGOW BATTLEFIELD SECOND ELEVEN 1
These teams met on Seafield Park, Ardrossan
(probably on 27 October 1888) before a small attendance of spectators. The day
was unfavourable, a strong wind having prevailed throughout the entire match
which, but for this, might have proved more interesting. In the first half,
after twenty minutes play, the Ensign, playing with the wind, notched
the first goal and at forty minutes, a second was scored. This success of the
home team apparently nettled the strangers who were working well against wind
and play and after a resumption of the game from midfield, the Battlefield forwards
ran the leather cleverly over their right wing and finally shot the ball direct
for the home citadel, which shot the home goalkeeper ably checked, but the ball
was as quickly returned and this time Aitken failed to do his duty. The first
half having ended two to one, the second moiety of the struggle was entered
upon. The strangers now had the advantage of the breeze and, for some time,
they gave the Ensign hot work but the home team proved equal to every
occasion and at intervals they jeopardised the Battlefield's citadel. No goals,
however, were scored by either side in this half and the match thus ended in
favour of the Ensign by two goals to one.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 November 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 7 - KILMARNOCK SOUTH-WESTERN 2
This game was played on Seafield Park (probably
on 3 November 1888). The strangers won the toss and the home team commenced
the struggle against wind and play. In the first part, the Killie representatives
scored twice while the home team notched but one point. After a change of ends,
the Ensign was not long till they equalised matters and afterwards had
the game much their own way. When time was announced, the home team proved the
victors by seven goals to two.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 November 1888
QUEEN'S PARK SECOND ELEVEN v ARDROSSAN ENSIGN
Tomorrow, Saturday (17 November 1888), the Ardrossan Ensign travel to
Glasgow for the purpose of having a friendly game on Hampden with the Hampden
Second Eleven of the Queen's Park. I understand the Ensign team will
be: goal - Aitken: backs - Reid and Reyburn; half-backs - Nicol, Kinnear and
Barbour; forwards - Allan, Greig,
Millar, McLean and Craig.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 November 1888
QUEEN'S PARK SECOND ELEVEN v ARDROSSAN ENSIGN
Ardrossan Ensign face the Hampden Eleven on the famous Hampden Park tomorrow
afternoon (17 November 1888) and a hard tussle is expected. It will be seen
from our advertisement columns that Ensign's Second Eleven play Saltcoats
Victoria Second Eleven at Ardrossan.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 November 1888
There
were two accounts, apparently by different reporters, on the Queen's Park versus
Ardrossan Ensign match in the same Herald.
SALTCOATS VICTORIA SECOND ELEVEN 0 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN SECOND ELEVEN 0
Last Saturday (17 November 1888), at Ardrossan, a second eleven match was played
between the Saltcoats Victoria and the Ardrossan Ensign and so well were
they matched that neither team had the ability to score a single goal and the
game ended in a draw. The afternoon was, of course, most unfavourable and consequently
the game was a very tame affair but I hope the young aspirants will yet learn
how to manipulate the ball more successfully.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 November 1888
QUEEN'S PARK HAMPDEN ELEVEN 4 - ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 0
As I stated last week, the Ardrossan Ensign travelled to Glasgow to play
a return match with the Hampden Eleven of the Queen's Park. This season, the
Ensign played their opponents at Ardrossan and on that occasion they
defeated the Hampdenites by four goals to two but on Saturday, the ground team
proved victorious by four goals to none. Nothing but changes and surprises nowadays
and many are these which have taken place of late. However, by this defeat -
only the second this year - I hope the Ensign team will have learned
another lesson. I may mention that they have played eight matches this season
and out of these they have won six and lost two while they have scored twenty-five
goals and the opposing teams, twenty. Not so bad, all things considered but
lads, your Ensign is drooping - pull it up again!
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 November 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN v STEVENSTON THISTLE
The Stevenston Thistle, I hear, intend to face their hitherto successful opponents,
the Ensign, on Seafield Park tomorrow
(1 December 1888). The game, I believe, will be a most entertaining one and,
as Stevenston is considered to be better than when Ensign last fought
them, the local team will therefore have to play hard to maintain their colours.
I trust the attendance will be favourable and that the best feeling will pervade
the game.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 November 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN v STEVENSTON THISTLE
The match (on 1 December 1888) between the Stevenston Thistle and Ensign
drew forth a large concourse of spectators to Seafield
Park, Ardrossan, many of whom hailed from that thriving little town. The
weather, however, was tempestuous, a strong wind accompanied by drenching rain
prevailing throughout the entire game, the duration of which was only fifty
minutes, the last twenty of the second half having to be played in semi-darkness.
With such unfavourable weather auspices, the merits of the respective teams
were not seen to the same extent as they would have been had the afternoon been
more propitious but looking at the play on the whole and past performances as
well, both teams are well-matched. As I said last week, that the Ensign
would have to play hard to maintain their colours, I am now safe in saying that
my preconceived remark will be corroborated by the members of the team. In fact,
as far as play was concerned, they were in a manner beaten and, had the game
lasted the usual time, the possibility was that they might have to record the
first defeat this season on their own ground. Experience always teaches and
I trust those who have the selecting of the team will, in future, see the propriety
in putting forth the best team on the field on every other occasion, if possible.
While the play of the team was not up to the mark, it is nevertheless true that
Millar and Craig wrought fairly well while Greig, who works well for his team
at all times, did not work so smoothly with Alexander as his partner on the
opposite wing but the forwards on the whole were somewhat injudicious in their
passing, thereby allowing the opposing backs frequently to get on the ball rather
easily who returned it with long kicks to their territory and which work had
the effect of confining them very often to their own end of the field while,
to make matters worse, the back divisions did not show to great advantage though
Kinnear, Barbour and Allan did
best there. Of course, the weather militated against the play considerably and
I therefore partially excuse them. The Thistle, on the other hand, had decidedly
the best of the game and played with greater determination than their opponents
which helped them considerably but for Houston's display of poaching, who is
one of the best in the front rank, the game would perhaps have ended in favour
of the Thistle, he it was said, having scored a goal two minutes from the kick-off
but which was ultimately disallowed on the pleas of offside. The other players
in the front rank rendered good service while Donnachie who is a shade tricky
and Garret played best at back. I may here mention that the Thistle had a stronger
game at the beginning of the season than they had last Saturday but when compared
with last year's eleven, the present team is as good as its predecessor.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 December 1888
Although
there was a report on this game, the score was not given.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - STEVENSTON THISTLE 2
This match was played (on 1 December 1888) on the ground of the former under
rather boisterous weather auspices and before a large attendance of enthusiastic
onlookers. Ensign kicked off and after two minutes play, Thistle scored
a goal which was disallowed on the pleas of offside. At fifteen minutes, Ensign
put on the first successful goal while, five minutes later, the Thistle equalised
the game and the first half of thirty minutes ended one goal each. Ends having
been changed, the strangers registered their second goal after ten minutes and
five minutes later, the home team equalised the game. This part of the match,
which was played in semi-darkness, only lasted twenty minutes and, no more goals
being scored, the game ended in a draw, two goals each.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 December 1888
There
were two accounts, apparently by different reporters, on the Ardrossan Ensign
versus Stevenston Thistle match in the same Herald.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 6 - BEARSDEN 1
This match was played (probably on 8 December 1888) on Seafield
Park, Ardrossan. Ensign kicked off and for the first twenty-five
minutes, play was very even, each team working hard but without success. Nicol,
of the home team, unfortunately headed the ball through his own goal, registering
the first and only point for Bearsden. Immediately afterwards, Ensign
equalised matters. On changing ends, Ensign scored after five minutes
play, Alexander, doing the needful. Play was confined to Bearsden territory
and A Craig and Kinnear had good chances to score but failed. Three minutes
elapsed when Millar scored the third goal for the home team. Bearsden's right
wing, which was doing most service for their team, then contributed a run and
a corner off Reyburn came to nothing. This was Bearsden's only look-in this
half. W Craig has soon a good chance for Ensign but he shot wide. A corner
then fell to Ardrossan which was well-placed and after an exciting scrimmage,
the ball was sent to midfield only to be returned again by the home backs when
a corner again fell to Ardrossan which was well kicked by W Craig but a foul
relieved the pressure on the strangers' citadel. At Bearsden's posts, their
custodian sent up a rocket shot over which a dispute arose, but a corner was
only allowed. This, though well-placed, was cleared away but a minute later,
Ardrossan returned the ball and amidst a scrimmage, goal number four was registered.
A Craig and Barbour had favourable chances but they failed to increase the score.
Bearsden were completely overwhelmed and kept on the defensive. Within five
minutes from time, Ensign added two more goals thus winning by six goals
to one. Millar and W Craig played an excellent game while Greig also worked
hard. The match lasted one hour. The Ensign still maintain the honour
of never having being defeated this season on their own soil on which they have
played seven games scoring twenty-eight goals, an average of exactly four goals
in each match. They completely muzzled the bears and sent them home unto their
den with but one goal against six for the home team.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 December 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - SALTCOATS VICTORIA 0
This game was played on Seafield Park, Ardrossan
(on 15 December 1888) before a large attendance of spectators. In the first
half, Ensign scored goal number one after five minutes work and with
two exceptions, had the remainder of the first part all their own way but failed
to score further, the strangers playing a good defensive game. A change of ends
gave the Victoria the benefit of the breeze and they now treated the home team
to something like hard labour. Both teams were playing vigorously, the strangers
being determined while the excitement of the spectators reached a high pitch.
Ensign, though confined chiefly to their own end of the field, played
their opponents successfully and after seven minutes work, they by a combined
run, registered their second goal against the wind. Victoria still wrought with
might and main to score, encouraged by the spectators, but Ensign proved
equal to all the raids made on their fortress. The match, however, which lasted
but fifty-five minutes, was brought to a somewhat abrupt termination five minutes
before the call of time when the spectators took possession of the field. Happily,
nothing serious occurred and the game ended in favour of the Ensign by
two goals to none.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 December 1888
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN 2 - SALTCOATS VICTORIA 0
No game played this season on Seafield Park
excited more interest or drew forth more spectators than that played last Saturday
(15 December 1888) between the Ardrossan Ensign and the Saltcoats Victoria.
On the whole, it was the worst game played and by it neither team has gained
much honour. As has hitherto been the case with our local teams, there was an
apparent enmity evinced towards each other and several players on both sides
were at intervals careless whether they inflicted personal injuries or not.
Such dastardly work is anything but commendable and I think, for the sake of
life and limb, that it would be much better if our local teams would keep apart
from each other if they cannot play the game as it ought to be played. The spirit
of enmity is not confined to the teams alone for on such occasions, this disgusting
characteristic is always shown by many spectators. Their excitement on Saturday
reached a huge magnitude and for the roughness of the game, I lay the charge
at the feet of the outside element whose behaviour was quite uncalled for. For
the honour of the game, I would here state that outsiders have no right to interfere
with the team's playing, be they what they may and far less have they the right
to call in question the decisions of either the umpires or referee. Of course,
onlookers are quite at liberty to applaud anything good shown in the play of
the teams but what I would say is that those who are guilty of inciting the
contending players should henceforth refrain from doing so as, by this interference,
Saturday's game was made notorious and was justly regarded by many of a more
docile temperament as being the worst played at Ardrossan. I therefore trust
that the hot-headed element at these games will, in future, pay more attention
to themselves and leave the game entirely in the hands of those who are engaged
in it and by doing so, their quiet demeanour will, in some measure, tend to
make the game of football honourable. Players and spectators alike should "cease
to do evil and learn to do well". Ensign, no doubt, now know that
the representatives of the Victoria are "foemen worthy of their steel"
and not so easily beaten as hitherto. They have improved and a hard game they
did play. Indeed, so well did they play in the first half, that the home team,
playing with the wind, only managed to notch one point. Ensign might
have scored one or two more but they wrought to each other better but they were
too excited and consequently the play was of a very promiscuous character. They,
however, confined their opponents chiefly to their own citadel who at intervals
found a way of escape but with two exceptions, they never looked dangerous.
Victoria, after a change of ends, had the advantage of the breeze in the second
part and without question they played mainly the aggressive part, giving the
giving the home team some hot work to defend their goal which remained intact.
Ensign's only chance to score was to play the ball low which they successfully
did after a combined run. Victoria still played gamely and had several close
shaves but beyond this, their play was rendered futile. Like the home team,
they too were excited when playing with the wind in their favour.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 December 1888
There
were two accounts, apparently by different reporters, on the Ardrossan Ensign
versus Saltcoats Victoria match in the same Herald.
ARDROSSAN ENSIGN SECOND ELEVEN 4 - DALRY FIRST A R V 0
This game was played at Seafield Park, Ardrossan
(probably on 22 December 1888). The strangers kicked off and inside one minute,
Ensign scored the first goal. The play afterwards was of a pretty give-and-take
description being fairly divided but no further goals were scored by either
side during the first part. Ends changed, Ensign scored goal number two
in about five minutes and before the game was finished, another two. The match,
which lasted but forty minutes, thus ended Ensign four goals, A R V none.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 December 1888