Ardrossan Celtic was founded in 1901. Ardrossan Rovers had an A team. Ardrossan Sand Dabs played its first reported game since 1897. Ardrossan Winton Thistle played its first reported match and Ardrossan Good Templars was founded but no reports on games were found. A team 'now known as Ardrossan Rangers' played under that title for the first time since 1884.



ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - CLAREMONT ATHLETIC 1
On New Year's Day (1 January 1901), the Ardrossan Winton Rovers engaged Claremont Athletic in a friendly. The day was fine but the ground was somewhat soft at different parts and the players had therefore some difficulty in keeping their feet. At the outset of the game, the Rovers assumed the offensive and during the first half had the monopoly of the play. The visitors broke away several times but could not effect an opening. During the first quarter of an hour, the Rovers experienced very hard lines. Score they did, but the point was disallowed, and on the play shown they ought to have at least a couple of goals in hand before they were awarded the opening goal of the match which was well taken. Up to half-time, the Rovers continued to have the best of matters and before a ball was signalled, a second goal was bracketed, thus placing the visitors two down at the change of ends. It was now felt that the visitors would make up the leeway they had lost but this opinion was not realised. In this half, the homesters were the better lot and repeatedly were they within an ace of scoring. Their frequent attacks deserved happier terminations but the opposing defence held them out. The visitors made a number of assaults on the home citadel and from one of these they notched their final and only point near the close of hostilities which might have been saved. In the closing minutes, the Rovers pressed hard but all their attempts to augment their total were rendered abortive. The game ended in favour of the Ardrossan lads by two goals to one, although, on the day's play, they should have won by as many more.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 January 1901

PROPOSED NEW FOOTBALL LEAGUE
We have been requested to suggest the formation of a new Junior League with a view of fostering the game in the respective local districts and considering that there are now sufficient clubs to form such a body, we see no reason why there should not be such an association as say the Stevenston and District Juvenile League. The idea is a good one and we hope to see it taking practical form without much delay. As there are leagues of this kind in other districts, our local clubs experience some difficulty in getting fixtures and by forming such a body as proposed, matters would be considerably improved in that respect. The new league might consist of six clubs, say, Kilwinning Rangers, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Ardeer Wanderers, Ardeer Thistle and Auchenharvie Eleven and we feel sure the interest taken in the doings of this club would become more pronounced. Any of the clubs named who may be in favour of the new league can communicate with the secretary of either Ardeer Thistle or Auchenharvie Eleven. In behalf of the venture, benefit games by the clubs mentioned and these we take the liberty to place as follows - Ardeer Thistle versus Kilwinning Rangers at Kilwinning, Ardeer Wanderers versus Ardrossan Winton Rovers at Ardrossan and Saltcoats Seaside Rangers versus Auchenharvie Eleven at Stevenston. We express the hope that the new league will soon become a veritable fact and we ask the representatives of the clubs suggested are asked to communicated at once as mentioned above.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 January 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 - AUCHENHARVIE ELEVEN 5
The Auchenharvie Eleven paid a visit to Ardrossan on Saturday (12 January 1901) and engaged the Winton Rovers in a friendly. We selected to play against the wind in the first half and after twenty minutes had passed, we opened the scoring. The Ardrossan lads, on the other hand, failed to find an opening and as Auchenharvie failed to augment their score, only one goal separated the teams at the change of ends. The second half started in favour of Auchenharvie and in the opening minute, they raised their total to two goals and seven minutes later, a third was registered. This was good business for the visitors but these reverses seemed to take the heart out of the homesters for afterwards their forwards were completely out of it. Auchenharvie now had matters pretty much their own way and before hostilities ceased, no less than eight goals in all were scored by them, three of which were disallowed. The game this ended in favour of Auchenharvie by five to nil. The pick of the winners was Sanders, the left back who played a capital game while his partner Stirrat was not far behind him. Logan was the best half and the forwards all played well, Harris being in fine shooting form, having no less that three of the five goals to his credit.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 January 1901
This report appeared under the heading Notes From Heather Park. Heather Park was the home ground of the Auchenharvie Eleven and the reporter was probably a committee member which might explain phrases such as 'We selected to play against the wind'.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY ARDEER WANDERERS
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers, through disappointments et cetera, have not been engaged during the last two or three Saturdays but have fixed with Ardeer Wanderers for tomorrow (9 February 1901) at Winton Park, kick-off at 3 pm. The Rovers will be represented by the following eleven - Bryan, Inglis, McMurray, Aitken, Bennett, Strachan, Findlay, Cochrane, Fowler, Craig and Templeton. The Rovers have lost the services of their clever centre-half through an injury which will keep him out of the team for some time.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 February 1901

There was no match report in the following week's Herald.

COLLECTION FOR FOOTBALL
Football is going strong in the neighbourhood just now. 'Please help the White Rose to get a ball. Pence makes shillings makes pounds - signed by the club' was the heading of a subscription sheet presented by a coming international about three feet in height to householders.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 February 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 9 - TROON PORTLAND 0
These teams met at Ardrossan last Saturday (16 February 1901). Troon kicked off and play ruled in midfield for a little but gradually, the home men got through the opposing defence and would have scored but for smart kicking on the part of the Troon backs. The score was opened by the Rovers about fifteen minutes from the start. Portland strove hard to equalise but the heavy ground was against them. They forced a couple of corners, fruitless. Soon afterwards, the Rovers again scored and quickly added a third. The Portland seemed to loose heart after these reverses. The best effort at a breakaway on their part was when Keenan and Black got past Inglis, the Rovers' right-back. Black centred well and Wallace had a good try which the Rovers' goalkeeper successfully met. The Rovers kept their somewhat lighter opponents penned to their own half of the field till half time when the score stood five-nil against Troon. The second half opened briskly but although playing uphill, the Rovers still had the pull of their opponents and scored twice in quick time. Again, Portland came away and Black had very hard lines in not scoring. The Troon lads were feeling the effects of the heavy ground and they fell away during the greater part of the second half. Towards the finish, some of the forwards were showing more favourably. The game ended in the defeat of Portland by nine goals to nil. For the losers, Stewart back, McLachlan half-back and Wallace, Murchie and Black forwards were best. The winners played a good game especially McMurray back and McKillop centre-forward.
A second report on the match is given below.
On Saturday last (16 February 1901), the Ardrossan Winton Rovers engaged Troon Portland in a friendly at Winton Park. There was a large attendance of onlookers and the homesters scored a somewhat easy victory over the visitors. Considering that the Portland had been doing some tall scoring lately, it was expected that they would give the Ardrossan lads a hard run for victory but they were a disappointing lot from start to finish. In the first half, the Wintonians fairly ran off with the game, scoring no less than five goals before the interval was reached while their opponents failed to secure a morsel of comfort. It was hoped that Portland would succeed in improving matters during the second period but the half proved to be as disastrous for them as the first. The Wintonians placed another four goals to their credit and easily won the game which at times was characterised by roughness by the meritorious score of nine goals to nil. Tomorrow, Saturday (23 February 1901), the Winton Rovers expect to have the Barrhead Gateside as visitors. The Rovers' team will be chosen form the following players - Bryan, Inglis, McMurray, Aitken, Findlay, Allison, Bennett, McCulloch, Cochrane, Fowler, Craig and Strachan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 February 1901


ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - BARRHEAD GATESIDE VICTORIA 3
Judging from the turnout of onlookers at Winton Park on Saturday (23 February 1901), football is again becoming popular in Ardrossan and the Winton Rovers are responsible for the enthusiasm which has sprung up lately. Barrhead Gateside Victoria Eleven and something like three or four hundred spectators assembled to witness the contest. Here we may remark that, previous to the commencement to the match, our warm and esteemed friend 'the Captain' gave it as his opinion that the Ardrossan boys would beat the visitors but it didn't come off and perhaps our genial friend was a little disappointed at the close. All the same, we confess the Rovers deserved more goals than they got. The visitors were a tidy looking lot of players and were warmly welcomed as they entered the arena which was in pretty good condition. As the visitors' colours resembled those of the homesters, it was deemed advisable to make a change so the locals appeared in other jerseys for the day. The change of garment caused a little argument among the onlookers of Irish ascent and it was some time before they recognised their own 'dear bhoys' - but to the game. The visitors started operations and right away, they piloted the sphere o'er the home lines. They continued to act aggressively for a short space but the homesters relieved the pressure on their citadel and went to the opposite end with a bang. The Rovers were now in evidence and quite a number of tries were essayed. Their shooting, however, was invariably erratic although as the game progressed, their efforts on one or two occasions deserved happier terminations. Now and again, the current surged away in the direction of the home fortress and on different occasions, the home custodian had to be on the alert. Looking at the play of the respective sides, the Barrhead lads worked better as a whole and appeared to be smarter on the ball. Nevertheless, the homesters were doing most of the pressing work, their rear ranks standing up fairly well to their task, among whom, Findlay in the trio caught the eye of the crowd by his clever tactics. The right-half also put in some fine punts only his placings were too strong. The Rovers continued to battle hard for success but the Barrhead custodian held his trust intact. The game was being well fought, corners falling to both sides. Breaking through the opposition again, the Rovers' right-half got hurt and he had to retire. Barrhead pressed forward and the home keeper averted disaster twice very cleverly. The visitors, however, would take no denial and they succeeded in notching the initial goal of the match. The first half was not well advanced and at this stage, the injured Rover reappeared on the field. Although the locals contended to hold their own with their opponents, they failed to leave any impression on the Barrhead citadel but there was no doubt their play merited some success. With their one goal lead, Barrhead were expected to make 'siccar' during the second half. The opening phases of this part, however, did not point in that direction at any rate. Right away, the Rovers attacked in the visitors' fortress in determined style and had they only exercised a little more caution and judgement, 'Jack might have been as good as his master' at this stage but fate and a good defence robbed them of their chance. Barrhead at length cleared their lines and if the homesters had the best play in the first half, the visitors could now claim that honour. In the succeeding play, the home goal had several narrow escapes but some time elapsed before the strangers managed to chronicle a second point. The Rovers relieved the pressure on their goal at stated periods and got within shooting distance but there was so little attack in their efforts that one was inclined to think that 'pace had killed'. Later on, however, the locals rallied and the Barrhead defenders were once more put to the test and this time, finally beaten. This success put a different complexion on their game but the hopes of the homesters and their supporters were soon blasted. The visitors transferred the play and in pretty quick time, they registered their third and last point with a good shot which the home custodian just missed at the foot of the upright. The game which was a very agreeable one throughout thus ended in favour of Barrhead by three goals to one. The visitors were the better lot and perhaps deserved to win. Considering that the home team have only been organised this season, they were not by any means disgraced by Saturday's result. Steady perseverance in the game will bring its own reward, however, and we hope to see an improvement all round ere the season close. The team is composed of one or two clever players, among whom Findlay at half-back is one while McMurray, Craig, Bennett and Cochrane are also players who may yet be heard of, judging from the show each made on Saturday. Tomorrow (2 March 1901), the Rovers go to Irvine to fulfil an engagement with Saint Andrew's Football Club and will be represented by Bryan, Inglis, McMurray, Aitken, Allison, Bennett, McCulloch, Cochrane, Fowler, Craig and Findlay. Saltcoats Seaside Rangers A team will tackle the Winton Rovers A Eleven at Winton Park the same day.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 March 1901

IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 3 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The Rovers travelled to Irvine on Saturday (2 March 1901) and engaged the Saint Andrew's Football Club in a friendly game. The Rovers team played as selected with the exception of Allison who did not turn up and his place was ably filled by Wallace. The Rovers started the game against the wind. Saint Andrew's pressed them hard and after good defensive work by the Rovers' backs, the Saints opened the scoring. Give-and-take play followed and the Rovers had hard lines in not equalising, the smartness of the Saints' goalkeeper frustrating their efforts. The Saints scored on other two occasions and about ten minutes from half-time, Fowler notched the first point for the Rovers. The goal cost the Rovers dear as Fowler unfortunately got himself injured and had to retire. The second half of the game was all in favour of the Rovers who soon made up the leeway and had it not been for the splendid goalkeeping of the Saints' custodian, the Rovers would undoubtedly have run up a large score. Shots were simply rained in on the Saints goal but all met with the same fate, the goalkeeper saving times without number. The Rovers pressed to the finish but could not increase their total beyond that of the Saints. The ball used was a ridiculous article. It was all out of shape and undersized. The players could not properly judge their kicking with it and it was the means of a good few miskicks. Tomorrow (9 March 1901), weather permitting, Irvine Thistle are due to play at Winton Park and the Rovers team will be chosen from the following - Bryan, Inglis, McMurray, Aitken, Allison, Bennett, Strachan, McCulloch, Fowler, Cochrane, Craig and Findlay.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 March 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - IRVINE THISTLE 2
Defeated but not disgraced - this phrase can very well be applied to the Winton Rovers who were unlucky to lose by the odd goal on Saturday (9 March 1901) after having had the best of the game with Irvine Thistle at Winton Park. The game started with the visitors playing downhill but so well did the Wintonians defend their citadel that the Jags were only able to score on only one occasion and that from a corner. During this half, the Rovers had numerous chances to score but lack of shooting power prevented them from finding the net. With a little more sting in their shooting, they ought to have led at the interval. In the second half, each team scored a point and a very hard and interesting game ended in a win for the visitors by two goals to one. The team that did duty for the Rovers was Bryan, Inglis, McMurray, Aitken, Allison, Bennett, McCulloch, Fowler, McKillop, Craig and Findlay. Tomorrow (14 March 1901), the Rovers journey to Troon where they will engage Troon Portland in a friendly game. We expect the Ardrossan boys to come out on top.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 March 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - TROON PORTLAND 0
Ardrossan can boast of another football club which promises to be a rival to the Winton Rovers. The new combination will be known as Ardrossan Celtic and on Saturday (9 March 1901) the 'bhoys' tried conclusions with Troon Portland at Caledonian Park. The Celts won the match by three goals to nil.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 March 1901
This was Ardrossan Celtic's first reported match.

ARDROSSAN FOOTBALL DERBY
Don't miss the local derby tomorrow, Saturday (23 March 1901) at Winton Park. The Ardrossan Celtic and Winton Rovers have arranged to contest their claim for the local championship.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1901

ARDROSSAN FOOTBALL CLUBS CENSUS
Someone suggests that a census of football clubs presently in existence in Ardrossan be taken. There are many very juvenile teams playing in the locality and at their matches, if they can only secure a respectable looking bonnet, they consider themselves justified in collecting what would be gate money - if there were gates.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - STEVENSTON ELEVEN 1
The Rovers A team had a Stevenston Eleven at Winton Park, Ardrossan on Saturday (16 March 1901) and the result was in favour of the ground team by three goals to one. It was a very good game and was contested on good terms. The Stevenston men did not appear to such advantage as a combination as did the Rovers although there were some dashing individual efforts. The Rovers were the younger lot but their passing and general command of the sphere showed their superiority. At the end of the first half, the score stood two-nil against Stevenston. In the second half, both sides scored once. There are some clever players in Rovers' A team and at several periods of Saturday's game, the exhibition was really pleasing, headwork and combination being particularly noticeable. If the Rovers' first eleven committee are not above taking suggestions, we would suggest that Fullerton of the A team be tried at centre-half. He is well qualified, a good placer, go-ahead style, smart with head and both feet and a hard worker.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1901

BEITH BRITANNIA 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
Ardrossan Celtic paid a visit to Beith on Saturday (16 March 1901) and engaged Britannia in a friendly. The result of stiff game was a draw - one goal each.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1901

TROON PORTLAND 3 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
The Rovers were beaten at Troon on Saturday (16 March 1901). They came back with a very poor opinion of the style of football but with an excellent opinion of the referee. The Portland won by three goals to two.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1901

TROON PORTLAND 3 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
Winton Rovers journeyed to Troon last Saturday (16 March 1901) where they engaged in a friendly with Portland, The Rovers, who were without the assistance of a few of their regular eleven, had to retire defeated by three goals to two.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 23 March 1901

BEITH BRITANNIA 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
Saturday last (16 March 1901) found the latest Ardrossan combination at Beith where they engaged Britannia in what proved a well-contested game. In the first half, Celtic played uphill and offered a splendid defence to the local eleven, so much so that Beith only managed to pierce the defence once. In the second half, the game continued fast and interesting and three minutes from time Celtic brought off the equaliser. Thus the game ended - a draw, one goal each. A feature of the game was the grand play of McLaughlin at left half. The Beith wing could make nothing of him and his defence was superb. Welsh played a good game in goals and saved at penalty. Today (23 March 1901), Celtic play Winton Rovers on Winton Park, when there should be a large crowd to witness the encounter between the local juniors.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 23 March 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
At Winton Park on Saturday afternoon (23 March 1901), two Ardrossan teams, Celtic and Winton Rovers, met in a friendly way. Rovers kicked off with the sunshine in their eyes. That the game would be a hard one had been the general opinion and a good crowd of spectators witnessing the match testified to the general interest. The Celtic looked a likely lot in the 'new rig'. The ball was not long in motion ere the Rovers came away well on the right and the sphere was beautifully centred but the Celtic goalkeeper was alert. For a time, play was somewhat even. The Rovers played better together but the Celts were, particularly in the opening stages, commendably smart on the ball and very eager. The difference between the teams was not very marked during the first half. The teams crossed over with their respective records unblemished and play was very brisk for a little after the restart. The Rovers soon showed the benefits of experience by settling down to the steady combination game. Again and again, the ball travelled with precision to the vicinity of the Celtic goal and the shooting was very accurate. The Celtic goalkeeper, Welsh, gave a first-class display, saving a succession of shots in fine style. The Celtic left wing was most effective in attack and made several dashing efforts but the wing was badly supported. After the Rovers had come down upon the Celtic lines on half a dozen occasions, McMurray scored, Welsh having little chance to save the shot about ten minutes from the call of time. Excitement ran high and the spectators yelled at their respective favourites as the ball was again set a-rolling. The Celtic left wing again pressed but without avail. As quickly the Rovers transferred the play and up to the finish, the tussle was hard and exciting. For the Celts who lost by one goal, the goalkeeper was undoubtedly best. Welsh was severely tested both during the first and second periods and had a less clever custodian than he been between the uprights, the Celts would have been a badly beaten lot. Particularly during the second half when the Celtic goal was bombarded both rapidly and accurately, Welsh's saving deserved the round of hearty applause he received from the spectators. He is worthy of guarding the uprights for a better team than the Celtic. Tait, left-back and McLaughlin, half, were also noticeable in the Celtic eleven. The Celts, with a month or two of match playing ought to become a good eleven. A little more of combination and a little less of neglecting the ball would pay better. They have certainly in their eleven, the material for strong team. For the Rovers, McCulloch put in some fine work. He plays the game as does Cochrane on the right. Craig was very effective and so was Fullerton. The whole team showed fairly well on Saturday and there was certainly an improvement, but not yet enough, in front of goal. The change in the back division gave a good deal of assistance to the front pack and the half-back line was good. Tomorrow (30 March 1901), the Rovers will play Irvine Saint Andrew's at Winton Park, Ardrossan while the Rovers A team will journey to Largs to try conclusion with Largs Athletic. We understand the Rovers first eleven and several officials have just been photographed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 March 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
Our local derby provided some excitement last Saturday (23 March 1901). The weather was beautiful and the crowd was therefore of respectable dimensions. The bould Celtic lost by one goal in the last ten minutes of play and there was some yelling.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 March 1901

NEWS FROM WINTON PARK
Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the game advertised to take place at Winton Park, Ardrossan was postponed. There is a likelihood of the Rovers' making their first appearance in the city tomorrow (6 April 1901) when they will be the guests of Clarement Athletic in a return friendly fixture. Winton Park will be occupied by the Rovers' A team who will have as their opponents the Stevenston combination known as the Seamore.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 April 1901

CLAREMONT ATHLETIC 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The Winton Rovers travelled to Glasgow on Saturday last (6 April 1901) and engaged a friendly game with Claremont Athletic. Owing to the heavy rain and miserable condition of the ground, it was arranged to play thirty-five minutes each way. Winning the toss, the Rovers elected to play with a slight breeze in their favour. The home team kicked off and after a little open play, the Rovers bore down on the home defence and McMurray scored the first goal for them about five minutes from the start. The Athletics became a little brisker after this reverse and made for the Rovers' goal but the backs were all there and soon had the ball again down the field. After a lot of give-and-take play, Findlay got command of the ball about thirty yards out and with an unerring kick, he beat the ground goalkeeper with a swift shot making goal number two for the Rovers. Half time found the scores unaltered. The ball was again set in motion and the game became a shade harder. After ten minutes had slipped away, the Athletics notched their initial goal, Bryan slipping in the mud. The Rovers wakened up at this reverse and shortly afterwards Fowler was successful in registering a third goal from a pass by Cochrane. The homesters next had a look in, forcing a corner from which they headed through a second goal. In the succeeding play, the Rovers had rather hard lines in not augmenting the total, a shot from McMurray's toe on one occasion deserving a happier termination. No further scoring was done by either side and the Rovers retired winners of the match by three goals to two. Tomorrow, Saturday (13 April 1901), the Rovers will try conclusions with Giffnock Football Club at Winton Park. A good game is expected. The kick-off is at 3.45 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 April 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 0 - STEVENSTON SEAMORE 2
On Saturday (6 April 1901), the Rovers' A team engaged the Stevenston Seamore at Winton Park. Seamore youths emerged winners by two goals to nil.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 April 1901

GOLD BADGES COMPETITION
Under the auspices of the Stevenston Thistle Football Club, it has been arranged to offer eleven gold badges for competition among juvenile clubs with a gold badge to the secretary of the winning team. The idea is to play two games each Saturday beginning at the end of the senior season and finishing with the final tie and a day's amateur sports. Entry to the competition is free and players must be entirely juvenile so junior trundlers need not apply. As juvenile teams are pretty numerous in the northern district of Ayrshire this season, we expect this competition will meet with every encouragement and we have authority for saying that the Thistle's executive would like to receive applications from Ardrossan Celtic, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Stevenston Auchenharvie, Stevenston Wanderers, Ardeer Thistle, Kilwinning Rangers, Dalry Athletic and also from teams in the Beith, Largs and Irvine districts. We hope to hear of a large entry seeing that the juvenile combinations are going strongly at present and we congratulate the Thistle officials in their efforts to encourage the youths how to shoot.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - GIFFNOCK 0
We are told that 'nothing succeeds like success' and for the past few weeks, the Ardrossan Winton Rovers have in some sense been experiencing the truth of this good old proverb. On Saturday last (13 April 1901), the Rovers had Giffnock Football Club as their guests and opponents at Winton Park and again, as luck would have it, the locals again finished on the right side of the fence making their third successive win this season. The visitors turned up one or two short of their complement of players and the services of local lads were solicited to fill the vacancies while on the other hand the homesters tried several of their A team for the day. The ground was in good condition and judging from the attendance of spectators, it is evident the popular pastime is steadily finding favour with the 'elite' of Ardrossan, a goodly crowd being present to witness the struggle for supremacy. From a junior point of view, the game which was one of short duration was fairly well contested throughout and at different periods was characterised by clever tactics. In attack and defence, the Rovers, however, appeared to tube the better lot. They started the game very auspiciously, scoring the opening goal of the match in the first minute of the game. This was cleverly executed by 'wee' Reid and from the subsequent play, it looked as if more were to follow. The Giffnock lads were averted further disaster however, and ultimately assumed a defensive attitude. Several good efforts were essayed by the visitors but these the home keeper cleverly repulsed. Each goal was afterwards in turn assailed with the balance of play in favour of the homesters but half-time was signalled without any alteration in the scoring department. The second period of the game was contested on somewhat similar lines to the first. No scoring resulted although in the course of hostilities some certainties were effected which deserved happier terminations. If the visitors were unfortunate in not breaking their 'duck', the homesters were equally so in not augmenting their score of one goal. On each side, there were several players of good merit and who will, we have no doubt, improve with experience. Perseverance in the game will bring its own reward and we believe there is plenty of enthusiasm among the Rovers to spur them on to greater renown in the football field. Tomorrow, Saturday (20 April 1901), the Rovers will, for the second time this season, oppose the Ardrossan Celtic lads when the return local derby will be run off at South Beach. The last occasion the teams met, the Rovers, it will be remembered, gained the verdict by a single goal and it may be taken for granted that the Celts will make a bold effort to square accounts on this occasion. It is stated that the Celts will be strongly represented and a hard and exciting game if fully anticipated. Now, Rovers, all together tomorrow. Let us have another win and so keep up the success of the past weeks. The Rovers' team will be selected from the following - Bryan, Inglis, Aitken, Bennett, Allison, Findlay, McCulloch, McMurray, Reid, Craig and Strachan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901

ARDROSSAN FOOTBALL CLUBS
Ardrossan Sand Dabs 2 - Winton Rovers 3 on Wednesday night (17 April 1901). Saltcoats Seaside Rangers 2 - Ardrossan Celtic 1 last night (17 April 1901). Celtic and Winton Rovers tomorrow?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901
For the record, the results are headlined below.

ARDROSSAN SAND-DABS 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The game was played on 17 April 1901.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901
This was the Sand Dabs first reported match since 1897.

ARDROSSAN SAND-DABS 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The game with the Sand-Dabs last week (on 17 April 1901) was a hard enough one and the Rovers had a good run for their win.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1901

SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
The game was played on 18 April 1901.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901

SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS versus ARDROSSAN CELTIC
Last night, Thursday (18 April 1901) Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic crossed swords at South Beach but so far we have not heard which of the teams came out victorious.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1901
The statement about not knowing the result appeared in the same paper that gave the result as Ardrossan Celtic 1 - Saltcoats Seaside Rangers 2!

SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
The Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic crossed swords last week (on 18 April 1901) at South Beach. The game was the talk of the town and a large gathering assembled to witness it, the Celtic bringing a big following from Ardrossan. When the teams lined up, it was observed the Rangers were without Maxwell while the Celts had out a strong representation, in fact the strongest that has done duty for them this season. Play in the first half was hard and fast and when the interval was reached, the Rangers were in the ascendant by two to nil. The Celts scored early in the second half and with only a goal between the teams, the excitement became intense. The crowd broke over the line and the game had to be stopped for a little. No further scoring resulted and a great game ended in a win for the Saltcoats team by two goals to one. The Celts by consistent training should yet make a few of the fancied ones sit up and by the run of the play, it is but fair to say that a draw would have been a true verdict of the game. Kerr, Donohoe, Miller and Hamilton shone for the Rangers while Welsh, Aitken, Tyre and Tait were best for the Celts.
A second report on the match is given below.
The Celts' meeting with the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers last week did not turn out so disastrously for the green-and-white as many predicted and not a few hoped. The Rangers did not over-stress themselves in the first period of the game. There was a good crowd of spectators. The Celts were all dissatisfied with the result and felt confident regarding their chances in the meeting with the Rovers on Saturday last (20 April 1901). Thanks mainly to McCulloch, the Celts won Saturday's game by a goal and the two local combinations are now on equal terms for supremacy. McLaughlin is one of the best in the Celtic team but he neglected the ball a little on Saturday. The right wing acquitted himself well and Tait on the left had some flying visits to the Rovers' lines. A game to settle the supremacy question for the season ought to be played. Warner Park (Stevenston) has been suggested as the venue but the bulk of the spectators would not travel thither. The game might come off at Winton Park when the Celts might be more apparent than on the sand. Both local teams have reason to be satisfied with the measure of support accorded them. It is questionable if two juvenile teams anywhere command such a concourse of spectators as the Celtic and Rovers. In the interests of football locally, it is hoped that the teams will meet on better ground before the season closes. We understand the Celts have got a pitch behind the Caledonian Railway Station.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1901
It seems strange that the game was held at South Beach when each team had its own home ground - Winton Park for Winton Rovers and North Crescent Park for Ardrossan Celtic.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2
A few weeks ago, on Winton Park, the Ardrossan Celtic and Winton Rovers met for the first time and the Rovers pulled off a one goal win. The return game took place on the South Beach on Saturday afternoon (20 April 1901) under a sweat-raising sun and before a large crowd of spectators. Neither of the teams was the same as on the first occasion and particularly in the placing of the players, the Rovers at least cannot be congratulated on the changes. Playing the first half with the strong sunlight in their faces, the Rovers could not for a time compare favourably with the Celts who made the pace and pressed strongly. Bryan was called upon again and again and put in some very good work. The Celtic wings were full of running and Bennett and Findlay had a hard task set them. The play, however, was not all on one side though the want of a properly-lined pitch was apparent all the time. After the Rovers had successfully repulsed the attack and carried the war into the Celtic territory, a breakaway by the Celts' forwards raised the excitement and from a fine drive from the right, the left, lying close in near the post, jostled through the first goal for the Celtic which was granted by the referee who did not seem to notice the position to the scorer in relation to the Rovers' backs. The excitement was great when the ball was centred and greater still when Reid, the Rovers' centre who got some hard knocks at the commencement of the game, cleverly worked the ball up through his opponents and scored with a neat shot. That was the best taken goal of the game and deserved the cheer which it raised. The Celtic were moving a bit faster on the sand than their opponents but the opposing halves played a very hard if not the most useful game. Half-time found the teams level with one goal each. In the second half, the Rovers appeared to greater advantage but for the extreme flexibility of the offside regulation, the scores at the close would have been different. Play was transferred from end to end of the field with little spirit in it. There was a lot of laxity and the Rovers showed more than the most of it. Again and again, the Celtic right wing came away well and but for Findlay, the best man on the field on Saturday's play, there would have been more danger from their invasions. The Celtic left also worked spiritedly on occasions. McKillop who appeared as centre for the Celts played the right game. He worked his wings well but the halves did not support very effectively. As a result of some good efforts by McKillop, their second and winning goal was scored. The play finished Celtic 2, Rovers 1. The teams thus stand level and it is understood that a deciding game will be played. The advantage of a properly-lined pitch will commend itself to both teams, it is hoped before the next meeting. On the play, for the nature of the ground, the better team won. The Celtic wings were full of dash and their centre, an ex-Rover be it noted, gave them plenty to do. The Rovers' forwards were inclined to finer football but the sand was decidedly against that. The halves had the hardest task. McMurray, who had been drawn into the back division owing to the absence of Inglis, gave a very fine display. He, in some measure recalls 'Williams' of the old Vics. Reid is a coming centre and was the cleverest player in the twenty-two. The greatest obstruction to his progress seems to be lack of acquaintance with the play of with his mates on either wing and a slight inclination to keep the ball too long in the same locality. He has only played thrice for the Rovers and it is hard indeed for any centre to get an understanding of his wings when the said wings are never the same on two occasions. Verily, the shifting of players for important games is an evidence of wisdom of a sort. McLaughlin of the Celts is a good player and there is a lot of running in the right wing, particularly in the ex-Troon Portland man. The backs, Tait and Donnelly, were on the whole reliable. The Celts deserved their win on Saturday. They looked a fast-going lot in the front rank and if speed should show well on good ground. It is hoped that the deciding game will take place anywhere than on the sand where there are neither proper lines for the regulation of the play nor proper footing for the display of the finer work of football. Saturday's match at South Beach excited a great deal of interest locally. The Rovers lost the match but have by no means lost heart and are still confident that they can beat the Celts at football. The Rovers' supporters are inclined to kick at the constant changing of the team. The average spectator believes that once the forwards were selected and placed, Reid who is a McColl in miniature would make the front rank a smart one but then the average spectator who has not attained to the dignity of a committee-man has no right to have such opinions or beliefs. Tomorrow (27 April 1901), a Glasgow team which has proved its mettle in several competitions this season will be the guests at Winton Park. A good game can be counted on should the weather be suitable. The strangers are expected to make a good show and the Rovers a better.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2
Saturday last (20 April 1901), was an important day in football annals in the district. Two events of much interest came off. Kilbirnie Rangers met Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and after a good game the visitors went home victors by four to two. Winton Rovers also met the Celtic and the game ended in favour of the Celtic by two goals to one. The Celtic kept the Rovers well to their goal and throughout the whole game had hard lines in not scoring four or five goals. Reid's combination was useless on Saturday. Rovers were played out in the first twenty minutes of the game and Celtic outwitted them at all points with their hitching kick. Celtic got their photos taken on Saturday by Mr W J Scott, Ardrossan, before the game and afterwards drove to the ground in a brake with a few supporters. They look a splendid combination. They go to Largs today (27 April 1901) to play Largs Neva so Celtic, altogether, have another one. The team, we are pleased to learn, have at length secured a field. They have christened it North Crescent Park. It is behind the Caledonian Station. It will be opened some night next week. Good luck to the lads. The Celtic and Seaside Rangers seem to be going strong since they had their last match on Thursday night week (18 April 1901) on the beach.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 27 April 1901

The photo taken on 20 April 1901 is shown above. Players mentioned in newspaper reports around this time are Aitken, J Donnelly, A Gillies, James Hunter, McCulloch, A McIntyre, D McKiernon, McKillop, A McKinnon, T McLauchland, McLaughlin, R Pettigrew, H Reid, W Tait, J Taylor, Tyre and J Welsh who was the goalkeeper. The shirt colours are green and white. All eleven players are wearing the same strip, making it difficult to identify the goalkeeper. This caused a problem for Winton Rovers in a match on 5 October 1901 in which the referee awarded a penalty against them because he thought a player who handled the ball was not the goalkeeper. If you can name any players in the photo, please contact the website author.

ARDROSSAN WINTON THISTLE 5 - SALTCOATS CALEDONIA ROAD 0
The doings of the Winton Thistle boys might be included in these notes. On Saturday (20 April 1901), the Thistle met for the third time this season a Saltcoats Caledonia Road team. The result of the game was five goals to nil in favour of the Thistle. Over the three matches, the Thistle have scored twenty-three goals and Caley Road one.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC DEFEAT AUCHENHARVIE
Ardrossan Celtic crowned their recent achievements by defeating Auchenharvie last night (2 May 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

FOOTBALL EPIDEMIC IN ARDROSSAN
A football epidemic seems to have broken out in the locality judging from the display of football posters which meet the eye these days.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

THREE FOOTBALL MATCHES IN ONE EVENING IN ARDROSSAN
There were three juvenile football matches in Ardrossan on Tuesday evening (30 April 1901) and one on Wednesday evening (1 May 1901). The local interest has never been greater since the old Ensign and the Victoria were running.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

JUVENILE SALTCOATS TEAM?
The term 'juvenile' can scarcely be applied to the Saltcoats football team which visited Winton Park on Tuesday evening (30 April 1901). At any rate, the appearance of some of the players was certainly not very juvenistic
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

JUVENILE FOOTBALL COMPETITION AT WARNER PARK, STEVENSTON
This competition, which is expected to begin after the close season, promises to be a success. For the gold badges offered, no less than eleven clubs have entered, namely Largs Neva, West Kilbride Amateurs, Ardrossan Celtic, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Stevenston Auchenharvie, Stevenston Wanderers, Ardeer Thistle, Irvine Saint Andrews, Troon Portland and Kilwinning Rangers. As entry to the competition is free, the Stevenston Thistle promoters will be glad to hear from clubs in the Dalry, Kilbirnie, Beith and Dreghorn districts. No juniors will be allowed to take part in the competition.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - CAMPHILL 4
An interesting match was witnessed at Winton Park on Saturday (26 April 1901) which brought out a good attendance of onlookers. The Rovers were slow in turning out their eleven and the start was consequently a little behind time. The visitors, who are the south side cup-holders, looked a smart lot and the tenor of opinion was that the Rovers had a hard nut to crack. Once the ball was sent away on its uncertain mission, however, there did not seem to be such a wide difference between the teams in point of superiority, as was at first presumed, at least for time. The Rovers played with a fresh easterly breeze slightly favouring them and during the first ten minutes, the play was mainly of an open nature with an occasional attack on the part of each side. The current eventually ran best with the Rovers and without much more ado, they bracketed the initial point of the game. Only a few minutes elapsed, however, till the visitors equalised matters easily through their centre-forward, a point which Bryan, the local custodian, ought to have saved. The play was hard up to half-time with the Rovers mainly in evidence who scored a second point before the whistle sounded. The second half was equally well contested and Camphill were the main aggressors. The visitors equalised matters and in a short time, the Rovers replied with a third point which was cleverly taken. Camphill continued to force the pace and the local defenders had a busy time of it, Bryan making some clever saves. He, however, forfeited the equalising goal through leaving his post and as the balance of play favoured the strangers, there seemed a chance of victory for them. The Rovers played well against the breeze and time and again assumed the offensive but they failed to augment their total. Before the halt was signalled, Camphill notched the leading goal and won an interesting match by four to three. The local lads were unfortunate to lose the game in the closing minutes although the visitors were the better team on the day's play. Their centre-forward who at time made rings round the homesters fairly caught the eye of the crowd and to him the result and to him Camphill's success was mainly due. With a less capable player, the result might have read differently. For the Rovers, Bryan lost a couple of goals which he might have saved one of which he alleged to have slipped out of his hands. Neither of the backs was very effective though Aitken excelled his mate. Bennett, Allison and Findlay displayed good work in the trio and McCulloch, Reid and McMurray were perhaps the pick of the front line, the latter going into the back division in the second half.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - SALTCOATS SPRINGVALE 2
On Tuesday night (30 April 1901), the Rovers engaged Saltcoats Springvale at Winton Park. The visitors were a heavy lot and several of them did not forget to use their weight. The Rovers emerged victorious by three goals to two. Tomorrow, Saturday (10 May 1901), Irvine Saint Andrew's will try conclusions with Ardrossan and another win for the local lads is anticipated.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

LARGS NEVA 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
The Ardrossan Celtic lads played a visit to Largs on Saturday (26 April 1901) and engaged the Neva in a friendly bout. The 'Wearers of the Green', we have to tell, were 'weighed and found wanting', Neva running out winners by two goals to nil.
A second report on the match is given below.
Regarding the game at Largs between the Celtic and Neva, we may state for the information of Largs and other people that there was no Ardrossan and Saltcoats representative at the match.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 0
The new pitch acquired by the Celtic club behind the Caledonian station was formally opened on Tuesday night (30 April 1901) when the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers gave the Celtic a hard run for victory. Several hundreds of spectators turned out to witness the opening match. Some weeks ago, the Rangers defeated the Celts at Saltcoats and the latter hoped to square accounts with their opponents. The first half the game was keenly fought, the Celts doing most of the pressing work but it was near the interval before their left wing, with a fine shot, scored the first goal. Just before half time, the Rangers had hard lines in not equalising, the shot colliding with the horizontal bar. In the second half, the Rangers were the more aggressive party and their efforts deserved success. Once they were awarded a penalty but the Celts' custodian cleverly saved the effort and was warmly cheered. The Celts made frequent incursions to the other end but McMurtrie held his trust safe. Welsh was equally successful and the game ended in a win for the Celts by one goal to nil. The new pitch is to the rough side and it perhaps affected the play of the Rangers more than that of the Celts. The game, however, was good value for a draw. The Saltcoats lads are a promising lot and their outside-left winger is a player of no mean ability.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - WEST KILBRIDE 2
The Ardrossan Celtic lads were on the warpath last Saturday (4 May 1901) again after defeating Auchenharvie the previous Thursday night (2 May 1901). West Kilbride were the visitors to North Crescent but it can hardly be said that they left a favourable impression behind them as exponents of the game. In the first period, the Celts who won the toss, played with the sun at their backs and it can be honestly said that they were mainly in evidence during this stage of the game. The visitors, it is true, made several raids on the home citadel but Welsh had a somewhat remarkably easy time of it on the whole which means that the lads from the village town were seldom dangerous. In fact, compared with the play of the Celts, the visitors were a rather indifferent lot. All the same, it took the Celts twenty minutes to register the first goal of the match, the visitors' custodian making some good saves and stamping himself as one of the best players in the eleven. But for him, the Celts would have had more than a single point at this stage. However, four minutes later, the West Kilbride citadel was again captured. The visitors followed up this success with a rush to the opposite end and forcing a corner but they were driven back empty handed. The Celts continued to be masters of the situation and just before half-time, McKillop had hard lines in not raising his side's total, his effort meriting a better reward. Half-time was called with Celtic leading by two goals to nothing. With a freshening breeze and the sun favouring them, the West Kilbride showed up to better advantage and for a time the Celtic defenders stood the brunt of the battle which caused Welsh to be on the alert. He saved his trust several times but on the long shot being propelled from the visitors' left, the home custodian misjudged the ball and West Kilbride thus scored their first goal rather easily. The Celts up to this point had made but little headway but they eventually did so and closing in on the strangers' citadel after a fruitless attack, McKillop came to grief and the game was stopped till he came round. Long hard kicking brought the visitors repeatedly into home territory but their parting efforts were generally wide of the mark. The Celts, however, continued to break through the opposing lines and it seemed the strangers' keeper was not to have such an easy time of it as his confrère had in the first half. About twenty-five minutes from the resumption, the Celts notched a third goal and victory seemed assured for them. They were playing better together as a whole and in the subsequent passages, each custodian was called upon to avert disaster. From a free kick, the Celts at length registered a fourth goal and a little later, West Kilbride replied with their second point. The Celts continued to assert their superiority and nearing the finish, the visitors' custodian made a timely save. The game ultimately finished in favour of the Celts by four goals to two who were the better team throughout and deserved their win. The visitors, in several cases, were of heavy calibre but there were too many miskicks on their side to lead them to victory.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - 'THE RANGERS' 2
On Wednesday evening (8 May 1901), the Celts scored another victory, defeating a team dubbed 'the Rangers' by four goals to two. The game was a hard one throughout but science was conspicuous by its absence. Feelings ran rather high among the spectators and during the second half when the Celts had the game in hand, one of the linesmen was attacked and injured which incident interrupted the game. Spectators surely know by this time that hey have no right to interfere with those concerned with the game and it is to be hoped they will keep mind of this fact in the future.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

EARLIER KICK-OFF AT WINTON PARK
We are authorised to state that the football match announced to take place at Winton Park tomorrow, Saturday (11 May 1901) will start at three o'clock prompt instead of 3.45 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

STEVENSTON AUCHENHARVIE 4 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2
The Ardrossan Celtic lads tasted the bitters of adversity at Stevenston last night (9 May 1901) to the extent of six goals to one. Auchenharvie thus avenged their defeat of four to two at Ardrossan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS COMMITTEE 4
The Winton Rovers opposed a team selected from their committee last night, Thursday (9 May 1901). The game, in view of the Rovers' tussle with the Seaside Rangers on Saturday first (11 May 1901) afforded good practice and ended in the defeat of the committee by five to four.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 8 - IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 1
The Rovers met Irvine Saint Andrew's on Saturday afternoon last (4 May 1901), when the following team donned the blue and white jerseys - Tait; Aitken and McMurray; Bennett, Allison and Findlay; Cochrane, Anderson, Reid, Craig and Thomson. The weather was a little warm for football. Rovers played with the sun in their faces during the first half. At the beginning of the game, it looked as though the Irvine lads, who were a very capable looking eleven, were going to give a very hard game. The form in which they opened, however, was not maintained and they were defeated by eight goals to one. The result of the match should not be taken to indicate that the Saint Andrew's players 'fell soft' as they certainly did not. For the visitors, the goalkeeper was perhaps best although it was apparent that he was not altogether sure of his backs. The home eleven, as a whole, did fairly well and though it was perhaps as light an eleven as the Rovers have turned out, it was rather more effective than some of the others. Reid had five of the goals to his credit. He played the centre-forward game somewhat better on Saturday and his parting with the ball to the wings a little oftener was attended with good results. The wings worked very well together. Craig and Thomson were correctly placed. The latter had two of the goals. Anderson, who also had a goal to his credit, and Cochrane always play well as partners. The half-back and backs put in some good work and so did the new goalkeeper. The game was contested pleasantly all through. After the match, a very pleasing little ceremony took place. This was a presentation to Mr Hugh McMurray on his departure for Kirkcaldy. In the course of the season, Mr McMurray has rendered excellent service to the Rovers and has been, besides one of the best, one of the most promising players in the eleven.
Mr Charles Price made the presentation on behalf of the club, expressing the good wishes of all towards the recipient. Mr McMurray suitably acknowledged the gift which took the form of a beautiful set of gold studs and sleeve links. We hope to see Hugh back in the Rovers on his return from the 'lang toon'. Tomorrow (11 May 1901), the Rovers meet the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers at Winton Park and is good game is anticipated.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901
The opening sentence confirms that Winton Rovers initially wore blue and white jerseys. The following season, the colour was light blue.

LARGS ATHLETIC 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 2
The Rovers A team also scored a victory on Saturday (4 May 1901). They journeyed to Largs and engaged the Athletic in a friendly. The teams were very well matched and a pleasant game ended in a win for the Ardrossan youths by two to one. The young Rovers go to Stevenston tomorrow Saturday to play Seamore and it is hoped they will add to their recent success by recording another win.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 0
The Saltcoats Seaside Rangers have been very busy during the past fortnight having played no fewer than five games. The Celtic managed to overcome them by one goal after a grand struggle on the new ground at Ardrossan (around 8 May 1901) and on Thursday (9 May 1901), Ardeer Thistle defeated a weak eleven of the Rangers by five to one. On Saturday (4 May 1901), the Rangers had Windsor Athletic from Glasgow and after a pleasant and well-contested game, the teams cried quits with four goals each. The Glasgow lads were a clever lot and were applauded time and again for their smart manipulation of the leather. The local team, which included five reserves, did fairly well and some of the youngsters are worthy of another trial. The Rangers are having a bad time with their players just now, their three half-backs, Tait, Donohoe and Breckenridge and Miller, centre-forward being presently on the injured list. This is unfortunate as Rangers are due at Winton Park, Ardrossan tomorrow (11 May 1901) but as they survived this hurdle in October last, they have no fears that Rangers will put a team on the field capable of making the homesters the whole ninety minutes. The Saltcoats lads will leave Hamilton Street per brake about three o'clock.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS versus SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
Tomorrow, Saturday (11 May 1901), the Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Saltcoats Seaside Rangers will decide which town is to hold supremacy as regards football. The game is fixed to take place at Winton Park, the ground of the Rovers. The teams have played three times this season, two of which resulted in a draw while Rangers won the other one by four goals to one. Since the teams last met, both elevens have been strengthened somewhat and the representatives should provide a rare struggle. The Saltcoats lads have a much better record than their opponents and as they are a taller and younger team than the homesters, they are fancied by not a few to again come out on top. The Rovers, on the other hand, have been training hard for the event and if their defence can hold the speedy Saltcoats forwards, they will have more than an inside chance. Both elevens will be strongly represented although we hear the Saltcoats Eleven will be weak owing to injuries. If the teams line up as we anticipate, several interesting bouts will be witnessed, prominent among which will be Kerr v McCulloch, Donohoe v Reid, Hamilton v Bennett, Glen v Craig and Knox v Findlay. The kick-off is timed for 3.45 pm and given good weather, a record gate should be the result. A neutral referee has been selected and we trust that the 'knight of the whistle' will do justice to both sides.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1901

ARDROSSAN GOOD TEMPLARS FORM A FOOTBALL TEAM
The football fever is still raging in this district and Ardrossan Good Templars are among the latest victims. They have formed a Lifeboat Lodge team and it is rumoured that Ardrossan tailors intend to follow suit.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901

NO CORRESPONDENT AT FOOTBALL MATCH
A correspondent regrets that the local juvenile match which came off last Saturday (11 May 1901) will not get justice in history as the best of the war correspondents are still at the front or on holiday and as there wasn't a cinematograph around.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 2
The local derby between the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and Ardrossan Winton Rovers attracted a large concourse of spectators to Winton Park last Saturday (11 May 1901), the weather being exceptionally fine. Much interest was taken in the match and while many no doubt hoped to see the Rovers come out on top at the finish, there were others again who felt pretty confident that the Rangers would win the honours on the field. Looking at how the teams lined up, the Saltcoats lads appeared to be the taller and abler lot and having had the greater experience at the game than their opponents, it was only natural for one to presume that the fortunes of war would favour the Rangers. Those who thought so were not in any way disappointed at the climax of the game. Shortly after three o'clock, hostilities were commenced, the Rangers playing with the sun in their eyes. At the outside, the visitors put on the pressure which they maintained for several minutes and Tait in goal had ultimately to avert disaster to the home citadel. After repeated failure to break through the opposition, the homesters at length succeeded in reaching Saltcoats territory and in turn the visitors' fortress had a narrow shave from being captured. For the first quarter of an hour, matters proceeded favourably though on the fast ground, the taller lads were probably more in evidence and as a result, the homesters were not allowed to settle down properly to their game with a bounding ball. The Rangers continued to have the best of the game but little defence was offered on the part of the Rovers. Unfortunately, a couple of the players came to loggerheads and a fight ensued which stopped the game for a short interval. This incident marred the sport but after restarting it did not prevent the Rangers from scoring first goal of the match which was no doubt deserved on the play they had shown. The remainder of the play passed off without any change in the scoring department and the Rovers, who certainly had the worst of matters, were one point down when the interval was signalled. The ground lads hoped to make up the little bit of leeway they had lost in the second period but in a short time, the tide of misfortune again rushed in on them. The Rangers were awarded a penalty kick and from this, the Rangers scored a second goal. Matters were now worse than ever for the Rovers and it seemed that defeat was to be their portion. Their opponents were proving themselves to be the better lot but Knox had no need to leap at Tait in goal the way he did which horse-like play caused a second fight and a second stoppage of the game. Once more, hostilities were resumed and although the homesters made repeated incursions to the other end, they could not break through the visitors' defence. The Rangers continued to be masters of the situation to the finish but failed to increase their score. Victory thus rested in their favour by two goals to nil. The Rovers' defeat, however, is not a severe one and they need not feel disgraced. They were beaten by a better eleven on Saturday but the day will perhaps come when they will be able to turn the tables on their Saltcoats brethren. Neither of the teams showed anything like good football but several of the players may be mentioned. For the Rangers, the halves were prominent all through while the backs, Glen and Kerr, showed to advantage. They were seldom hard pressed and had practically free kicks. Knox, the outside-right, played well but he would have helped his side better had he played more attention to the ball and less to the man. C Hamilton was the mainstay of the front rank. He and his namesake worked fairly well together on the left wing but their play lacked finish. On the Rovers' side, Tait had a hard time of it in goal. He was always on the alert, however, and saved his side several times from certain disaster. The Rovers' new back in the person of Allan played an important part in the home defence. He fully justified his selection and with a little more experience, promises to become an acquisition to the team. At half-back, Bennett and Findlay were perhaps the pick but the latter was unfortunate in getting a nasty knock from Knox and play had to be suspended till he recovered. The home forwards were a decided failure. Reid in the centre did not show his usual form as besides being well watched by his opponents, the rough-and-ready nature of the play completely spoiled any attempt at combination. The right wing did not work so well as the previous Saturday although Anderson and McCulloch had occasional runs. This deficiency was perhaps due to the absence of Cochrane as Anderson and he play well together. McCulloch, it is thought, would be more effective at half-back. On the whole, the game was a very disappointing one and it is to be hoped when the teams meet again, the spectators will be treated to something different from the unseemly scenes which characterised Saturday's game. Players must learn to keep their temper.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901
A second report on the match is given below.
The great local derby on Saturday (11 May 1901) at Winton Park ended in a win for the Rangers by two goals to nothing. The Rangers were without Tait, Breckenridge and Maxwell, their places being filled by Hamilton and Reid, two youngsters and A Hamilton a cousin of C Hamilton. That the Rangers were the superior footballers, they clearly demonstrated and it was a pity they did not make their victory more pronounced but the Saltcoats lads preferred showing their opponents up rather than increasing their goal total. For the Rangers, Williams had only to handle the ball on one occasion. Glen and Kerr proved themselves an able couple of defenders. Donohoe at right-half tackled well and it was seldom Craig and Thomson raised a guard against him. Young Reid had the measure of the 'little dancing one' and also had time to have a few good tries at Tait. Fleming looked after Anderson and McCulloch and proved himself an able little fellow. Knox and Fraser were good on the right and Findlay had a hard task set him to keep this pair in check. Miller made a grand pivot. The two Hamiltons on the left were the best pair on the field, the headwork of A Hamilton being much admired. The only players in the Rovers' eleven who are worth mentioning were Anderson and Findlay but we shall leave it to the Rovers' scribe to give and explanation of his team's poor display.
A third report on the match is given below.
The 'wearers of the green' were idle on Saturday (11 May 1901) after the flogging they received at the hands of Auchenharvie the previous Thursday night (9 May 1901) at Stevenston. A number of Celts viewed the 'fite' at Winton Park between the Rovers and Rangers but the form shown by the contending teams did not in any way startle the Celts who had only recently beaten both of the representations. The Celts, however, have a fancy for one or two of the Rovers' team but so far as the writer has learned, the Winton Parkers are not expected to change their colours just yet. Tomorrow, Saturday (18 May 1901), the Celtic appear at Warner Park, Stevenston to play their tie in the first round of the Juvenile Badge competition. Their opponents are Ardeer Thistle and it goes without saying that the Celts have a hard nut to crack.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - WINTON ROVERS' COMMITTEE MAKE TOO MANY CHANGES
We have received a letter from one under the nom de plume De Wet who evidently thinks the Rovers' team is being spoiled by their committee. He says I think it is a great pity that such a smart juvenile team as the Winton Rovers should be broken up and spoiled by their committee. At the beginning of the season, the Rovers had a far better committee than we have now. There are at least three on the committee who are doing nothing else but shifting players whenever they please. For instance, if a player plays a good game one Saturday, he gets his place in the team the next game but should he fail to come up to his standard in the latter, he is often out in the following match. I hope the committee will in future endeavour to turn out the same team out every Saturday instead of shifting players here and there and I think the following could hold their own with any team that comes to play them - Tait, Aitken, Allan, McCulloch, Bennett or Allison, Findlay, Cochrane, Anderson, Reid, Craig and Thomson.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC TEAM
We understand the local Celtic team which is to take part in a competition at Stevenston tomorrow (18 May 1901) will be selected from the following - J Welsh, D McKiernon, J Donnelly, T McLauchland, R Pettigrew, A McIntyre, J(ames) Hunter, A Gillies, H Reid, J Taylor, A McKinnon and W Tait. Brakes leave Ardrossan for Stevenston about 3.30 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0 - ARDEER THISTLE 3
The Celtic lads were at Warner Park on Saturday (18 May 1901) where they met Ardeer Thistle in the first round of the Juvenile Badge Competition, promoted by Stevenston Thistle Football Club. When the draw was made, one thought the ballot turned out rather unkind to the Celts in their being pitted against a team which has defeated the Kilwinning Buffs more than once this season. Of only a few months' formation, one could hardly hope to see the Celts survive their ordeal with Ardeer Thistle and the defeat of the former was a thing which did not take the 'knowing ones' by surprise. The Celtic, however, fear no foe and they took the field on Saturday determined to create a surprise if possible but as we have already hinted, they died in the attempt, the Ardeer lads winning the tie by three goals to nil, two of which were scored in the first half and one in the second. Considering the gap which is supposed to separate the teams in points of merit, the defeat of the Celts is not a serious one and we congratulate the Ardrossan lads on the appearance they made against a team which, should they avoid a certain combination, is expected to figure in the final for the Gold Badges.
A second report on the match is given below.
On Saturday (18 May 1901), Ardeer turned out a very crippled team against Ardrossan Celtic. Dr Fulton's assistance had again to be procured for three of the players, namely Robb, Nicol and McAllister while Rodger was off, his place being filled by McDermott. The game all through was very evenly contested, the Ardeer forwards being inclined to take things easy with the result that the bulk of the work was thrown on the half-backs. The game, which resulted in a win for Ardeer by three goals to nil, calls for little comment excepting that Celtic played surprisingly well while Ardeer were far below their usual form but this is not to be wondered after a great game with the Buffs the previous night. We understand the Celtic have protested against Robb who, they allege, played a junior cup-tie but Ardeer feel quite safe regarding the eligibility of every one of their players. Many who saw John Aird, Ardeer centre-half playing on Saturday will be surprised to learn that he had a very narrow escape from being drowned an hour or so before the game. While bathing, he was seized with cramp. We understand Ardeer Thistle are to have an off day tomorrow (25 May 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON THISTLE 6 - BLUEBELL 1
ARDROSSAN WINTON THISTLE 5 - HARBOUR SWIFTS 3

The smart juvenile team known as the Winton Thistle beat the Bluebell last Friday evening (17 May 1901) by six goals to one and on Tuesday evening (21 May 1901), they accounted for the Harbour Swifts by five to three. In the second game, Cook and Goodwin were best for the Thistle and McCarroll and McKay for the Swifts.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1901

WINTON ROVERS MAN PLAYS FOR SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
The Saltcoats Seaside Rangers engaged Barrhead Gateside Victoria eleven at South Beach on Saturday (18 May 1901) before a good gathering of spectators. The Rangers were without four of their usual team, the following doing duty - Williams, Glen, Pllu, Donohoe, Reid, Findlay (Winton Rovers), Knox, Frazer, Miller, Wilson and Fleming.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1901.
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report. Saltcoats Seaside Rangers won by three goals to two.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - GALSTON BLUEBELL 3
On Saturday (18 May 1901), the Ardrossan Winton Rovers had Galston Bluebell as their guests and opponents and a fair turnout of spectators witnessed the game. On this occasion, there were several changes made in the Rovers' eleven but the team as a whole did not give the utmost satisfaction. The Galston lads looked a smart lot but after a start had been made, it was seen that they would have a hard run for victory. The Rovers played with the sun and a cooling breeze in their favour the first half and during the first ten minutes scored a couple of goals on easy terms. It looked as if the Rovers were bent on making a tall score but in the succeeding play, their efforts met with less success. They, however, had a monopoly of the play but the Galston lads were equal to every occasion till the last minute of the initial period when the Rovers registered a third point. The visitors broke away at stated periods and several times caused the home custodian to clear his trust but at half-time, they stood pointless. With the change of ends, however, they no doubt hoped to do better but it must be said that they succeeded very well. The wind was freshening and the result was that the Bluebells were even more aggressive than the Rovers had been. The second period was not long in progress till the visitors registered their first goal and in as few minutes as it took the Rovers to score their first two points, the visitors had a second success. The homesters, in the subsequent play, got occasionally over the meridian but when within shooting range, their efforts were always thwarted. Once three of their forwards got behind the opposing backs and with only the custodian to evade, they threw away a chance which should have won the game by hurriedly placing the ball to the custodian's feet who cleared with a bouncing kick. The visitors continued to have the best of matters but all their efforts to secure the equaliser were futile till near the call of time when a penalty kick was awarded them from which they scored. Shortly after, the whistle sounded with the scores standing three goals each. Throughout, the game was contested on friendly terms and might have been won by either side. The Rovers, who at the outset started with ten players have been seen to better advantage than they were on Saturday but this was perhaps in some measure due to the absence of Aitken, Allison, Findlay and Craig. Tomorrow (25 May 1901), the Rovers with play the Vale of Irvine from Galston at Winton Park and we hope to see them bloss us better than they did last week. It will be a good practice game for them in view of their coming Badge fight at Stevenston next week with Kilwinning Rangers, one of the best juvenile teams in the country.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 2
Last night (23 May 1901), on Winton Park, Ardrossan, the Winton Rovers and Ardrossan Celtic met to decide the much-discussed question as to which is the better team. Twice this season the teams have met and each had one win to its credit when they met last night. The Rovers settled the supremacy question beyond dispute by scoring a substantial win. The score was Rovers 1, Celtic 1. The refereeing was good.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1901

WINTON ROVERS GAME RAINED OFF
A large number of the local football enthusiasts journeyed to Stevenston on Wednesday evening (29 May 1901) to witness the tie between the Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers in the Badges competition. They came back with limp collars and weighty jackets. The rain and mud proved too much for the players and the game could not be finished. It comes off tomorrow (1 June 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4
The deciding game between Ardrossan Celtic and Ardrossan Winton Rovers has been played and the Celts lost. The Celtic team has of late been changed about a good deal and the shifting policy is a bad one. When the teams met last week there was a very good crowd of spectators. Celtic scored first through (James) Hunter who with Tyre was about the only Celtic player who put in any of the god work. One of the Celtic backs had his leg hurt and had to retire in the first half. Thus handicapped however, the Celts maintained their position till half-time when the teams crossed over with a goal each, Rovers having equalised soon after the scoring of the initial goal. In the second half, the injured back reappeared but had to retire again after kicking the ball once. Fullerton, who played a great game at centre-half for the Rovers, scored the leading goal early in the second period. Play became a little forcible occasionally and fouling was disgustingly frequent. The referee, Murchie, Troon was very careful and did his work well. The Celts did not settle down to their game at all. There was a tendency to leave their places and the forward line did not show so effectively as we have seen it. Indeed, it may be said that with the exception of Hunter's wing, the forwards were disappointing. Tyre was the best of the half-backs. He is one of the best in the team. McKiernon at back will, if kept in his position, become a very good back. Welsh saved some good tries. His men were too close in front of him when Fullerton drove the Rovers' second goal else Welsh would have had a chance to save. There is enough of speed and spirit in the Celts to make a fine eleven if only they would play the game. In this match, they did not combine at all and individual effort is useless against footballers. A player who cannot play as one of an eleven should be given a handkerchief and be told to 'run the line'. It must be said that though heavily handicapped by the loss of a man, the Celts did not play their usual game and were not in any way up to the standard of their opponents in play. The captain should insist on combination no matter how much 'feeling' may be engendered in the course of the game and should insist on the ball being played, no matter how much a player may long to take on an opponent. We have great hopes of the Celtic next season. The Rovers won on play and all contributed to the win. The half-backs deserved special mention for McCulloch, Fullerton and Findlay gave the Celtic forwards no rope at all. McCulloch was in place and in his element. The forwards gave more satisfaction than of late. Cochrane was knocked out somewhat viciously. Breckenridge and Templeton were a hard left wing. Reid is centre and allowed to remain on his feet occasionally and played a good game. There were some earnest attempts made to suppress the little centre but he escaped with comparatively slight damage. Anderson played to his mate consistently. The final result was four goals to one in favour of the Rovers and the Celts have Welsh to thank that it was not more. We hope to see both local teams in next season's competitions and would impress on them the fact that playing 'football' only and always will make the team come to anything and the players rise in the game.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - VALE OF IRVINE 1
On Saturday last (25 May 1901), the Winton Rovers played their last game of the season at Winton Park with Vale of Irvine from Galston. The Rovers lacked the services of five of their players who defeated the Celts on Thursday night (29 May 1901) and were thus weaker than they would otherwise have been. There was a fair turnout of onlookers but they were not treated to a fine exposition. The strong easterly wind was greatly to blame for this and the dust which came from the pitch was an element which annoyed players and spectators alike. Under such conditions, the play of the respective teams was much affected and the fact that the game culminated in a draw was perhaps the best thing that could have happened. The visitors played with the wind in their favour the first half and for a time play was pretty much confined to the Rovers' end but the home defence was good and the Galston lads failed in their repeated efforts to force an opening. Several times the Rovers assumed the offensive and getting in the vicinity of their opponents' stronghold, had hard lines in not scoring, the ball on one occasion just grazing the bar. After this, play was very equally divided, both sides being visited in turn but neither side managed to gain the upper hand and the interval was reached with the teams on an equal footing, no scoring being done. On play being resumed, it was thought that the home eleven, with the wind now in their favour, would have matters pretty much their own way and it seemed that this expectation was to be realised when, after about ten minutes play, Templeton scored for the Rovers. This reverse, however, had the effect of spurring on the Vale lads to greater efforts and after a smart run by their forwards in the direction of the Rovers' goal, a well-directed shot found its way between the posts. The visitors played surprisingly well against the wind and on more than one occasion, the home custodian had to look slippy but he always managed to save his charge. The Rovers again put on the pressure and kept their opponents busy but the wind completely spoiled the play of the respective sides. Towards the close, one of the home backs well nigh game the game away through the sending the sphere in on his own lines but no further scoring resulted. The game, which was of an interesting nature throughout, thus ended in a draw, one goal each. We may mention that the Rovers had the assistance of two of the Ardrossan Celtic players, (James) Hunter and Tait.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1901

KILWINNING RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0          GAME ABANDONED
The Juvenile Badge Competition, under the auspices of the Stevenston Thistle Football Club, is steadily progressing though the ties which were arranged to come off last Saturday (25 May 1901) at Warner Park had to be postponed owing to the Kilmarnock Charity final tie. The teams which succeeded in clearing the first hurdle of the competition are Irvine Saint Andrew's, Irvine Thistle and Ardeer Thistle, their victims being Stevenston Cordite Rangers, Largs Neva and Ardrossan Celtic. The last-named club, Celtic, protested against one of the Ardeer players but we understand they failed to prove that Robb was ineligible. On Wednesday evening last (29 May 1901), a first class trial of strength was expected between the Kilwinning Rangers and Ardrossan Winton Rovers. The former team is acknowledged to be one of the best combinations in the shire and to expect a club of this season's formation was perhaps more than their warmest supporters hoped for. The Ardrossan lads however, met their opponents on the evening already stated and it must be admitted they acquitted themselves very well though defeated by two to nil in an unfinished game caused through a downpour of rain. It has been arranged that the undecided tie between the Rovers and Rangers be played on Saturday first (1 June 1901) along with the Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle versus Saltcoats Saltcoats Rosebank in which case the Dalry Athletic versus Longbar Rangers game will be postponed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 31 May 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - ARDEER WANDERERS 2
Last Thursday night week (30 May 1901), the Celtic team engaged Ardeer Wanderers at Ardrossan and a hard game culminated in favour of the Celts by three goals to two. Having weighed themselves against the Celts, the Wanderers may be better able to reckon up their chances with Beith Caledonia tomorrow (8 June 1901) in the Stevenston Badge Competition.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - KILWINNING RANGERS 0
JUVENILE BADGE COMPETITION AT STEVENSTON

Although the football season closed on 15 May last, juniors and juveniles in different parts of the country have not yet 'ceased firing' and with reference to the above competition, a few weeks more will be utilised in order to bring it to a close - the final tie of which will, it is said, be played off at the sports to be held under the auspices of the Stevenston Thistle Football Club who are the promoters of the Badge Competition. A couple of ties were decided on Saturday last (1 June 1901) and of the two, the one that created the most interest was that between Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers, the Buffs. Previous to the meeting of these combinations, Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle and Saltcoats Rosebank played their tie, the result of which went in favour of the former by three goals to nil. It was after five o'clock when the Ardrossan Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers stepped out on to the ground to play their undecided tie and a goodly number of spectators were present to witness the contest. These teams, it should be mentioned, had met on Wednesday night (29 May 1901), but owing to heavy rains, the game had to be abandoned with the Kilwinning club two goals up. On that occasion, the Ardrossan lads had to play part of the game with but ten players, one of their number being hurt and so the replay gave them a fresh opportunity to redeem themselves. The Rangers having earned a reputation in juvenile circles and having a greater experience at the game, it was only natural to presume that they would come out on top. The Rovers, however, had the most support from the spectators and not a few of these, after seeing Wednesday's exposition, were buoyed with hope mixed with fear that the Ardrossan lads would create a surprise. Looking at the teams as they lined up, the Ardrossan lads seemed to be the lighter lot and this deficiency was at times perceptible in the course of hostilities. The weather was showery and the strong southerly breeze prevailed when the Rovers set the ball in motion against the element. The Rangers were quickly in evidence and the Ardrossan defence was taxed to its utmost. Right well did they answer to the calls made on them and the attacks made by the Buffs in the early stages of the game went for nothing. The Rovers found it difficult to make headway against such a breeze but ere ten minutes had gone, they roused the enthusiasm of their admirers by breaking away on the left. Closing in on the Kilwinning citadel as a body, the stalwart custodian ran out to avert danger and in the scrimmage which ensued, the sphere found its way to Cochrane on the right who, lying handy, cleverly placed the ball in the net. It was a gallant and successful charge on the part of the 'light brigade' and well deserved the cheer that greeted it. The Rangers, it was evident, didn't like it and they at once resumed the offensive but only to be met again by a defence on the part of the Rovers which proved a feature of the game. Shots and corners were all treated alike, the play of Tait in goal and McMurray and Allan at back being exceptionally good. The Rangers, however, continued to do nearly all the pressing, the Ardrossan forwards being seldom over the meridian. The Rangers wrought hard for success and once they netted the sphere but the referee disallowed the point, a decision which did not meet the approval of some of the Buffs. Several of the attacks made by the Rangers deserved a better fate and on these occasions, the Ardrossan custodian, it must be said saved his charge somewhat miraculously. The first period of the game passed off without any additional scoring and the Rovers thus led at half-time by one goal to nil. If the one team had more luck than the other on Saturday, it must be admitted that the Kilwinning lads shared this at least. They had had the benefit of a strong breeze in the initial period but in the second half this important factor in the game fell off somewhat and it must be said the Ardrossan boys had the worst of the luck in that respect. We could have wished the wind held out in the second half as it blew during the first moiety of the contest and we would perhaps have seen the Buffs' defenders harder tested than they were. The result of Boreas' failure to keep the breeze blowing strongly was that play in the second half was of a well-balanced nature and with only one goal in hand, the Rovers had no room to feel confident of success. Another point would have made their supporters feel less uneasy as the Rangers coped with the Rovers at every point and play was of an interesting and at time exciting nature. As time progressed, the Rangers made desperate efforts to equalise matters but they could not find the goal, the Ardrossan defence being as reliable and effective as ever. Each goal was in turn assailed but neither side could score. Coming again, the Rangers were awarded a penalty kick and their chance to equalise now seemed to have come - but no. Tait in goal saved the shot and the Rovers cleared their lines. The Rangers were no doubt disappointed while Tail earned the plaudits of his admirers. The Rovers next assumed the offensive but the big fellow between the sticks was on the alert. Each goal continued to be attacked in turn and both underwent some narrow shaves. Near the finish, it looked as if Ardrossan were again going to do the trick, so persistent were their efforts, but danger was averted and shortly after, the referee, Mr Aitken, announced that time had expired leaving the Ardrossan Rovers winners of the tie by the narrow margin of one goal to nil. We compliment the winners on their victory as from the time the teams were drawn, it was generally expected that the Rovers would have no chance with their opponents. Saturday's result was therefore a big surprise and to none more so than the Buffs who were expected to run well into the final for the Badges. Fate has decreed otherwise though, on the day's play, they did not deserve defeat. The Rovers' win was a decidedly popular one. Those who contributed most to bring it about were Tait, Allan and McMurray along with the assistance of the trio among whom McCulloch was the most effective. Fullarton also put in a lot of hard work but Findlay who was slightly injured did not come up to his standard. The forwards were the weaker part of the team and of the five, Anderson and Templeton were perhaps the most pronounced, though Cochrane had the honour of scoring the goal which won the match. The Rangers are no doubt a hardy lot of players and there are several of them who bid fair to earn distinction in the football world yet. Though beaten on Saturday, they were not by any means disgraced and it is pleasing to report that the game passed off pleasantly. We are told that the Rovers have entered for the Badges to be competed for at Kilwinning and who knows but they may have another opportunity of crossing swords with the Buffs at and early date. Some of the supporters of Ardrossan Celtic were present at Warner Park on Saturday. They fully expected that their near and dear neighbours, the Rovers, would get a sound dressing but it didn't come off. Moral - never prophesy until you are sure. For a young team, the Rovers behaved well against the Buffs - better perhaps than the Celts would have done. In connection with the attactions at Warner Park last Saturday, we understand that several pounds were collected at the gate. But for the fact that a large number of Stevenston people were on holiday, the drawings would doubtless have been augmented. We have been informed that the Buffs have enlisted the assistance of the Rovers' centre-forward in the person of Reid to play with them in their Scottish Juvenile cup-tie which is expected to come off at the Exhibition Grounds. Reid is a great favourite at Winton Park. Other three ties in the Stevenston Competition fall to be decided this week. On Wednesday night (12 June 1901), Irvine Saint Andrew's, who got through the first round, were to meet Auchenharvie Rangers in the second stage and on Saturday first (8 June 1901), Troon Portland v West Kilbride Amateurs and Beith Caledonia v Ardeer Wanderers play their first game in the competition.
A second report on the match is given below.
The Winton Rovers fairly upset calculations on Saturday (1 June 1901) ) in defeating the Kilwinning Buffs at Warner Park. The Ardrossan lads now wear their best smile. We understand the Rovers and Celts have both entered the Kilwinning Badge Competition and that the Rovers have been drawn against the Buffs. It has been the subject of remark the meeting of these teams again. There is no doubt the Buffs will do their best to avenge last Saturday's unexpected reverse. The Celts, on the other hand, have been pitted against Galston Ladyton Star and in the 'jookers', the Celts have a nimble lot to face.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1901
In this report, the net is mentioned for the first time.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC A TEAM 2
On Monday night (3 June 1901), the Rovers and Celtic A teams crossed swords at Winton Park, Ardrossan. At the finish neither side could claim victory, the result being a draw, two goals each.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1901

KILWINNING RANGERS JUVENILE TOURNAMENT
The draw in the first round of the above club's Gold Badge Tournament , eleven a side, resulted as follows:
Linwood Thistle v Saltcoats Seaside Rangers to be played on 8 June
Kilwinning Saint Andrew's v Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle, 8 June
Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers, 11 June
Hurlford Thistle v Abbeygate, 15 June
Auchenharvie v Kilbirnie Clinchers, 15 June
Dalry Athletic v Ardeer Thistle, 18 June
Kilwinning Rangers Reserves v Beith Caledonia, 22 June
Ardeer Wanderers v Beith Britannia, 22 June
Ardrossan Celtic v Galston Ladyton Star, 29 June
Galston Red Arrows v Irvine Saint Andrew's, 29 June
Referee - Tom Morrison, Fergushill
The competition has been left open till Saturday first, 8 June, and as entry is free we hope to see a few more clubs take advantage of the tournament. Entries should be addressed to Mr John Allan, Crown Inn, Kilwinning.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 4
On Thursday evening of last week (6 June 1901), Saltcoats Seaside Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic crossed swords at Winton Park, Ardrossan on friendly terms. The Celts, we are told, were unlucky to lose the game by four goals to three.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 3
These teams met on Thursday evening (6 June 1901) to play off a championship. Seaside kicked off against a very strong sun and at the outset, they were very unfortunate, Celtic keeping them well to their own goal. Taylor notched the first goal off a corner kick. After re-play the Celtic left-wing had a run, putting the ball across to (James) Hunter then Hunter put it back again. Tait scored the second goal for Celtic. Three minutes afterwards, Seaside were awarded a penalty and got their first goal, Knox scoring. At half-time, the score stood two each. Wind was against Celts in the second half but they were very smart in getting to their opponents' goal and were very unfortunate in not scoring. Kerr, doing good work at back, put the leather to Hamilton who took a neat run and passed to Knox. Knox put into goal and Welsh saved brilliantly, but Maxwell was too smart for him and put both ball and goalkeeper through. Resuming play, Seaside came on again and notched another goal very easily. After a bit of give-and-take play, Celts were awarded a penalty which Hunter converted into a goal. That made the third goal for Celts. They had now about seven minutes to go and the spectators looked to the Celts to bring off the equaliser and just as the whistle blew, Tait put in at neat shot just at the corner of the posts which ended the game, one to three in favour of Rangers but in the opinion of those able to judge, the game was the best which has been played on Winton Park this season. The referee was Mr W Murchie, Troon and the following was the Celtic team - Welsh; Pettigrew and Haggerty; McIntyre, McKillop and Maclachlan; (James) Hunter, Gillies, Taylor, McKinnon and Tait.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 15 June 1901
Sadly, this was the last game that Robert Pettigrew, right-back, played for Ardrossan Celtic. Three days later, he was one of four young men drowned off Ardrossan Harbour.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN RANGERS 1
On Friday evening of last week (7 June 1901), the Ardrossan Rangers opposed a representation of the Winton Rovers at Winton Park. The Rovers were without several of their usual players but nevertheless they kept the 'mixed eleven' pretty much to their own end for the most part of the game. The result was a draw, one goal each. Why was the 'bonnet' not handed round?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901
This was the first report on an Ardrossan Rangers game since 12 May 1884.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - LAMLASH 2
Ardrossan Winton Rovers journeyed across to Arran on Saturday afternoon last (8 June 1901) and tried friendly conclusions with a Lamlash Eleven. The game was an amusing one to the lads from the mainland who at half-time led by two to nil. Lamlash were awarded two goals in the second half and the game ended in a draw. One who was present at the above match says that the 'Highlanders' have something to learn in the matter of football and had the Rovers cared to exert themselves, the score might have been different. However, both teams were satisfied with the result.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901
The reference to Highlanders may have been intended as Islanders.

KILWINNING RANGERS 13 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
On Tuesday evening last (11 June 1901), Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Kilwinning were the attraction in the Kilwinning Badges. It will be remembered the Rovers defeated the Rangers the other week (on 1 June 1901) in the Stevenston competition and Tuesday evening's meeting of the teams was especially interesting to the supporters of the respective clubs. It may be remarked here that the narrow win which the Rovers achieved against the Rangers at Stevenston was pretty much a 'surprise packet' and it was generally felt that the Buffs would square accounts with their opponents on Tuesday night. The Ardrossan lads lacked the services of one of their best backs in the person of McMurray and Aitken, who has been on the injured list for several weeks, was again brought into harness while Anderson was also absent in the front rank. The game turned out to be pretty much of a farce, the Rovers being completely outplayed. We did not expect them to chronicle another victory over the Kilwinning lads but we certainly looked for the Rovers to emerge from the contest with something more creditable than a defeat of thirteen goals to nil. The Buffs, it may said, have thus avenged the narrow reverse sustained at Stevenston with a vengeance.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901
This was the worst defeat to date of any Ardrossan club.

KILWINNING RANGERS 13 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
In the first round of the Gold Badges, Buffs met with Ardrossan Winton Rovers on 11 June 1901 when they recorded a stunning 13-0 win. Interestingly, only a week previous to this massacre, the two clubs had locked horns in the Stevenston Thistle Seniors Badges tournament at Warner Park, Stevenston where Winton ran out 1-0 winners. Some turnaround in form!
            Amongst The Ruffs And Tuffs - The History of Kilwinning Rangers Football Club by Jim Cochrane

KILWINNING RANGERS 12 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers (Buffs) met on Wednesday evening (11 June 1901) at Kilwinning when to all appearance, the former got very severely buffed indeed, losing the game by no less than twelve goals. Further comment on the play is needless. The Rovers will have to look to their laurels.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 15 June 1901
There is a discrepancy among the above three reports over whether Winton Rovers lost 0-13 or 0-12 to Kilwinning Rangers on 11 June 1901. Regardless,it was the worst defeat for Rovers' to date.

ARDROSSAN CELTIC versus SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
Last night, Thursday (13 June 1901) the above teams arranged to play a benefit match on the Celtic's ground at North Crescent but we are unable to give the result in the column this week. The proceeds of the game were in aid of the relatives of the four young men who were drowned off the Harbour last Sunday afternoon (9 June 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901

NEW JUVENILE LEAGUE?
There is some talk of a Juvenile League being formed in the district and we think the idea is a good one. There is a sufficient number of juvenile clubs in the towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston and Kilwinning to warrant the formation of such a league and we hope the matter will not be allowed to drop. With such clubs as the Kilwinning Rangers, Ardeer Thistle, Auchenharvie Rangers, Ardeer Wanderers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Ardrossan Celtic all in the swing, an interesting juvenile competition would be the result. Let us hope a move will be made at once with the venture and we feel sure the standard of juvenile football will improve in the district.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1901

BOATING DISASTER AT ARDROSSAN - FOUR YOUNG MEN DROWNED
The report with the above headline ended with the paragraph below.
Robert Pettigrew was a member of the Celtic Football Club and he will be sadly missed. Only on Thursday night of last week, he played right-back for his team in their match with Seaside Rangers. Greer was one of the committee of the same club and took a great interest in its affairs. He also took considerable interest in boating and was one of the joint owners of the boat. With commendable promptitude and thought, the members of the Celtic Club have organised a series of benefit matches, the proceeds to be given to the relatives of the whole of the four young men drowned. It may also be stated that several of the other clubs in the district have generously placed their services at the disposal of the Celtic. The first of the matches took place on Thursday night (13 June 1901) between Celtic and Seaside Rangers. The others will be announced in due course. Up till the hour of going to press, no trace of the bodies had been found.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 15 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 0
The first of a series of benefit matches organised by the Celtic Club in aid of the relatives of the four young men drowned on Sunday (9 June 1901) took place on Thursday evening (13 June 1901) when Celtic met Seaside Rangers on Winton Park. Out of respect to the late members of their club, all the Celtic players wore black bands on their left arm. Seaside, owing to their match the previous evening with Ardeer Wanderers were in indifferent form and the game ended Celtic four, Seaside nil. The game was witnessed by a large number of people.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 15 June 1901

STEVENSTON BADGES QUARTER-FINALISTS
Eight clubs are left in the running for the Badges and these are as follows - Ardeer Thistle, Auchenharvie Rangers, Ardrossan Winton Rovers , Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Irvine Thistle, West Kilbride Amateurs and Dalry Athletic or Longbar Rangers. These clubs, we understand, have been pitted thus - Ardrossan Winton Rovers v West Kilbride, Ardeer Thistle v Auchenharvie Rangers, Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle v Irvine Thistle and Saltcoats Rangers v Dalry Athletic or Longbar.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 0
The ups and downs in football were once more demonstrated last week (probably on 15 June 1901) when Ardrossan Celtic in a benefit match beat down Saltcoats Seaside Rangers to the tune of four goals to nothing. The result was somewhat surprising and especially when it was remembered that in a previous meeting, the Celts succumbed to the Rangers by the odd goal. Perhaps the Saltcoats youths regarded the object of the last match with the Celtic of more consequence than the result though by this remark we do not wish to cast any disparagement on the Celts' victory. The Rangers' defeat, however, can in some measure be excused when it is said that the night before meeting the Celts, they had been engaged playing their tie with Ardeer Wanders in the Stevenston Badge Competition. in the Stevenston Badge competition. A game on two successive nights is too much for any of our juvenile combinations. The crowd that witnessed the above match was a large one, perhaps the largest that has witnessed a football match in the town this season. One whom we believe to be closely identified with the Seaside Rangers, the local champions, says that they were not seen at their best, being inclined to take matters rather easily. This is the second occasion during the past month that Ardrossan teams have defeated strong juvenile combinations in the county and we express the hope that they will keep up the form shown on these occasions. The Rangers, it is believed, are the only team in the county who do not go in for training and taking this into consideration, they have had a most successful season.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - ARDROSSAN RANGERS 0
Last Saturday again (15 June 1901), another benefit match was played at North Crescent and a team now known as the Ardrossan Rangers which latter eleven include several capable players. The strong north-west breeze contributed to spoil the game which ended in favour of Celtic by one goal to nothing.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0 - ARDEER THISTLE 3
Other two benefit matches were announced this week to take place at North Crescent, Ardrossan. The first of these took place on Tuesday evening (18 June 1901) between Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Celtic. The weather was fine and there was a good attendance of onlookers. Ardeer, who were generally expected to finish on the right side, started the game and right away they forced the Celts on the defensive, the parting effort going safely beyond the home lines. Kicked-off from goal, Ardeer again attacked and this time the Celtic goal had a narrow shave, a corner resulting which the homesters cleared. By strong kicking, the Celts worked their ways into Ardeer territory but their visit was a short-lived one. The play was of a brisk and fast nature and Ardeer once more having assumed the offensive, a free kick just outside the twelve-yards mark placed the Celtic goal in danger. The kick taken was hard one but the sphere passed through a forest of legs untouched and the point did not count. The Celts changed the scene of operations cleverly and several times were dangerous in their attacks but could not break through the opposing defence. It was an interesting game to watch and if the Ardeer lads appeared to be the better lot all over, one could not help from admiring the plucky way in which the Celts stood up to their evident superiors. After some open work, Ardeer forced the pace strongly for some time and on one occasion at least had hard lines in not scoring, Welsh luckily saving his charge at this stage. Now and again, the Celts attempted to relieve the pressure on their citadel but Ardeer's halves and backs gave them little chance. Welsh and company had their work cut out for them for a time but they came out of the ordeal with a clean sheet though several times with a slice of luck on their side. The Celts, however, broke away at last and if success did crown their efforts, their intentions were nevertheless good. Three times, almost in succession, the Celts shot correctly but the Ardeer custodian was equal to each occasion. From this point to the interval, play was fairly well divided, each goal being in turn assailed. During the last five minutes, the Celts made strenuous efforts to find an opening and while on the offensive, half-time was announced by the referee, no scoring having resulted although on play, we would say Ardeer deserved success. The second period was resumed by the ground lads and Ardeer were again the first aggressors, the ball being sent past. With what breeze their was, Ardeer were expected to make 'siccar' this half and for the first quarter of an hour, the current ran strongly against the Celtic lads. The home defenders had their hands full and at length, the home custodian was beaten with the initial goal of the match. This point was no doubt deserved by Ardeer but the fact that it took an hour's play to secure it said something in favour of the home defence. This far, the Celtic had comparatively little of the second half but immediately after the restart from the meridian, they made their presence felt and to say the least, they had decidedly hard lines in not equalising matters, the visitors' custodian being considerably lucky in averting disaster. After some desultory work in which Ardeer had the pull, a second goal fell to the visitors which might have been saved and victory was now assured for them. Although to all appearances a beaten team, the Celts continued to play gamely and several times looked like scoring, the Ardeer custodian once saving from a free kick almost under the crossbar with a number of players encircling him. The Ardeer lads held the upper hand of their opponents to the finish, previous to which they registered a third goal, a spectator punting the ball into play after it had passed between the uprights. The game thus ended in favour of Ardeer by three goals to nil. The Ardeer lads are a capable juvenile eleven, the best in fact we have seen at Ardrossan and they deserved their victory. Though beaten, the Celts must not take their defeat sore to heart. They acquitted themselves fairly well against a team which is reckoned to be one of the best in Ayrshire juvenile circles. Perseverances in the game will bring its own rewards and by another season we may have better things to say regarding the Celts in their engagements with Ardeer Thistle. It is but fair to mention that Mr Murchie of Troon who acted as referee, gave general satisfaction and, speaking for ourselves, we may state that we have rarely seen a better 'knight of the whistle'. Mr Murchie promises to take a high position among this much-abused body of beings.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4 - WEST KILBRIDE AMATEURS 1
The first of the four Stevenston Badges quarter-final matches was played on Wednesday evening last (19 June 1901) and although the Rovers still had fresh memories of the heavy reverse they sustained the previous week at Kilwinning, they fancied themselves good enough for the Amateurs of West Kilbride. This opinion was borne out by the result, the Rovers winning the tie by four goals to one. The victory places the Ardrossan youths in the semi-final of the competition.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC
Last night, Thursday (20 June 1901) the other benefit match was between the two local elevens, Winton Rovers and Celtic. The last occasion these teams met fairly whipped their near and dear rivals and we presume the Celts had made up their minds to square accounts with the Winton Parkers. The game will likely prove a stiff one and as we understand the Rovers were engaged the previous night playing their tie in the Gold Badge Competition at Stevenston, one could hardly expect to find them in the pink of condition the following evening. The chances then seem to be in favour of the Celts scoring a victory. It is to be hoped the weather will favour the occasion and as the object of the game is a laudable one, we hope to see a large turnout of spectators. The result of the game we are unable to give in this column.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS IN SEMI-FINAL OF STEVENSTON BADGES COMPETITION
Last Thursday week (20 June 1901), the benefit match arranged to come off at North Crescent, Ardrossan betwixt Celtic and Winton Rovers was unfortunately brought to an untimely finish. Dissatisfied at the refereeing, the Rovers left the field when the game was only about twenty minutes old. It is no doubt hard for a team to submit to what they consider unfair and illegitimate and especially when such tactics are encouraged by the decision of a referee. This the Rovers were not prepared to do at the game in question but nevertheless, even though a strong rivalry exists, the object of the game, we think, ought to have found more sympathy with the contending parties. The result of the abrupt termination was that the 'gate' was forfeited and this would in all likelihood been worth collecting as the gathering of spectators was large and atheistic.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901
'The result of the abrupt termination was that the 'gate' was forfeited' implies that admisssion money may not have been paid on entry but that a collection would be taken part way through the game or on exit.

ARDROSSAN CELTIC MEET GALSTON LADYTON START IN KILWINNING BADGE COMPETITION
The Celtic lads are keeping themselves in fettle for their tie on the Kilwinning Badge Competition which is fixed for 29 June. Their opponents on the date will be Galston Ladyton Star.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS IN SEMI-FINAL OF STEVENSTON BADGES COMPETITION
In connection with the Stevenston Thistle Football Club Juvenile Badge Competition, a couple of ties were decided last Saturday (22 June 1901). One of these turned out to be somewhat one-sided at the finish but the other had a different issue. Irvine Thistle and Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle played their tie and throughout the game the lads from the Ancient and Royal Burgh had the best of matters and at the close emerged easy winners by seven goals to two. Irvine Thistle along with Ardrossan Winton Rovers have thus reached the semi-final stage of the competition. After tomorrow, Saturday (29 June 1901), the semi-finalists in the competition will perhaps be Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Irvine Thistle, Ardeer Thistle and Longbar Rangers and of this lot the two last-named clubs would ensure a good final but all depends on how the draw goes.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC BEAT GALSTON LADYTON STAR
Ardrossan Celtic met Galston Ladyton Star last Saturday (22 June 1910) in the first round of the Kilwinning Fives ties, a week earlier than the date fixed. We are pleased to report that the Celts gave a good account of themselves and succeeded in emerging victorious.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901
Although it was reported that Ardrossan Celtic won, the score was not given.

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0 - KILWINNING RANGERS 6
The Celtic team arranged for another benefit match to come off at North Crescent on Tuesday evening last (24 June 1901), when the Kilwinning Rangers, better known as the Buffs made their bow to an Ardrossan crowd. The weather was fine and there was a good turnout of onlookers. The visitors were late in turning up and only two thirty-fives were played. A start was made about a quarter to eight and in the opening phases of the game, the Celts came very near scoring, the effort bringing them a corner which was speedily cleared. The Rangers now took up the running and ere the first five minutes of the game had passed away, they registered the initial goal. It is unnecessary to give details of the play during the early period - suffice it to say the Rangers matters being decidedly the superior lot and before half-time was signalled, another two points were added to their total. The Celts, however, played gamely but here was comparatively little attack in their efforts and as a result they were three goals in arrears when a halt was signalled. The second period was a little better contested though the visitors held the whip hand of the locals. In the course of hostilities, Celts at times pressed pretty hard and on one occasion had hard lines in not scoring from a penalty. The Rangers on the other hand placed other three goals to their score and won the game easily by six to nil, a result which might have been greater had they taken advantage of every opportunity. All round the visitors were the superior eleven and the homesters will have to adopt a different style of play before they can hope to master a team like the Buffs. There is no doubt lots of go about the Celts but their general play had too much recklessness about it to carry them on to victory. A little more attention to judicious passing instead of random kicking would perhaps raise them higher in the estimation of their admirers as was the case last Tuesday night. One of these was heard to say "The Rangers would have taken twenty goals off them had the game been played at Kilwinning." while a second party caused some fun by the remark "The Celts could beat the Rangers better at tipping buckets than at football.". The goalkeeping for the Celts was very indifferent and at the very least, three of the six balls which the custodian lost might have been saved. We, however, congratulate the Celts on the efforts they are making to raise funds on behalf of the relatives of the four young lads who were lately drowned off Ardrossan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS GENERAL MEETING
The Winton Rovers hold a general meeting on Monday evening first (1 July 1901) in the Good Templars' Hall, Ardrossan All interested are invited.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - COMPETITION WANTED FOR SECOND CLASS JUVENILES
Sir
Seeing that football is still in full swing among juveniles and especially gold badge competitions as given by Stevenston Football Club and Kilwinning Rangers Football Club, I think the same advantage should be given to the second class juveniles in the surrounding districts who are not far behind in this kind of sport. Perhaps some local gentleman or local football club will see their way to encourage the youths in their highly interested sport. In my opinion, badges could be offered to this class of juveniles for competition and sports might be held at the finish. Winton Park could be selected for the venue which is well-suited for an occasion of this kind. Such clubs as the following could be invited to take part in the competition - Ardrossan Winton A, Ardrossan Celtic A, Saltcoats Rosebank, Saltcoats Caledonia, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers A, Stevenston Ardeer Athletic, Stevenston Seamore and Largs Athletic, thus making a fine display of juvenile combinations. Hoping that some interested parties will take the matter up,
I am yours et cetera
Highly Interested
Ardrossan
25 June 1901
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - WEST KILBRIDE AMATEURS 0
Benefit matches are all the rage in Ardrossan at present and two of these attractions came off last week. At
Winton Park on Thursday night (27 June 1901), West Kilbride Amateurs and Winton Rovers engaged each other and victory resulted in favour of the former by one goal to nil.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - TROON PORTLAND 0
Another benefit match took place at
North Crescent on Saturday (28 June 1901) betwixt Troon Portland and Ardrossan Celtic. The Celts ran out winners of the game by four goals to nothing.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901

ARDROSSAN SAND DABS 2 - SALTCOATS SAVAGES 2
This week again another benefit match was played on Tuesday evening (2 July 1901) at
Winton Park. A large crowd of spectators assembled to watch the Saltcoats Savages and Ardrossan Sand Dabs do their ninety minutes. Both teams were a somewhat mixed lot and play was more robust than scientific. At the close the teams cried quits with two goals each.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TO MEET BARRHEAD GATESIDE VICTORIA IN BENEFIT MATCH
We understand a benefit match has also been arranged to take place tomorrow Saturday (6 July) at
Winton Park. The contending teams will Barrhead Gateside Victoria and Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS FIRST GENERAL MEETING
The first general meeting in connection with the Ardrossan Winton Rovers Club was held on Monday evening last (1 July 1901) and there was a large attendance of members and friends. It was stated that since the month of December last, the club had played thirty-four games of which sixteen were won, twelve lost and six drawn while a small balance remains in the hands of the treasurer. The prospects for the club for next season are cheering.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901
Thirty-four games in seven months gives an average of more than one game a week.

ARDEER THISTLE 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
The first of the semi-finals in the Stevenston Badges Competition was arranged to come off last night, Thursday (4 July 1901) between Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Winton Rovers and on Monday evening first (8 July 1901), Longbar Rangers and Irvine Thistle will contest their claim for a place in the final.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1901

ARDEER THISTLE 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
In juvenile circles, the game of football is still pursued despite the tropical weather. The finalists for the Stevenston Gold Badges have now been discovered and in Ardeer Thistle versus Longbar Rangers, we have a couple of capable junior elevens. The Ardeer lads, as was mentioned last week, defeated Ardrossan Winton Rovers in their semi-final (on 4 July 1901) by a substantial majority and on Monday evening last (8 July 1901), Longbar Rangers accounted for Irvine Thistle.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC EXCURSION
On Saturday last (5 July 1901), a goodly company of the members and friends of the Ardrossan Celtic Football Club had their first annual excursion. Leaving Ardrossan in the morning per char-a-banc, the party drove to the county town and there spent an enjoyable day, the weather being all that could be desired. The drive to and from Ayr was pleasant and the trippers arrived home late in the evening, all voting the trip a decided success.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901
According to Wikipedia, 'A char-a-banc is a horse-drawn vehicle or early motor coach, usually open-topped, common in Britain during the early part of the twentieth century. It was especially popular for sight-seeing or 'works outings' to the country or the seaside, organised by businesses once a year. The name derives from the French char à bancs meaning carriage with wooden benches, the vehicle having originated in France in the early nineteenth century.'.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2 - BARRHEAD GATESIDE VICTORIA 4
On Saturday last (6 July 1901), a match was played at
Winton Park, Ardrossan between Barrhead Gateside Victoria Eleven and Winton Rovers in the presence of a good turnout of onlookers. This was the second visit of the strangers at Winton Park and it will perhaps be remembered they scored a victory over the local lads on the first occasion. The first period of the game was well-contested though the Rovers did most of the pressing work. A good defence, however, prevented them from scoring for some tine and it was not until thirty minuts had elapsed that Barrhead registed the initial point. The homesters, hwever, were not long in equalising matters and, continuing to force the pace, a second goal was registerd by them. Before half-time was signalled, McKillop who played centre-forward for the Rovers, got a severe kick on the leg which necessitated his retiral and before the second period was resumed, he was assisted off the field. This unfortunate accident to McKillop meant that the Rovers would have to do battle with ten players during the second half and then leading by two to one at the restart, the chances of victory seemed to be against them. Allan, in the rear rank, was shunted forward and in adopting the one back system of play, the second half was, in some measure, spoiled, Barrhead were more aggressive this period and in a short time, matters were equalised. A third goal was registered, the home custodian making no effort to save, being under the impression that the opposing player was offside. He was not the only one who thought so but the referee allowed the point. The Ardrossan lads did not allow their opponents to have a monopoly of the play. Time and again, they closed them on their opponents' citadel but could not force an opening and as time advanced, Fullerton of the homesters retired hurt at which point, Barrhead registered a fourth goal. With only nine players, the ground lads fought gamely for success for several minutes when Fullerton returned and on at least one occasion, Fingland had very hard lines in not scoring with a hard shot which was luckily saved by the visitors' custodian. The closing stages of the game were characterised by several of the players nagging at each other and it was evident temper was being ruffled but nothing occurred to mar the game which was played to a finish and ended in favour of Barrhead by four to two. Taking all things into consideration and the play shown by the respective sides, the Rovers did not deserve such a reverse. Immediately after the game finished, two of the players who had been 'chewing the rag' with each other came to blows but before many of these had been exchanged, the combatants were separated. This, however was not the only case of rowdyism as before the first period of the game was finished, two able-bodied marred the pleasure of the day by engaging in the Sullivan art. It is to be hoped we have seen the last of these unseemly exhibitions at Winton Park and for the sake of the juveniles who chase the leather there, we express the hope that players and spectators alike will in future endeavour to promote a spirit of rivalry totally different from the incidents which unfortunately characterised last Saturday's proceedings.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC BEAT SALTCOATS ROSEBANK
On Tuesday evening (9 July 1901), at
North Crescent, a match took place between Saltcoats Rosebank and the Ardrossan Celtic. The visitors were not attired in club colours and football under these conditions was no doubt unpleasant. The Celts retired winners of an indifferent game.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901
Although it was reported that Ardrossan Celtic won, the score was not given.

RECENT BOATING DISASTER - ALL BODIES FOUND
There is a certain sad satisfaction in the fact that the bodies of all the lads drowned off Ardrossan last month (on 9 June 1901) by the capsizing of a sailing boat have now been recovered. have now been recovered. On Tuesday (9 July 1901), the body of Robert Pettigrew, aged 21, was found floating in the bay off Troon. The remains were conveyed to Ardrossan and interred the same day. The difficulty of gauging currents off Ardrossan has been shown in connection with this accident . Of the four bodies, one was recovered inside the Harbour, one at Brodick, another on the North Shore and the last at Troon. Practical sympathy has been shown towards the bereaved. The Ardrossan Celtic Club with whom both Grier and Pettigrew were connected has brought off a series of benefit matches. The Ardrossan Winton Rovers have also exerted themselves in the same direction and the cyclists made a splendid effort last Friday (5 July 1901). Tomorrow (13 July 1901), the South Beach Cricket Club play a benefit match on
Winton Park, Ardrossan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901
Robert Pettigrew played right-back for Ardrossan Celtic three days before he was drowned.

LATE DROWNING ACCIDENT AT ARDROSSAN
All the bodies of the lads drowned at Ardrossan in connection with the boating accident on 9 June have now been recovered. The last of them, Robert Pettigrew, was found in Troon Harbour on Tuesday afternoon (9 July 1901) by a fisherman. The body was conveyed the same day to Ardrossan where it was interred.
            Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Standard, 13 July 1901
Robert Pettigrew played right-back for Ardrossan Celtic three days before he was drowned.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM TO PLAY ARDROSSAN CELTIC A TEAM
The rivalry between local juvenile teams shows little abatement and this evening, Friday (12 July 1901), the Rovers A and Celtic A elevens will, we are told, cross swords at
Winton Park. Last week, these teams drew with each other at North Crescent. We think it is high time the juveniles were allowing the grass to grow on their respective pitches. Football in such weather as we are now enjoying is sheer madness and should be stopped at once
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC A TEAM 0
On Friday evening of last week (12 July 1910), the Celtic A and the Rovers A met on the latter's pitch and played a return friendly. Victory rested in favour of the Rovers by two goals to nil. The Celts had the assistance of one or two of their first string.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 July 1901

PAVILION AND CUSHIONED SEATS WANTED AT WINTON PARK
The only thing now wanted at
Winton Park, Ardrossan are a pavilion for the footballers and a few cushioned seats for some of the spectators of cricket matches.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 July 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC BEATEN IN FIVE-A-SIDE COMPETITION
It was proposed to run a five-a-side football competition for juniors and first class juveniles to suit Glasgow visitors and local enthusiasts. The competition was started on Tuesday evening (16 July 1901) and several ties in addition to musical performances were played. Among the competitors were several local fives representing Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Ardeer Thistle, Ardeer Wanderers, Kilwinning Rangers et cetera. The Ardrossan lads, who were a pick-up lot, had the best of the game with a team of visitors but they were 'snuffed out' all the same. We understand the Ardrossan Celtic had also a couple of fives entered but as this club had to play an eleven-a-side tie at Kilwinning on Tuesday evening (16 July 1901), they were unable to appear at Stevenston on the same night. However, as the competition continues the Celts will, we learn, take part therein while Winton Rovers, it is said, intend to send another representation. Local juveniles appear to be as eager on the game as ever.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 July 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0 - IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 5
In connection with the Kilwinning Club's Gold Badge Competition, Ardrossan Celtic and Irvine Saint Andrew's played their ties on Tuesday evening last (16 July 1901). It was half expected that the Celts would come out on top but they disappointed their friends. The game ended in favour of the Irvine team by five goals to three.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 July 1901

CRICKET AT WINTON PARK
Many years have passed away since a match at cricket was played at Ardrossan but we had the pleasure of witnessing a game at
Winton Park, the local football ground. The cricket shown was perhaps not of a high standard of excellence but the fact that there are lovers of the game in the district is evident and by perseverance, Ardrossan may yet be able to boast of a club of some merit.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 July 1901

WANTED - A JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Some time ago, a suggestion was made in these columns about the formation of a local juvenile football league but up to the present, nothing has been heard as to whether steps have been taken in that direction. Seeing that the football season is fast approaching, we think an effort should be made at once to have such an association instituted. The interest in this class of football would, we have not doubt, be greatly increased during the coming season were such a body formed and the clubs associated therewith would also be expected to fare better financially. That there are sufficient clubs in the surrounding districts to form a juvenile league, we have only to mention Kilwinning Rangers, Ardeer Thistle, Auchenharvie XI, Ardeer Wanderers, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Ardrossan Celtic and West Kilbride Amateurs and we see no reason why local juvenile combinations should be behind their rivals in other districts in this respect. In the above eight clubs, the pick of the respective districts is represented and the combinations such as this would tend to raise the standard of juvenile football. It is therefore hoped that someone will take action in the matter and call a meeting of club representatives on an early date. It is needless to say that more than ordinary interest would be attached to the meetings of the clubs named under league auspices than could be expected from the common friendly and, in addition to this, the fact that say eleven gold badges were to be presented to the team winning the championship with the highest number of points would be an incentive to the respective elevens to secure the coveted trophies. By way of providing badges for the champion. we should suggest that clubs forming the league play benefit matches in the course of the season and in this way the funds of the association would be strengthened. We express the hope that a meeting of all those favourable to the formation of a juvenile league would be held at an early date and may what might justly be termed the North Ayrshire Juvenile Football League may become an accomplished fact. Who will lead the way?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 July 1901

LORD EGLINTON APPROVES USE OF WINTON PARK
While dealing with juveniles, we understand the secretary to Ardrossan Winton Rovers had written to Mr Allan Stevenson with the view of acquiring the private use of Winton Park for football. The following reply has been received.
                                                                                                 14 Cathcart Street
                                                                                                 Ayr
                                                                                                 30 July 1901
Mr James Wallace
Secretary
Winton Rovers Football Club
94 Glasgow Street
Ardrossan
Dear Sir
I have your letter of 20 July as to the use of the ground at Winton Street School for football. Your club, I understand, played on this ground last year and there will be no charge this season. There are other clubs interested in it and if you are all agreeable, the ground can be improved as you may agree among yourselves but you will always keep in view, the possession is during Lord Eglinton's pleasure.
Yours truly
Alan Stevenson
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 August 1901

PROPOSED MEETING TO FORM NEW FOOTBALL LEAGUE
With reference to the suggestion made last week as to the formation of a Juvenile Football League Association, we understand there is a feeling in different football quarters that such a body is just the thing that is needed but though there seems to be a general desire that an Association of this kind should at once be formed, we have not heard whether steps have been taken to hold a meeting of those interested in the matter and unless something is done in that direction, we are afraid the suggestion will go to the wall. After conversing this week with one or two interested in the formation of such a league and who are closely identified with several of the clubs named in our last issue, it was ultimately suggested that we, in the interests of juvenile football, intimate in these columns a suggestion 'that a meeting of those favourable to the formation of a Juvenile Football League be held on Saturday first (3 August 1901) at 4 pm in the Royal Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats (shown below as Lloyds and Ladbrokes in Hamilton Street in 2012). We willingly give this notice publicity free of charge and in doing so express the hope that representatives of the clubs mentioned in our columns last week will at least endeavour to be present and further that previous to the proposed meeting, several of the representatives will also kindly attend to the necessary arrangements. That some gentlemen will lead the way we have no doubt and it is to be hoped the consensus of opinion will be favourable to the formation of a juvenile league embracing the districts of Kilwinning, Stevenston, Ardrossan, West Kilbride and Largs. Since writing the above, we have received a letter from a representative of Ardeer Thistle in which he asks us to intimate that a meeting for the above object will be held on Monday evening (5 August 1901) but as Saturday afternoon is considered more suitable our Ardeer friend, we trust, will kindly oblige by turning up at tomorrow's meeting as above mentioned.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 August 1901

INAUGURAL MEETING TO FORM NEW FOOTBALL LEAGUE
On Saturday afternoon last (3 August 1901), a meeting of those favourable to the formation of a Juvenile Football League was held in the Royal Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats. There was a gratifying attendance of club representatives and others, upwards of thirty being present. When the proposal was made to form such a body, it was thought that the league district would only have extended from Kilwinning to Largs but the feeling of the meeting that was that Irvine should also be included and accordingly, the new league will consist of ten clubs, namely, Largs Neva, West Kilbride Amateurs, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Ardrossan Celtic, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, Auchenharvie XI, Ardeer Wanderers, Ardeer Thistle, Kilwinning Rangers and Irvine Saint Andrew's. The following gentlemen were appointed as office bearers - President: Mr Paterson, Kilwinning Rangers; Vice-President: Mr Tyre, Largs Neva; Treasurer: Mr Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic; Secretary: Mr Leckie, Ardeer Thistle. A representative committee was also elected, a meeting of which will be held on Friday next to consider and decide other matters for the proper conduct of a new league. It is expected that fixtures for the season will be arranged by the end of the present month. Altogether, the meeting was a harmonious one and the North Ayrshire Juvenile Football League may be considered as successfully launched.
A second report is given below.
We were pleased to see such a cheering turnout of representatives from the different juvenile clubs at the meeting held in Saltcoats last Saturday afternoon (3 August 1901) for the purpose of forming a juvenile league and the earnest and friendly way in which the meeting was conducted. The meeting was convened for the purpose of hearing opinion on the proposal but in addition to this, office-bearers and committee were appointed and we have no doubt the juvenile legislators will look after the necessary arrangements at their first meeting. Much depends on the committee for the success of the newly-formed body. The clubs have signified their intention to become members of the league and in the event of any of these withdrawing, we would suggest that Dalry Athletic, the Ayrshire juvenile champions, be asked to fill the vacancy. We wish the new league every success and with Messrs Paterson and Tyre as president and vice-president and Messrs Aitken and Leckie as treasurer and secretary, we have every confidence that the new league will turn out to be a success.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
8 August 1901
Sir
Some time ago, the Ardrossan public subscribed liberally to the Celtic Football Club and the Cycle Club in their laudable object in raising money for the benefit of the relatives of the boys drowned off the Harbour. Perhaps the secretaries of the above clubs would kindly furnish the public through your valuable paper with the information as to the amount or disposal of the money or what they intend doing with it.
Yours et cetera
Citizen
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 August 1901

WINTON ROVERS GO TO COODHAM
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers, we are informed, intend to do a trip to Coodham tomorrow (10 August 1901). We have heard it said that these same Rovers will run a strong eleven this season but time will tell. The team will play in light blue this season. The Rovers have had a neat membership card printed and we learn that a substantial membership has already been secured which augers well for their success in the coming season. The office-bearers are: honorary presidents - Bailie James Goodwin, Dr Macdonald and Mr William Stevenston; honorary vice-president - Mr George McKellar; and the usual retinue of club officials.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 August 1901
Playing in light blue was a change from the blue and white of the previous season.

ARDROSSAN CELTIC'S SEASON STARTS
The local Celtic are also preparing for the fray and tomorrow (10 August 1901), we understand, they will commence hostilities for the season on North Crescent Park. Since their formation, the Celts have been indulging in the practice of changing their players pretty often and what will be the ultimate result of this policy, we can only wait and see.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 August 1901

ARDROSSAN PLAYERS PLAY FOR SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
This popular young team has again got into harness and a successful season is being looked forward to. Unfortunately, the club is inconvenienced somewhat through the want of private ground but the newly-formed committee are doing everything in their power to have this difficulty surmounted. There were rumours were floating around lately were turning out for the Winton Rovers but we are informed that the players in question will turn out again for the 'White Brigade'. J McMurtrie, goalkeeper, as we understand, decided to retire from the game but has promised to assist his old love if need be. F Frazer has decided to become junior and will turnout for Beith Gateside Thistle. C Hamilton goes over to Ardeer Thistle and it is said that D Donohoe will also play for the Stevenston team. All the other players are available and the eleven will be chosen from the following: Stewart (late Ardeer Rangers) - goalkeeper; Glen and Kerr, backs; Tait, Reid, Fleming, McDonald (Springvale) - half-backs; Knox, Brannan (Ardrossan Celtic), Miller, Maxwell and McDermott (Paisley) forwards.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9 August 1901

WINTON ROVERS GO TO COODHAM
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers Football Club had an excursion to the Coodham Estate of Saturday last (10 August 1901). 'De Wet' was pretty much in evidence during the day but they seem to have enjoyed themselves nevertheless.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS MEET DALRY ATHLETIC
The juvenile footballer is once more on the warpath and the first game of the season on Winton Park takes place tomorrow (17 August 1901) when the Winton Rovers will have Dalry Athletic, Ayrshire Juvenile Cup holders, as their visitors and opponents.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
Sir
In reply to the letter on the above subject, I may inform Citizen, if he is a regular reader of this paper, he would have seen that the Cycle Club duly furnished the public with the amount drawn by them in the recent parade in the issue of 12 July 1901. For Citizen's information and all other suspecting Citizens, the treasurer of the Cycle Club has already handed over a good portion of the drawings in equal share to each relative of the boys drowned off the harbour and the remainder will be handed over to them in due time. I think the committee of the Cycle Club have done their duty in this cause so far and I have no doubt they are quite capable of finishing their work without the assistance of Citizen. I may also inform Citizen that both the Saltcoats and Stevenston public gave liberally to the cause in question as well as Ardrossan.
One Who Knows
14 August 1901
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
Sir
In reply to the letter in last week's issue, I beg to state that the monies raised under the auspices of the Ardrossan Cycle Club while in fancy dress parade on Friday 5 July were fully rewarded on their Christian errand by the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston public generally who handsomely responded to the call in a most liberal and benevolent manner thereby exhibiting their sympathy for the cause. On Friday 12 July, the collection was duly advertised in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. Apparently, Citizen has either overlooked or lost sight of same. Regarding the distribution of the money, a committee was appointed whom I feel certain will judiciously dispose of same while it lasts. Already, a goodly portion has been given to each of the relative members of the deceased.
Berlin
17 August 1910
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
Sir
Last week, a letter appeared in these columns signed Citizen relating to the funds subscribed at Ardrossan in behalf of the parents of the four young men recently drowned outside the Harbour. We have received the following letter from the secretary of Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
Received from Ardrossan Winton Rovers the sum of £2 13s 31/2d being drawings of two games played on Winton Park in behalf of the parents of four young men who were drowned at Ardrossan some time ago. The above sum was added to the Cycle Parade Fund.
Robert Shaw
Treasurer
Ardrossan Cycle Club
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

MEETING OF NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE TONIGHT
A meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League will be held tonight, Friday (16 August 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats. The secretary of the association has received a letter from Largs Neva stating that they will not enter the league this season. This means the election of an office-bearer in place of vice-president Tyre who represented Neva. It is said that Auchenharvie have 'shut shop'. The reason given for taking such a step is that they have lost their ground.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

WINTON ROVERS MEET DALRY ATHLETIC TOMORROW
Tomorrow (17 August 1901), the ball will be set a-rolling on Winton Park. Dalry Athletic, Ayrshire Juvenile Cup holders to witness the local lads perform against the champions. One or two faces are likely to be seen in the ranks of the Rovers and there is sure to be a 'dark horse' in the forward line.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 16 August 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 7 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 3
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901
No date was given for this match. It was probably played between 19 and 22 August 1901.

WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY WARNER XI
Warner XI from Stevenston will oppose the Winton Rovers in a friendly game on Winton Park tomorrow (24 August 1901). The kick off is at 4 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
Sir
I thank One Who Knows for the partial information he has given in reply to my queries. He did not, however, mention that the sum collected and in the hands of his committee has been augmented by the contributions from the local football clubs. The Rovers have been good enough to state the amount handed in from them to the Cycle Club. Perhaps One Who Knows would kindly inform me if I am right in assuming that the Celtic Football Club have done the same. My object in making these enquiries was simply to ascertain facts official and suggest that an earlier distribution of the funds would have been very much appreciated and welcome. The Cycle Club et cetera have well merited public commendation in their worthy cause.
Citizen
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3- DALRY ATHLETIC 1
As mentioned in last week's issue, Dalry Athletic, the juvenile champions of Ayrshire, were the guests and opponents of the Ardrossan Winton Rovers (on 17 August 1901), the occasion being the opening game of the season. Despite the unfavourable nature of the weather, there was a fair sprinkling of local enthusiasm. There were one or two new men in the Rovers' team, particularly Welsh, Celtic, in goals and Gillies, Celtic, at right-half. Findlay occupied the position of right-back while McDonald, a Glasgow juvenile, and Porter of West Kilbride Amateurs played inside-right and outside-left respectively. From the start of the game, it was evident that there would be a hard tussle for supremacy and Welsh was early tested but was found to be in the best of form, saving one or two likely things. Dalry kept pegging at it, however, and out of a miskick on the part of one of the home backs, they managed to beat the home custodian after about fifteen minutes play. Shortly after this, the rovers, by forced the Rovers on the defensive determined play and Templeton was instrumental in notching the equalising goal. Half-time was signalled without any further scoring and the teams thus crossed over on level terms. The second period opened well for the ground lads who, though playing with ten men - Allan being forced to retire at the interval through a hurt - made the champions play all they knew to keep them back but the homesters would take no denial and from a good shot, Reid put his team one up. Shortly afterwards, the same player all but did the trick again, his parting kick grazing the bar. The visitors now made strong efforts to get on equal terms but Welsh and Findlay stood up to their work bravely and defied all attempts at scoring. Getting away on their let, the Rovers, through Porter, bracketed a third point with a very soft shot which ought to have been saved and thus the game finished in favour of the home team by three goals to one. Considering the state of the field, it was a well-contested game though of short duration. For the Rovers, all did well while the centre, right-wing and left-back were the most prominent for the visitors. Mr Paterson of the Kilwinning Rangers and president of the newly-formed North Ayrshire Juvenile League refereed the match and gave every satisfaction.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 3 - WARNER XI 0
The Celts at North Crescent, like their near and dear brethren at Winton Park, have of late been preparing for the season's campaign and it is to be hoped an improvement will be shown on last season's performance. Last Saturday (17 August 1901), they journeyed to Stevenston and met the newly-formed Warner XI at Warner Park. The homesters are a new setup and as a result, the Celts were not severely stretched. The Ardrossan lads emerged the winners of the game by three goals to nil. Several of last season's Celtic players have gone over to the Rovers, including their custodian, but the vacancies caused in the team will no doubt be readily and let us hope capably, filled. We wish the Celts every success and as the club is associated with the newly-formed league, the interest in juvenile football this season is expected to be specially interesting.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901

FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING OF NORTH AYRSHIRE JEVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The first committee meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile Football League was held last Friday (16 August 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats. Mr Paterson, president, occupied the chair and all the clubs were represented with the exception of Largs Neva and West Kilbride Amateurs. The secretary, Mr Leckie, read a letter he had received from the Largs club stating that said club did not intend to enter the league this season, After consideration, it was unanimously agreed to allow Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle whose representative was present from the to take the place of the Largs club. Owing to the withdrawal of Largs Neva, the meeting had to appoint a new vice-president in room of Mr Tyre of Largs. Mr Maule of the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers was appointed vice-president of the association. It was reported that the Ardeer Wanderers would play under the name of the Warner XI. A sub-committee consisting of the president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary was appointed to draw up rules for the governing of the league, same to be submitted to a committee meeting to be held tonight, Friday (23 August 1901) for consideration. By way of contributing to the success of the new juvenile league association, a suggestion has been made to the effect that at the end of the competition a match be played between the champions and an eleven picked from the other clubs forming the league, the drawings to go to the league.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1901

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - BENEFIT FUNDS
Sir
In reply to the letter in your issue of 23 August, on the above subject, I may inform Citizen that the Celtic Club also handed over a contribution to the parade fund on 13 August and, no doubt, the secretary of the Celtic Club will furnish the public with a full report. Regarding the distribution of funds, I think that the committee of the Cycle Club did not lose much time as the first payment was made thirteen days after the parade so it seems Citizen's information has not been very reliable or he would not have raised such a question. Hoping this may now satisfy all concerned.
I am et cetera
One Who Knows
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 August 1901

WINTON ROVERS MEET ARDROSSAN CELTIC TOMORROW
Saturday (31 August 1901) is to be a big day at Winton Park. The Ardrossan Celtic meet the Winton Rovers in the first match of the new juvenile league.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 August 1901

SECOND MEETING OF NEW FOOTBALL LEAGUE COMMITTEE
The North Ayrshire Juvenile League Committee held a meeting in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats on Friday evening last (23 August 1900), Mr Paterson, president, in the chair. All the clubs were represented with the exception of Warner XI and Irvine Saint Andrew's. Mr Maule, Saltcoats Seaside Rangers, intimated that his club was defunct which necessitated his retiral from the committee and also the appointment of a vice-president in his place. Mr Greene, Winton Rovers, was unanimously elected vice-president. The secretary read a letter from Dalry Athletic seeking admission to the league and, after some discussion, it was agreed to allow them to take the place vacated by the Seaside Rangers. The rules drawn up by the sub-committee were then submitted by the secretary. It was agreed to start the games in the league tomorrow, Saturday (31 August 1901). Another meeting of the committee will be held in the usual place tonight, Friday (30 August 1900) at 7 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 August 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 5- WARNER XI 1
Another victory was scored last Saturday (23 August 1901) at Winton Park by the Rovers, this time at the expense of Warners XI of Stevenston. The game was friendly one and was pleasantly contested but it must be said the play on the whole was rather lob-sided. The visitors looked a capable lot as they stepped on to the arena but the homesters were the tidier and smarter team and the victory they scored was, on the day's play, merited. It was a decisive win and the visitors must admit their custodian in the course of hostilities saved them from a heavier reverse. When the half-time signal was given, the Rovers led by three goals to nil and Reid shot a penalty kick into the strangers' custodian which he was good enough to negotiate. Little attack was shown in the play of the Warner team and their defence was consequently taxed pretty severely at times. The home keeper, Welsh, was not put to the test though he had to be on the lookout on more than one occasion. The second half opened well for the visitors and early was the home custodian beaten by a shot which proved to be their first and only goal. The play which followed went decidedly in favour of the Rovers, the Warner lads being confined to their own end rather tightly. Some good shots were effected but no further scoring resulted until another penalty was awarded the Rovers which Findlay converted into goal number four. The Warner team made little headway and all over were a beaten lot. The Rovers continued to outplay their opponents and another point was added to their total which was well played for and well taken too. The visitors' goal visits to the home end were few and Welsh's post was a sinecure when compared with his confrere. The game ended in favour of the Rovers by five goals to one. The general opinion is that the Rovers are an improved lot this season and we express the hope that they will continue to go forward in that direction and especially when in front of goal. Chances were lost on Saturday which might have had happier terminations. Though defeated, the Warner XI, a new get-up, were not seriously disgraced and with a month or two of steady practice, the Rovers will perhaps find them a different lot to deal with yet. Tomorrow (31 August 1901), the first match in connection with the new North Ayrshire Juvenile League will be played to Winton Park when the Celtic and Rovers will contest their claim for the league points. This game is expected to arouse the enthusiasm of the juvenile world, a stubborn fight being anticipated between the locals. It will be interesting to watch which of the two is to take the first step towards the championship.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 August 1901
Up to this date, in phrases such as 'The Rovers continued to outplay their opponents and another point was added to their total', a point means a goal. With the North Ayrshire Juvenile League competition due to start soon, a point should refer to the award for the result of a game with two points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. In succeeding reports, point sometimes still refers to a goal and sometimes to the result award.

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - PALERMO SECOND XI
The Celtic lads found employment and friendly interest on Saturday (23 August 1901), their opponents being second Palermo from Springburn. This was the Celts first game of the season on their home pitch. The homesters were one or two short of their regular eleven and Tait, late Winton Rovers, took up his position between the sticks. After a very pleasant game, the visitors retired winners by three goals to two. The Palermo are a very clever juvenile combination and spoke in high praise of the treatment they received. The Celts are sure of a hearty welcome when they visit Springburn. In the opening game of the Juvenile League, the Celts engage their near and dear neighbours, the Rovers, at Winton Park tomorrow (31 August 1901). We expect a hard game and may the better team win.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 30 August 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4
The first game under the auspices of the new Juvenile League was played at Winton Park, Ardrossan (on 31 August 1901) between Celtic and Winton Rovers and created not a little stir among the partisans of the respective teams. In the Celtic ranks, some new faces appeared. There was 'Highet' between the uprights, the well-known and capable custodian of the late Seaside Rangers and Knox, ex-Seaside donned the Celtic colours. Steed, Wilson and Brannan were also strangers. In the Rovers' goal was Welsh, late-Celtic while Kerr and Tait of the late Seaside Rangers were in the back and half-back division respectively. The teams were: Celtic - 'Highet'; Steed and Haggerty; Tyre, S Brannan and T McLaughlin; (James) Hunter, Knox, Taylor, Wilson and Keenan. Rovers - Welsh; Kerr and Allan; Tait, Fullerton and Findlay; Anderson, Gillies, Reid, Templeton and MacDonald. A large crowd lined the 'touch'and on the Rovers' winning the toss and electing to play with sun and wind in their faces, Taylor kicked off for Celtic. Coming away strongly, the Celts were soon down on the Rovers' goal seemingly determined to make the most of the advantage which the sun and wind gave. They were not long in finding an opening, the ball being put smartly through while Welsh was receiving some hearty attention from his old friends. During the greater part of the first half, the Celts were seldom away from the Rovers' end. Occasionally, the blue jerseys came away together but it was not till after the Celts had again scored through Wilson and the last fifteen minutes of the first half that the Rovers began to show up better. The Celtic supporters cheered on their pets more enthusiastically and a lead of two goals looked rosy. Shortly after half-time, the Rovers scored. The goal was well-deserved, Reid who scored, having on several previous occasions, banged in some hard shots which with a little luck would have counted. Up till the close of the first half, the Rovers played to equalise but failed to do so and the teams crossed over with the score Celtic 2 Rovers 1. In the second half, the Rovers kept the Celtic well down to their own side of the field but when the lads from Crescent Park did break away, they were very successful, banging in number three from about eighteen yards out. Undoubtedly, the Celtic were playing the winning game but it was not a pretty game. The first half had been marked by nothing more than an extraordinary number of fouls. Referee Paterson was very forbearing, however, and though the Celtic centre-half was cautioned several times for suspicious attentions to Reid, the Rovers' centre, the game proceeded comparatively smoothly. In the second half, there was still less football. Towards the close, an incident occurred which is to be hoped for the sake of football will not recur on any local football field. Fair-minded spectators will have no difficulty in allocating the blame and what occurred is well-known. There was a wretched display of the 'noble art' between two of the players and the crowd broke in and then occurred a series of rough and tumble encounters. The players were ordered from the field and after they have been punished by the association, it is hoped one of the committee at least will consider the matter seriously. Any player who adopts tactics which may cripple his team in an important match should be allowed to lie off - permanently. Saturday's scene was simply disgraceful. Order having been restored, the game was again set a-going. Rovers again attacked and again the Celtic relieved the right wing carrying the ball up the field and clinching matters in fine style. Some other Celts had been attending to Welsh who was assisted from the field at this point. Kerr, who played a fine game went into goal, and Allan played back alone and played well. The Rovers had the better part of the play till the finish and, but for some good work by the ex-Seaside goalkeeper and the hardest of hard lines, the scores would have read differently. Rovers finished with nine men and it looked at one time as though they would have to finish with eight, Reid receiving a kick on the breast which staggered him a bit. For the Celts whose weight and bustling play paid, the best men were the goalkeeper, the right-back and Hunter on the outside-right. The centre played a good game. For the Rovers, who seemed unable to infuse much vim into their play, the best of the day were the centre-half, Fullerton and the backs. The inside-right and centre played a plucky game and in the closing stages of the game, Tait put in some good work. The score was the same as that in the last match between those teams, only then the Rovers happened to come out on top. A great deal of bad feeling has been engendered and a section of the spectators is to blame and as the teams meet again on the Celtic ground, it is hoped that any warning against the interference of spectators or forceable tactics will be remembered.
A comment on the match is given below.
The match at Winton Park, we regret to say, was characterised by rowdyism and interest in the game was spoiled before the finish. Judging from the horse-like play of some of the Celts, they seemed to have made up their minds to win the coveted points by foul or fair means.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901
The players ordered from the field for fighting were probably T McLaughlin, Celtic, and T Anderson, Winton Rovers who were suspended for fighting, the former for a month and the latter for a fortnight at a meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League on 28 September 1901.

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE MEETING
At a meeting of the above association held last Friday evening (30 August 1901), the following fixtures were arranged.
   7 September
      Dalry Athletic v Irvine Saint Andrew's
   14 September
      Ardeer Thistle v Warner XI
      Eglinton Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
      Ardrossan Celtic v Auchenharvie
      Kilwinning Rangers v Dalry Athletic;
      Irvine Saint Andrew's v West Kilbride Amateurs
   21 September
      Dalry Athletic v Warner XI
      Winton Rovers v Ardeer Thistle
      Auchenharvie v Kilwinning Rangers
      West Kilbride Amateurs v Ardrossan Celtic
      Irvine Saint Andrew's v Eglinton Thistle
  The games will be played on the grounds of the first-mentioned clubs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition up to and including last Saturday (30 August 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
1
1
0
0
7
0
2
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
1
1
0
0
4
1
2
 
Warner XI
 
1
1
0
0
2
1
2
 
Dalry Athletic
 
1
1
0
0
5
4
2
 
Auchenharvie XI
 
1
0
1
0
4
5
0
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
1
0
1
0
1
2
0
 
Ardrosan Winton Rovers
 
1
0
1
0
1
4
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
0
0
7
0
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS MEET VALE OF IRVINE AT GALSTON
Tomorrow (7 September 1901), the Ardrossan Winton Rovers will journey to Galston to cross friendly swords with Vale of Irvine. It will be remembered the Vale lads drew with the Rovers at Ardrossan so the latter may expect another tough fight for honours.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC MEET HURLFORD THISTLE
Fresh from their decisive victory over their near and dear neighbours, the Rovers, Ardrossan Celtic will try friendly conclusions with Hurlford Thistle at North Crescent on Saturday first (7 September 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901

STEVENSTON ROSEBANK 2 - QUEEN'S PARK 2 AT WINTON PARK, ARDROSSAN
Stevenston Rosebank journeyed to Ardrossan on Wednesday night (4 September 1901) and met Queen's Park on Winton Field and a hard game ensued. The game ended in a draw, two goals each. Rosebank scored a third goal which the referee disallowed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 September 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - HURLFORD THISTLE 3
The Celtic lads had Hurlford as their guests and opponents last Saturday (7 September 1901) at North Crescent. The game was a friendly one and possibly on that account the Celts had not out quite the same brigade as stormed Winton Park the previous week. In Hurlford Thistle, it was felt that the Celts had engaged a team which would give them a hard ninety minutes and at the close very likely hold the winning card. This was proved to the letter and the Celts must frankly admit that on Saturday's play, the Hurlford boys were the better lot. The Celts were no doubt eager enough but in their eagerness, they occasionally spoiled themselves and more attention to the nicer points of the game would perhaps have produced better results. In the first half, the Celts played with the assistance of an easterly breeze which contributed to place the sphere frequently in touch. The opening passages favoured the homesters and for the first five minutes, the visitors had to defend. It was at this point that Hurlford made their first dangerous attack on the home goal. However, and on being awarded a foul, they converted it into the initial goal of the match by capturing Tait's charge. The play which led up to this first success of the visitors was very clever and with such an auspicious start so early in the game, there were those present who felt convinced the Celts were sure to get their licks but the play which followed saw the home lads once more in evidence though they failed to turn a corner into good account. Hurlford again got away and this time, they experienced hard luck in not supplementing their total. The breeze softened a little and Hurlford were making their presence felt more than ever but the Celts held them at bay and getting away, W Tait sent a good shot into the hands of the visitors' custodian which might have had a happier termination for the homesters who on a subsequent occasion had another bit of luck when they propelled the sphere against the bar. Hurlford then took up the running and for some minutes, they had hard luck in not supplementing their score, their play deserving such. Forcing back their opponents, Celts got in once more and at thirty minutes, equalised matters though the Hurlford custodian struck the ball out but the referee granted the goal on the ground that the ball had been through ere it was punted clear by the keeper. The remaining fifteen minutes play was equally divided in the course of which a Celt got injured and play was stopped. Resuming, a corner was forced by the homesters, the outcome of which was a second goal for Celtic and at the interval, they led by two to one. Hurlford opened the second period best and after a goal had been disallowed them, they equalised two each, ten minutes from the restart, the ball being neatly headed past Tait from a free-kick. Five minutes later, Hurlford took the lead by registering a third point. Celtic now pressed their opponents hard for a time and it looked as if they were to succeed in scoring matters, so persitent were their efforts. On one occasion, it seemed they had accomplished their task but hard luck was their only reward. Hurlford again took up the running and some ten minutes from the finish they had a couple of corners in succession but these proved abortive. Play was once more stopped to allow a Hurlford player time to revive. The remaining minutes were fought out keenly and no further scoring resulted and the game ended in favour of Hurlford by three goals to two. The Celts oppose Auchenharvie tomorrow (14 September 1901) at North Crescent Park in league interests and we hope to annexe the points too.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 September 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
Only one league fixture was trundled off last Saturday (7 September 1901), namely Dalry Athletic v Irvine Saint Andrew's which took place on the ground of the former. Both teams were evidently in a good scoring mood and at the close the verdict rested in favour of Dalry by six goals to five. Dalry now head the pack with the full complement of points for two matches and the result of their meeting with Kilwinning Rangers tomorrow will be watched with some interest by their supporters. The Irvine lads who occupy the most humble position in the league race for the present have been a trifle unlucky to lose their first two games which have cost them four points but we expect to see them bloss up very soon. The Juvenile League matches down for decision tomorrow are as follows:
   Ardeer Thistle v Warner XI
   Eglinton Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
   Ardrossan Celtic v Auchenharvie
   Kilwinning rangers v Dalry Athletic
   Irvine Saint Andrew's v West Kilbride Amateurs
According to fixture, Ardrossan Winton Rovers should meet Eglinton Thistle at Kilwinning but we understand the match will be played at Winton Park tomorrow (14 September 1901) owing to the ground of the Eglinton club being engaged for the day.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 September 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE TABLE
The
following table shows the position of the respective clubs in this competition up to and including last Saturday (7 September 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Dalry Athletic
 
2
2
0
0
11
 9
4
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
1
1
0
0
  7
0
2
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
1
1
0
0
  4
1
2
 
Warner XI
 
1
1
0
0
  2
1
2
 
Auchenharvie XI
 
1
0
1
0
  4
5
0
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
1
0
1
0
  1
4
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
1
  0
7
0
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
0
0
0
0
  0
0
0
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
0
0
0
0
  0
0
0
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
2
0
2
0
  6
8
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 September 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP DRAW
The above association met in Kilmarnock on Saturday last (7 September 1901). The draw in the first round of the cup competition resulted as follows:
   Irvine District
      Dalry Athletic v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
      Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Dusk
      Largs Neva v Ardrossan Celtic
      Bartonholm Britannia v Kilwinning Rangers
      Eglinton Thistle v Auchenharvie XI
      Springside v Longbar Rangers
      Vale of Garnock v Irvine Saint Andrew's
      Troon Portland v Warner XI
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 September 1901
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

VALE OF IRVINE 4 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers journeyed to Galston on Saturday last (7 September 1901) and engaged the Galston Vale of Irvine in a return friendly. Welsh, the Rovers' custodian, was unable to take up his place between the posts and a substitute had to be got. If anything, the Rovers had the best of play in the initial half although the show made by either team was anything but good. At half-time, the scores stood two to one, the homesters scoring their point from a penalty kick. In the second period, the Vale lads were awarded another penalty from which they equalised. The Light Blues again took the lead but in the subsequent play, the Vale scored on two other occasions and ran out winners of an uninteresting game by four goals to three. The refereeing was far from satisfactory, his decisions on several occasions being altogether unfair. His arguments with several of the players did not by any means tend to improve matters. However, the Rovers enjoyed a pleasant day's outing and it is to be hoped they will play to win tomorrow (14 September 1901) and thus secure their first brace of league points.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 September 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4 - AUCHENHARVIE 1
Ardrossan Celtic had Aucheharvie XI at North Crescent Park (probably on 14 September 1901) on North Ayrshire League interests and once more, the 'wearers of the green' asserted their superiority. Early did the Celts open the scoring and when this was followed by a second success, they maintained the lead throughout. Auchenharvie managed to secure a single point but against this the Celts added other two goals and won the game handsomely by the substantial score of four goals to one. That the Celts have started well in their first two league matches goes without saying. They have won the full complement of points in each game and they played a strong go-ahead game on Saturday and they well deserved their victory. Auchenharvie's form was a little disappointing and this was perhaps in some measure due to the fact that they were not so well represented as they might have been. We have since heard it mooted that Auchenharvie had lodged a protest against Celtic playing a certain player but we cannot vouch for the truth of this. Tomorrow (21 September 1901), the Celts are expected to find employment in Ayrshire cup interests. The luck of the ballot has decided they will travel to Largs where they will cross swords with the Neva lads. We, of course, hope to see the Celts clear the first hurdle safely and well.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901
In the phrase 'Auchenharvie managed to secure a single point', the point referred to a goal. In this and suceeding accounts, reporters used the word point to refer both to a goal and the award for the result of a game with two points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss, despite the fact that they were reporting on league games.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - KILWINNING EGLINTON THISTLE 3
Previous to the start of the league match at Winton Park last Saturday (14 September 1901), the consensus of opinion was that Ardrossan Winton Rovers would win the full complement of points at the expense of Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle but the crowd who attended that match was never more disappointed at the display given by the Rovers than on this particular occasion. It is true the teams robbed each other of a point, the game having ended in a draw of three goals each but on the run of the game, the Rovers, we do hesitate to say, ought to have won the game easily had they displayed something like form when attacking. That they were not beaten latterly was in great measure due to the fact that they scored from a penalty. In the first half, the Rovers had to play against a light easterly breeze but this did not in any way prevent them from forcing an attack and so well did they maintain the pressure that good results were expected to follow soon. For the first five minutes, Eglinton were not in it but on making their first real attack on the home goal at this stage, they never halted until they had Welsh beaten with the initial goal of the match, a performance too which was accomplished without much ado. Having got a lesson on the art of scoring, the Rovers again took up the running but it took them a good quarter of an hour's play before they succeeded in equalising matters, the visitors' custodian being a barrier against success. So far the play had been of a somewhat one-sided nature, the Eglinton lads showing little attack and on that account the home custodian got little to do compared with his confrere at the other end. The Rovers had the best of matters up to half-time but for lack of courage and gameness at goal, they could not force another opening and the teams cried quits with each other at the interval. Judging from the play evinced by the Eglinton lads among whom there were several who belonged to the 'light brigade', the chances were that the Rovers would yet come out on top but the play of the latter in the first half was not a whit better than in the first. The homesters, no doubt, had a monopoly on the game but they have yet to learn how to take a goal. However, success ultimately came there way and it was now felt that the homesters were on the road to victory. Eglinton had made comparatively little headway up to this juncture though once or twice they did get dangerously near and in the subsequent few minutes, they again got in on the home lines, finishing up equalising matters much to the surprise of the Rovers' friends. Eglinton may not have had the best of the play but this at least, can be said in their favour - they were much smarter in scoring when they got within range than the Rovers were though Welsh's goalkeeping was certainly not the best. Time was drawing to a close and with the teams level, it was a question how the game would end. The Rovers still continued to be to the more aggressive party but picking up courage, the Eglinton lads broke away repeatedly to the other end only to be sent back empty-handed. During a bit of pressure on the part of the homesters, a penalty kick was awarded them and from this, McMurray put the Rovers again in the ascendant but Eglinton had not shot their bolt. They at length broke away and hardly ever halted until they had Welsh beaten a third time which was cleverly executed. The game had now reached the last few minutes of time and a draw was evident and so it ended though on the day's play, Rovers should have won it with a few clear goals. Tomorrow (21 September 1901), the Rovers will be engaged in cup interests with Dalry Athletic and there is a likelihood of some new faces being seen in the ranks. On last Saturday's form, several of the Rovers need a rest. Brakes will leave Templars' Hall (shown below as the Gospel Hall in 2002) at two o'clock. The return fare is one shilling.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
Owing to Ayrshire Juvenile Cup-ties having to be played on Saturday first (21 September 1901), the North Ayrshire league fixtures for this date will have to be postponed. The fixtures were Dalry Athletic v Warner XI; Winton Rovers v Ardeer Thistle; Auchenharvie v Kilwinning Rangers; West Kilbride Amateurs v Ardrossan Celtic and Irvine Saint Andrew's v Eglinton Thistle. The ties, we understand, will be played off on the following Saturday, 28 September. The West Kilbride Amateurs, having withdrawn from this competition, Irvine Saint Andrew's were without a league match last Saturday (14 September 1901). As the league now consists of nine clubs, this means that one of these will have to stand down and as it will be seen that Ardrossan Celtic meet the Amateurs at West Kilbride next week, the former will have to arrange for another match owing to the latter's withdrawal. Seeing that a number of the North Ayrshire teams are doing their best to build up capable elevens, we think the Association should consider at their next meeting the propriety of allowing players to play, say, two games with one club and thereafter be eligible to play for a second club when eligibility shall cease.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901

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 September 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
2
2
0
0
14
  0
4
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
2
2
0
0
  8
  2
4
 
Dalry Athletic
 
3
2
1
0
11
12
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
1
1
0
0
  3
  0
2
 
Warner XI
 
2
1
1
0
  2
  8
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
2
0
1
1
  4
  7
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
1
0
0
1
  3
  3
1
 
Auchenharvie XI
 
2
0
2
0
  5
  9
0
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
2
0
2
0
  6
  8
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
0
  0
  7
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
Owing to the game between Kilwinning Rangers and Eglinton Thistle played last Thursday night week (12 September 1901) being stopped twenty minutes from time, the result is not included in the above table.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TEAM FOR DALRY
Winton Rovers, Ardrossan go to Dalry tomorrow (21 September 1901). The team is McMurtrie; McMurray and Kerr; Tait, Fullarton and Findlay; Harris and Gillies, Reid, Templeton and Hattie.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION
Tomorrow Saturday (21 September 1901), Ayrshire Juvenile clubs will be in full swing, the occasion being the first round of the Juvenile Cup competition. The ties are as undernoted.
   Dalry Athletic v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
   Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Dusk
   Largs Neva v Ardrossan Celtic
   Bartonholm Britannia v Kilwinning Rangers
   Eglinton Thistle v Auchenharvie XI
   Springside v Longbar Rangers
   Vale of Garnock v Irvine Saint Andrew's
   Troon Portland v Warner XI
   Hurlford Rovers v Vale of Irvine
   Stewarton Victoria v Riccarton Thistle
   Kilmarnock Portland v Dunlop
   Carmel Lads v Hurlford Thistle
   Galston Blueball v Darvel Thistle
   Ladyton Star v Hazlebank
   Woodside Victoria v Common Thistle
   Mauchline Greenlea v Burnton Lads
   Cumnock Thistle v Maybole West End
   Cumnock Celtic v Auchenharvie Primrose
From the above list, it will be noticed that all the North Ayrshire league clubs are concerned in this competition and we expect the majority of these clubs on the right side of the fence in tomorrow's engagements.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
According to the original fixtures, Ardeer Thistle and Winton Rovers were down to play at Ardrossan but as Celtic and Saint Andrew's will contend for the points at North Crescent Park, the above match will take place at Wandhouse Field instead. The league fixtures for tomorrow (28 September 1901) will then be as under, games to be played on the grounds of the first-named clubs.
   Ardeer Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers
   Ardrossan Celtic v Irvine Saint Andrew's
A meeting of the league will be held tonight, Friday (27 September 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901
This is an extract from a longer report.

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 September 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
2
2
0
0
14
  0
4
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
2
2
0
0
  8
  2
4
 
Dalry Athletic
 
3
2
1
0
11
12
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
1
1
0
0
  3
  0
2
 
Warner XI
 
2
1
1
0
  2
  8
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
2
0
1
1
  4
  7
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
1
0
0
1
  3
  3
1
 
Auchenharvie XI
 
2
0
2
0
  5
  9
0
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
2
0
2
0
  6
  8
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
0
  0
  7
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901
Because no league games were played on 21 September 1901, the league table is the same as the previous week's.

DALRY ATHLETIC 4 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
The luck of the ballot sent the Rovers to Dalry where they opposed the Ayrshire Juvenile champions in the initial round of the Juvenile Cup competition (on 21 September 1901). Both teams were well represented, the Rovers' eleven including two or three new faces and each was worthy of his place in the team. In this engagement, the Rovers hoped to redeem themselves in the eyes of their supporters but once more they failed to come out on top, the Athletic securing the verdict by four goals to two. Considering that the Rovers had to play the greater part of the game with but ten men - Anderson being unfortunately hurt in this period - the result is not so bad at all and especially when one of the four goals credited to Dalry was a present from the referee. In awarding the goal to the homesters, the referee was entirely wrong in his decision as the ball was sent outside the post but this award was only one of other errors committed during the game. We have seen a few referees in our day but the one appointed by the association to take charge of the game in question was really a 'daisy'. Taken all through, the Rovers acquitted themselves well and we feel sure this statement will be corroborated by the Dalry lads who had a much harder run for honours than they had bargained upon. The Rovers, in a word, left a good impression behind them and should the protest they have lodged be substantiated, the replay will be specially interesting to the followers of each club. On Saturday first (28 September 1901), the Rovers will have a hard nut to crack having to oppose one of the best juvenile combinations in the shire, Ardeer Thistle, in a North Ayrshire league fixture at Wandhouse, Stevenston. We trust the Rovers will give a good account of themselves against 'Harry's' Colts.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901

LARGS NEVA 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4
Nothing succeeds like success and for the past few weeks, this good old maxim has been proved to the letter in the case of the Ardrossan Celtic lads. Finished over the late league victories, the Celts journey to Largs last Saturday (21 September 1901) and met the Neva of that favourite watering resort in the first round of the Ayrshire Juvenile Cup ties. The Celts had again one or two changes in their eleven and it must be said they came out of their engagement with credit, defeating the Neva boys by four goals to one. We congratulate the Celtic representatives on their success and express the hope that Dame Fortune will not forsake them when the second round of the ties comes up for settlement. Tomorrow (28 September 1901), the Celts will find employment in North Ayrshire league interests on their own pitch near the sea. Irvine Saint Andrew's will be the visitors and the Celts hope to annexe the coveted points.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE CUP
The first round of the ties in this competition took place last Saturday (21 September 1901) under excellent weather auspices and the following are the results of some of the ties which have come to hand.
   Ardrossan Celtic 4 - Largs Neva 1
   Vale of Garnock 5 - Irvine Saint Andrew's 1
   Ardeer Thistle 4- Vale of Dusk 1
   Kilwinning Rangers 5 - Bartonholm Britannia 1
   Dalry Athletic 4 -Ardrossan Winton Rovers 2
   Eglinton Thistle 4 - Auchenharvie XI 4
   Hurlford Rovers 2 - Vale of Irvine 2
It will be noticed that the two last-named ties have ended in a draw and a replay is therefore rendered necessary in each case. Auchenharvie and Vale of Irvine have thus improved their chances as the ties now fall to be played on their grounds. The same may also be said with regard to the Warner XI who cried quits with their opponents, Troon Portland. We understand Ardrossan Winton Rovers have lodged a protest in connection with their tie with Dalry Athletic on the ground that the latter's pitch was not properly marked off. With reference to this tie, it might also be mentioned that both teams had good reasons to lodge complaints against the referee who had charge of the game. It is to be hoped the association will in future appoint men better able to referee a cup-tie than the one seen a Dalry last Saturday. We have received a few notes on several of the Juvenile Cup ties and these we give below under their respective headings.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 3 - STEVENSTON SEAMORE 2
The attraction at Winton Park last Saturday (21 September 1901) took the form of a friendly match between the Rovers A team and Stevenston Seamore. The game terminated in favour of the Rovers by three goals to two.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 1
The Ardrossan Celtic found employment in league interests at North Crescent Park on Saturday (29 September 1901) and succeeding in adding two points to their record at the expense of Irvine Saint Andrew's. The result was a close one and the Celts must admit they never were nearer losing one of the two points than on this occasion. The Irvine lads won the choice of ends and agreed to face a strong wind in the first half. With the element in their favour, the Celts after kick-off were early in the vicinity of the visitors' stronghold and a shot from the left collided with the Irvine goal. This was a narrow shave to begin with but the Celts held at it and on a shot being propelled by their right-half, the visitors' custodian failed to hold the sphere which struck the bar underneath and went through. This was an auspicious start for the Celts as little more than a minute of the game had gone. The locals continued to have the best of matters for a little but in a short time, the Irvine lads began to have a say in the game and a shot at the home goal led many to believe that the game was not to be as one-sided as it at first appeared. In the course of hostilities, the visitors played up gamely against the breeze and were frequently dangerous when attacking while the Celts had also occasional look-ins. Looking at the play of the respective sides, the Irvine lads, considering the breeze they had to contend against, were showing the better work and the Celts, though one goal up, had evidently found their match. After thirty minutes play, the Irvine lads started a fine run and never halted until they equalised matters, a point which they well deserved. The remaining minutes of the game passed off without further scoring and the teams cried quits with one goal each at the interval. With the breeze favouring them, it was fully expected Saint Andrew's would make things hum in the second period but their play fell off considerably leading one to infer that the first half had done its work. The Celts on the other hand, played a strong game and monopolised the play to the finish. Attack followed attack for the first quarter of an hour and the Celts experienced hard lines in not supplementing their total. At this stage, Irvine made their first real attack this half but they threw away a nice opportunity to take the lead. The Celts drove their opponents to their own end and continued to outplay them but the visitors' custodian was seemingly not to be beaten again and as time advanced, a draw seemed evident. The play of the Irvine forwards showed no improvement and they had their goalkeeper and their defensive sections to thank for keeping the scoring down. The Celts made persistent efforts to pull of the game and this they were successful in doing at the last minute of time. Irvine may have thought themselves unfortunate to lose the game at the time they did but on the play shown by the Celts during the second stage, the visitors had good reason to consider themselves lucky in getting off with a two to one defeat. Tomorrow (5 October 1901), the Celts will again find employment in league interests but must act the part of visitors on this occasion. Their opponents will be the Stevenston Warner XI.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901

ARDEER THISTLE 4 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0
Dame Fortune, we regret to say, still refuses to smile on the efforts of the Rovers and another league falls to be chronicled against them. They were the victims of Ardeer Thistle (on 29 September 1901), though not to the extent of four goals to nil as one of the four was nothing more nor less than a present from the referee, the ball being sent outside the post. To be beaten then by practically only three goals is not so great as was at first anticipated but we are prone to believe that Ardeer, one of the best juvenile combinations in the shire, had it a bit stiffer than they perhaps bargained for. If the play of Ardeer was value for the score stated above, they will surely forgive us when we say that the play of the Rovers also deserved some success and this fact of itself should encourage the Winton lads in their future engagements. We express the hope that the day is not far distant when the Rovers will rise to a league occasion and so keep pace thereafter with their near and dear brethren who chase the leather at North Crescent Park. On Saturday first (5 October 1901), the Rovers will have Auchenharvie XI as their guests at Winton Park and as this is the only league match in town, we hope to see a good crowd of onlookers present.
A second report on the match is given below.
The first league game between Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Winton Rovers took place at Wandhouse Field on Saturday last (29 September 1901). There was a large turnout of spectators, a goodly number of whom accompanied the Rovers. Both teams were strongly represented. In the first half, Ardeer had the best of the play and at the interval led by two goals to nothing. In the second half, the Rovers played much better but could not score whereas the Thistle added another two goals to their credit and won by four to nil. The third goal was undoubtedly a mistake on the part of the referee as the ball grazed the outside of the post. Still, the Rovers were a beaten team before this and it was foolish for their supporters to rush on to the field and clamour for no goal. 'Chums' met in the first half when Harris's foot came into contact with Frew's head and in the second half when the reverse was the order. No damage was done, however. In the Rovers' team, the outstanding player was Barr in goal who played a great game and could not be blamed for any of the goals scored against him. McMurray and Kerr also played well at back. The visitors had three good tacklers at half-back in Tait, Fullerton and Findlay but we consider they bang the ball too much to give their forwards a proper chance. The forwards were disappointing but perhaps this was due to the strong kicking of the half-backs. Ardeer played their usual game in the first half but in the second portion of the game, they seemed to take things much easier.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901

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 September 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
3
3
0
0
18
  0
6
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
3
3
0
0
10
  3
6
 
Dalry Athletic
 
3
2
1
0
11
12
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
1
1
0
0
  3
  0
2
 
Warner XI
 
2
1
1
0
  2
  8
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
3
0
2
1
  4
11
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
1
0
0
1
  3
  3
1
 
Auchenharvie XI
 
2
0
2
0
  5
  9
0
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
3
0
3
0
  7
10
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
0
  0
  7
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE ASSOCIATION MEETING
Tomorrow, Saturday (5 October 1901), a meeting of the Ayrshire Juvenile Association will be held at Kilmarnock when the next round of ties will be drawn. Among other matters to be brought before the meeting is the Winton Rovers' protest against Dalry Athletic not having their ground properly marked at the recent cup-tie.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE MEETING
On Friday evening last (28 September 1901), a meeting of this association was held in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats under the presidency of Mr Paterson, Kilwinning Rangers. With the exception of Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle and Irvine Saint Andrew's, all the other clubs were represented. A protest by Auchenharvie against F Haggerty of Celtic was withdrawn, no proof being forthcoming. T McLaughlin, Celtic, and T Anderson, Winton Rovers, were suspended for fighting, the former for a month and the latter for a fortnight. In the course of the evening, the secretary, Mr Leckie, intimated that Major-General Sir Archibald Hunter (shown right in about 1898), Dr Fulton, Stevenston and Mr Reid, Saltcoats had consented to become honorary patrons of the Association. We have since been authoritivey informed tht the secretary of the League had received the sum of 10/- from Mr George Sinclair, Stevsenston who has also agreed to become an honorary patron of the Associatiion. The following matches were arranged to be played on Saturday first (5 October 1901).
   Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Auchenharvie
   Dalry Athletic v Ardeer Thistle
   Warner XI v Ardrossan Celtic
   Kilwinning Rangers v Irvine Saint Andrew's
All games are to be played on the grounds of the first-named clubs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901
T McLaughlin, Celtic, and T Anderson, Winton Rovers who were suspended for fighting were probably the players referred to in these sentences from the report on the Winton Rovers v Celtic match of 31 August 1901. 'There was a wretched display of the 'noble art' between two of the players and the crowd broke in and then occurred a series of rough and tumble encounters. The players were ordered from the field.'.
This is an extract from a longer report.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY AUCHENHARVIE XI
At Winton Park tomorrow (5 October 1901), under league auspices, Ardrossan Winton Rovers will try conclusions with Auchenharvie XI of Stevenston commencing at 3.15 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 4 October 1901

WINTON ROVERS SUPPORTER SAYS COMMITTEE TOO LARGE
Four league matches were arranged to take place last Saturday (5 October 1901) but only three of these were played. The three league games were fought and won and contrary to expectations, Auchenharvie XI captured their first two points at the expense of Winton Rovers. The Rovers have been somewhat unfortunate in several of their league engagements at home and some of their supporters are inclined to believe that little improvement can be expected so long as the players are shunted and changed week after week. We are in receipt of a letter from one who signs himself 'A Supporter' of the Rovers and who wishes to draw attention to the management of the club. He says: I myself and a few more earnest supporters say, as we have before, there are far too many on the committee. I don't think it requires thirteen to select a team. Five of a committee would be quite sufficient. No wonder the team has been beaten so often this season. We cannot expect them to win if the committee is to continue shifting players about as they like but there are a few in committee who would be better out of it as they know absolutely nothing about football. As an earnest supporter of the club, I would like to see the following team represent the Rovers every Saturday for some time - Welsh; McMurray, Kerr; Tait, Fullerton, Findlay; Harris, Gillies, Reid, Templeton and Hattie. Try and keep them playing together and there will be no fear of them.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901
The letter confirms that the Winton Rovers team was chosed by a committee rather than a manager.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 - AUCHENHARVIE XI 5
When the Winton Rovers are likely to rise to a winning eleven, it is hard to say. Week after week, they have been unluckily bowled over and on Saturday (5 October 1901), they again tasted the bitters of adversity at the hand of Auchenharvie XI. The occasion was a North Ayrshire League match too and a couple of points have once more been forfeited by the locals. When this run of ill-luck is going to stop, goodness knows but one thing at least is certain - the Rovers' friends are getting pretty well tired witnessing defeat after defeat. The ground on Saturday, owing to heavy rains, was in on the greasy side and in the first period of the game, Auchenharvie playing with the wind in their favour had the best of matters for a time, scoring the initial goal of the match in the first quarter of an hour. The Rovers who had previously made headway against the element once more encroached on the visitors' territory and ultimately succeeded in equalising matters, a point which the Auchenharvie lads seemed to dispute but which the referee had no hesitation in granting. In the subsequent play, the Rovers made repeated encroachments on their opponents' stronghold though the current did not run best with the Auchenharvie lads. Nothing further was done in the scoring line, however, till the last quarter of an hour had been entered upon during which the visitors placed two more goals to their credit and the homesters were two goals were two goals in arrears when the 'breather' was announced. With the breeze favouring them, it was now expected that the Rovers would make more than the leeway they had lost and for fully ten minutes, Auchenharvie had their hands full. Once the homesters left-wing seemed to score with a fast shot but the point was disallowed. Auchenharvie had made little or no way up to this stage but subsequently they did, causing the home custodian to look to his colours. For a short time, play remained open with an attack now and again on the part of the ground lads but no opening could be found by them. Again, the visitors got over the meridian and as their centre-forward made tracks for Barr, the home keeper, the latter rushed out and averted disaster but in colliding with his opponent, Barr unfortunately seriously injured himself. Barr retired from the field while play was proceeding and Kerr, his back, dropped into goal. At this point, Auchenharvie had returned to the attack and Kerr used his hands in negotiating a try. The referee at once awarded Auchenharvie a penalty kick from which McKechan notched goal number four for his side. This was indeed hard on the Rovers and especially under the circumstances which reduced their team to ten players but no notice was given to the referee of the change that had just been made. With ten players, the Rovers however held more than their own to the finish and in the last six minutes of time, they certainly put on a different complexion on the game by registering a couple of goals in some three minutes. There was still time for them to draw the game but just when it was hoped this would be the result, Auchenharvie broke away and never halted on their mission till Faulds put the fifth point between the home uprights. The game thus ended in favour of Auchenharvie by five goals to three.
A comment on the match is given below.
The goal which the referee awarded the Winton Rovers in the first half of the game with Auchenharvie, it was believed by some, went past the wrong side of the post. Several of the Auchenharvie team held the same opinion.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901
The referee was unaware of a change of goalkeeper. This suggests that the goalkeeper wore the same strip as his team-mates. In the photograph of Ardrossan Celtic above, all eleven players are wearing the same strip, making it difficult to identify the goalkeeper.

WARNER XI 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 4
That the Celts quite enamoured their supporters on Saturday (5 October 1901) may be taken for granted and the victory they achieved against the Warner XI at Stevenston has raised them higher in the estimation of their followers and two points better in the league competition. The game throughout was of a brisk order but when the climax was reached, the Celts were in the ascendant by four goals to one. The success that has attended the Celts in their league matches has surprised some of the clubs who engaged them and it is quite possible a few more surprises are to come. So far, they have not lost a single league match. Four of these have been played and won and, as a consequence, the Celts hold the premier position at present in the race for the championship. How long this is to continue, we are not prepared to success an opinion but the successes achieved by Celtic should at least stimulate them in their future engagements, league or otherwise. On Saturday first (12 October 1901), we expect to see the Celtic boys tested as they have never been before this season and should they come out of their league tussle with Kilwinning Rangers at North Crescent Park, another surprise will be created.
A comment on the match is given below.
In winning the full compliment of points at Warner Park, the Ardrossan Celtic lads have still an unbroken league record. Which of the eight league clubs is to the be first to break the spell? Echo answers - Which?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901

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 October 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
4
4
0
0
14
  4
8
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
4
4
0
0
23
  4
8
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
1
1
0
0
  3
  0
2
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
3
1
2
0
10
12
2
 
Warner XI
 
3
1
2
0
  3
12
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
4
0
3
1
  7
16
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
1
0
0
1
  3
  3
1
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
3
0
3
0
  7
10
0
 
West Kilbride Amateurs
 
1
0
1
0
  0
  7
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901

LADY OF WINTON PARK PREDICTS A WIN
The 'Lady Of Winton Park' has predicted a win for the Rovers tomorrow, Saturday (12 October 1901). Springside will be the visitors.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
A meeting of the above was held in the Royal Hotel, Kilmarnock on Saturday last (4 October 1901), President Leckie of Ardeer Thistle presiding. A protest was read from Winton Rovers against Dalry Athletic being awarded the tie on account of the latter's ground not being properly marked. After hearing evidence from both parties, the tie was ordered to be replayed at Dalry on Saturday first (18 October 1901). The referee was severely admonished by the chairman for stating that there was no encroachment and on being asked again, remarked that if there was, it was by Ardrossan spectators. The draw with referees in the second round of the Cup competition resulted as follows.
   Irvine District
   Troon Portland or Warner XI v Dalry Athletic or Winton Rovers - referee Mr McBeth
   Kilwinning Rangers v Auchenharvie XI or Eglinton Thistle - referee Mr Adams
   Longbar Rangers v Ardrossan Celtic - referee Mr Henderson
   Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Garnock - referee Mr Aitken
Irvine Thistle get a bye. The ties are to be played on 19 October on the grounds of the first-named club.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901
This is an extract from a longer report.

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
A meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile Association will be held tonight, Friday (11 October 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901

IRVINE AND DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
A meeting of this Association was held last Friday night (4 October 1901) in The Coffee House, Irvine. The principal business was the playing of the final tie between Ardeer Thistle and Cronberry. Two grounds were proposed, namely, Warner Park, Stevenston and Mauchline. On a vote being taken, Warner Park was selected. It was agreed to offer Stevenston Thistle £1 for the use of their field on Saturday 26 October. A wish was expressed by the Association that the North Ayrshire Football League would have no fixtures on that date.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - KILWINNING RANGERS 1
The attraction at North Crescent Park last Saturday (12 October 1901) - Kilwinning Rangers v Celtic - was perhaps the most interest league event in which the members of the latter club have as yet been engaged and the general public opinion was that the Buffs, as they are commonly termed, would be the first to break Celtic's league record. The result of the game, however, turned out much better for the Celtic lads than was at first anticipated and the fact that it culminated in a draw says something in favour of the Celts when one takes into consideration the name their opponents hold in the juvenile football world. A strong wind prevailed when hostilities began and winning the choice of ends, the Celts took advantage of the element in the first half, a decision which enabled them to have a better share of the game than they perhaps otherwise would have had. The homesters, however, were not allowed to monopolise the play as the Rangers, by clever and better combining tactics than the ground lads, repeatedly got in the vicinity of the home citadel. The Celts played pluckily if not pretty football and by strong kicking were frequently in front of the Buffs' stronghold which was ably guarded while at one point, Brannan at half-back essayed a long-range shot which went neatly into McGavin's hands. The Rangers now and again were breaking away in good style but nothing occurred until about thirty minutes had elapsed when a penalty kick was awarded the Rangers but this the Celtic custodian, in the person of Steed, negotiated safely. The Rangers were not to be denied, however, and in a short time, they succeeding in registering the initial goal of the match. Celts again brought the sphere into the visitors' territory and a corner was subsequently forced which was well placed and out of which a penalty was awarded to Celtic - a decision which the Rangers seemed to object against. The kick was at length taken but the opportunity passed away pointless. Half-time was drawing near but ere it was signalled a high shot was propelled underneath the bar out of McGavin's reach and at the interval the teams stood level with one goal each. With the change of ends, it was now fully expected that the Rangers would win the game in a canter, the breeze having modified somewhat but the result of hostilities in this half turned out otherwise. The Celtic defence had their hands full though now and again their forwards broke away to the opposite end in spirited fashion which helped to relieve matters but on these occasions, they were invariably pulled up before becoming dangerous. It is unnecessary to enter into details - suffice it is to say the Rangers monopolised the play in this half - and now and again the home goal underwent some narrow shaves but the Celtic defenders stood nobly to their posts and baffled the best attempts of the invaders. Steed and company served their side well this half and but for them the Celtic colours would doubtless have been lowered more than once. The second period passed off without either team scoring and a draw of one goal each was the result of an interesting 'fite'. On the day's play, however, the Rangers were the better team but we, nevertheless, complement the Celtic in dividing the coveted points. Tomorrow (19 October 1901), the Celts will find employment in Ayrshire Juvenile Cup interests and it goes without saying that they will have to put their best foot forward on this occasion. Their opponents will be the Longbar Rangers, a team of good parts, but all the same we wish the Celtic lads every success in their mission of warfare at Longbar.
A second report on the match is given below.
Writing on the Kilwinning Rangers v Ardrossan Celtic league game, a Rangers supporter says:
The Rangers lost the toss and had to face the sun and wind. A little late, Lundie set the ball in motion but the visitors could not make much headway, the wind spoiling all their efforts. The Celtic put on the pressure and it was only the grand defence of the Rangers that kept them from scoring. The Kilwinning lads were also having an occasional breakaway but nothing satisfactory resulted. At this stage, the referee was spoiling the game by penalising players when it was unnecessary, both teams playing a very fair game. He did not appear to know much about the game and if he is a sample of a league referee, the sooner they sell them the better it will be for the league. Should he ever be appointed to referee a match in which the Rangers are concerned, they will protest against him. The Rangers next had a good run up the field and when in close proximity to the Celtic goal, the referee awarded a penalty kick against the homesters. Nobody appeared to know what was the infringement. Kerr took the kick but the goalkeeper got the ball away clear. Celtic came away after this and were unlucky in not scoring, the ball rebounding off Kerr into McGavin's hands who cleared his trust. The referee, however, awarded the home team a penalty kick. At this point, the referee ordered one of the Kilwinning players off the field for striking him but afterwards allowed him to remain and finish the game remarking that he had been rather hasty in his decision. On the Celtic taking the kick, the ball struck the post and rebounded into play and Kerr cleared. Watt on the left and had a good run up the field and crossing at the right moment, Lynch opened the scoring. From the kick-off, the Celtic broke away and one of their half-backs sent in a splendid shot which went under the bar and beat McGavin. Shortly afterwards, half-time was sounded with the teams on a level footing, one goal each. On the resumption, the Rangers, with the aid of the breeze thought they had the game all their own way but they soon found out their mistake as the Celtic responded gamely to the shouts of their supporters and kept the Buffs from scoring. The feature of this half was the clever display of the Celtic goalkeeper who, time after time, cleared his lines and sent the visitors back empty-handed. The referee now seemed to have lost control of the game and simply standing in the centre of the field, he allowed the players to kick and hack each other without ever granting a foul. At this point of the game, Bannerman charged Knox and they both fell over the goal-line. As the Kilwinning player was rising, he was kicked by one of the spectators. There was not much manliness in this and the Celtic can very well do without a supporter of that kind. Towards the finish, the Rangers made a gallant attempt to win the game but it was not to be and a well-contested game ended in a draw of one goal each. The Rangers give the Celtic credit for the game they played and don't blame them for the bad temper introduced to the game. The fault lay with the referee as he was not qualified to take charge of a game of marbles, let alone a game of football.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4 - SPRINGSIDE 1
The Winton Rovers were without a league fixture last Saturday (12 October 1901) and they had a Springside juvenile team as their guests and opponents at Winton Park in a friendly encounter. Shortly after time, Reid kicked off for the Rovers and the forwards immediately made tracks for their opponents' goal but they were met by a good defence and play was transferred to the opposite end. Favoured with a light breeze, the Springside lads did most of the pressing at first and several times hovered dangerously near the Rovers' stronghold. They were gradually forced back, however, and a good run by the homesters right wing, Gillies and Hattie, almost brought success to their side. Both teams were playing a good game and play was of a give-and-take nature during the most part of the first half. Each goal was in turn assailed but neither side could find an opening and half-time was reached with the teams on an equal footing, no goals having been scored. Previous to this, Kerr had to retire owing to a slight injury which left the Rovers with ten men but he reappeared after the interval. The second half commenced briskly for the Rovers who, with the wind in their favour, practically hemmed in their opponents and after several good tries at goal, the outside-left ultimately succeeded in scoring the first goal of the game. Thus encouraged, the Rovers again assumed the offensive and an exciting scrimmage in front of the Springside goal resulted in a second point being registered, Hattie again being responsible. From the kick-off, the Springside lads made a determined effort to break through the home defence but the Winton half-backs were invincible and again the sphere was carried into Springside territory. Shortly after this, Hattie again beat the Springside custodian with a good shot, the 'long 'un' having no chance to save and thus goal number three was added to the Rovers' total. The Springside forwards at length managed to break away and getting on the vicinity of the Winton goal a hard shot found its way between the posts. McMurtrie made a good attempts to save but the ball slipped through his hands and the score now stood at three to one in favour of the home team. The Rovers again put on the pressure and a fourth goal fell to their lot, Reid being instrumental in scoring this point. The game continued of a one-sided nature until the finish and ended in a win for the Rovers by four goals to one.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE LEAGUE
A meeting of the North Ayrshire Juvenile League was held in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats last Friday evening (11 October 1901). With the exception of Irvine Saint Andrew's, all the clubs were represented. There was no business of importance. Ardrossan Celtic have still an unbroken league record while the Kilwinning Buffs were very near winning it last Saturday (12 October 1901). The consensus of opinion was that the Buffs would win the match but 'it didn't come off' thanks to the plucky defence offered by the Celts. Ardeer Thistle are the Celts' closest attendants and the former are expected to take up the running for league honours at an early date. What say the Celts to this? Six of the nine North Ayrshire juvenile clubs will be engaged in Ayrshire Junior Cup interests on Saturday (19 October 1901), namely Ardrossan Celtic, Winton Rovers, Ardeer Thistle, Auchenharvie XI, Kilwinning Rangers and Dalry Athletic. Of the three remaining clubs, Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle, Irvine Saint Andrew's and Warner XI, we understand Warner XI and Eglinton Thistle will play a league match tomorrow (19 October 1901). The secretary of the North Ayrshire League, Mr Leckie, acknowledges with thanks receipt of ten shillings from Mr William Guthrie, Ardrossan. Mr Guthrie has also agreed to become an honorary patron of the League. The 'Lady of Winton Park' was quite right in predicting a win for the Winton Rovers last Saturday but the Rovers would no doubt been better pleased had a couple of 'pints' been placed to their league register by the victory they scored. 'Twas only a friendly.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

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 (12 October 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
5
4
0
1
15
  5
9
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
4
4
0
0
24
  4
8
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
2
1
0
1
  4
  1
3
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
3
1
2
0
10
12
2
 
Warner XI
 
3
1
2
0
  3
12
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
4
0
3
1
  7
16
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
1
0
0
1
  3
  3
1
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
4
0
4
0
  7
18
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
West Kilbride Amateurs having withdrawn from the League after playing one match with Ardeer Thistle, we have taken their name from the above table and have also deducted the necessary figures from the Ardeer Club's register. The table now shows the exact position of the respective clubs.
           
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The second round of the Ayrshire Juvenile Cup ties falls to be played tomorrow, Saturday (19 October 1901) and some interesting games are expected. The ties are as follows:
   Kilwinning Rangers v Auchenharvie XI
   Longbar Rangers v Ardrossan Celtic
   Ardeer Thistle v Vale of Garnock
   Common Thistle v Maybole West End
   Auchinleck Primrose v Burnton Lads
   Galston Ladyton Star v Kilmarnock Portland
   Hurlford Thistle v Vale of Irvine
   Galston Bluebell v Stewarton Victoria
In the first round of this competition, Warner XI and Troon Portland played off their undecided cup-tie at Irvine last Saturday (12 October 1901) and victory rested in favour of the former by three goals to two. The Warner XI now meet the winner of the protested tie between Dalry Athletic and Winton Rovers in the second round. The protested tie, which was postponed last Saturday (12 October 1901) on account of an Ayrshire Junior Cup tie at Dalry, will be played tomorrow (19 October 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

IRVINE AND DISTRICT JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The annual general meeting of the Irvine and District Juvenile Football Association was held in the Coffee House, Irvine last Saturday evening (12 October 1901). The election of office bearers resulted as follows: president - Mr Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic; Mr Price - Ardrossan Winton Rovers; treasurer - Mr Paterson, Kilwinning Rangers and secretary - Mr Sam Duff, 13 Fullarton Street, Irvine (neutral). It was agreed that last year's final for the cup between Ardeer Thistle and Cronberry Eglinton be played at Kilwinning on the ground of Kilwinning Rangers on Saturday 26 October. Mr R Paterson, Kilwinning Rangers will act as referee and Mr Craig, Dalry Athletic and Mr McCaig, Irvine Thistle will be the respective linesmen.
The draw in the first round for the competition resulted as follows
   Kilmarnock District
      Kilmarnock Academicals v Hurlford Rovers
      Hurlford Thistle v Darvel Thistle
      Dunlop v Kilmarnock Hazelbank
      Galston Ladyton Star v Carmel Lads
      Stewarton XI v Galston Bluebell
   Irvine District
      Vale of Garnock Strollers v Auchenharvie XI
      Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers
      Irvine Saint Andrew's v Beith Caledonia
      Troon Portland v Dalry Athletic
      Springside v Vale of Dusk
      Longbar Rangers v Largs Neva
      Ardrossan Celtic v Ardeer Thistle
      Bartonholm Britannia v Irvine Thistle
   Cumnock District
      Darnconner v Cumnock Thistle
   Auchinleck v Burnton Lads
Dates of ties are left until 26 October when entries close.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC TEAM
The Ardrossan Celtic team for Saturday (19 October 1901) is Steed; Haggerty, McKiernan; MacIntyre, Brannan, Keenan; (James) Hunter, Knox, Taylor, Wilson and Maxwell. That team drew with the Buffs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 18 October 1901
In Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald reports, William's Steed's surname was repeatedly spelt Stead but his birth, marriage and death certificates have the spelling Steed.

DALRY ATHLETIC 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1
On Saturday last (19 October 1901), the Winton Rovers again tasted the bitters of adversity when they journeyed to Dalry and played off their protested Ayrshire cup-tie with Dalry, the present holders of the trophy. The Dalry ground was in a deplorable state, the result of heavy rain which had preceded the match and it was with difficulty that spectators, let alone players, could keep their feet. Prompt to time, the teams lined and Reid set the ball a-going for the Rovers who at the outset assumed the aggressive but were soon repulsed by the home defence. The Dalry forwards gradually reached the Rovers' end and on more than one occasion, it was only by good defensive play on the part of the Winton back division combined with Welsh's alertness that saved the situation. Play was by no means one-sided as both goal keepers got their share of work to do. After about half an hour's hard if not pretty football, the Rovers were successful in opening the scoring department, a fine individual effort by Reid culminating in the downfall of the Dalry citadel. The homesters made determined efforts to equalise but the interval was reached with the Rovers leading by one goal. It should be stated here that twenty minutes from the start of the game, Kerr was unfortunate in twisting his knee which necessitated his retiral from the field and the Wintonians had to play with ten men during the remainder of the game. On play being resumed after the interval, Dalry at once attacked the Rovers' stronghold and ere many minutes play had gone, they succeeded in scoring the equalising goal. From the kick-off, they again took up the running and shortly afterwards, goal number two fell to their lot. Several times the Rovers carried the sphere into Dalry territory and with a little luck, they might have managed to equalise matters. Dalry continued to play a winning game until the finish and added three more goals to their total before the whistle sounded time. Dalry certainly won on their merits although throughout the game, science was conspicuous by its absence for which the slippery ground, no doubt, more than anything else, was responsible. Nevertheless, we are inclined to think the difference in the score would not have been so great had the Rovers not been handicapped by the loss of Kerr from the back division. The Winton lads have been rather unfortunate in one way or another this season as on each of the three occasion of the three occasions they have played Dalry, the have finished with ten men. The Rovers will have and 'at home' tomorrow (26 October 1901) when they play Irvine Saint Andrew's in a league fixture. As this is the only league game in town, a good attendance is looked for. The kick-off is at 3.30 pm. Now, Light Blues, make an effort to capture the points at stake. The Rovers' A team had Irvine Victoria as their opponents at Winton Park last Saturday (19 October 1901) and after a one-sided game, the young Wintonians came out winners by seven goals to two.
A comment on the match is given below.
The protested tie between Dalry Athletic and Ardrossan Winton Rovers having culminated in the defeat of the latter, Dalry Athletic will meet the Warner XI at Stevenston in the second round of the cup competition. Previous to the start of the game between Dalry Athletic and Winton Rovers, we understand the former club lodged a protest against the Association ordering the tie to he afraid. We are afraid such a protest will be thrown out.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1901

LONGBAR RANGERS 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
In the second round of the Ayrshire Juvenile Cup competition, Longbar Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic met at Whitestanes Field, Longbar on Saturday (19 October 1901) before a good crowd of spectators. The weather was showery and the ground very soft. J Crossan kicked off for the Rangers but the visitors quickly returned and made tracks for Steel, the ball going over the line. (James) Hunter and Knox for the Celtic next gave the home defence some trouble but Davidson at length relieved and sending the ball right down the field, McGinley got round McIntyre, slipped the ball to J Crossan who in turn passed to Darroch but that player mulled a good chance. Another item of interest was afforded by Knox of the Celtic who, with a long drive, gave Steel a fright but the ball went skimming over the bar. Darroch next had a try at the other end but Steed had no difficulty in clearing and Taylor followed up with a sprint till Davies cleverly nicked the ball from the visitors' toe. Brannan then tried a long shot and Hunter seconded the effort but he was pulled up for offside and from the free kick, the brothers Crossan endangered the Celtic goal. A strong drive by Hynd winded Haggarty and play was suspended for a few minutes. Half-time came without any scoring, the play being about equal. The second half opened briskly. McGinley getting away on the left, sent the ball across the Celtic goal and the backs clearing, Knox cleverly got to the Rangers end and shot wide to the great joy of the home crowd. J Crossan next put in a fine piece of work getting right through the Celtic forwards then half-backs and passing to McGinley, that player let fly at Steed but one of the backs stopped the ball with his hand. From the penalty, McGinley opened the scoring and after this success the homesters put new life into their efforts while the visitors strove hard to equalise. Davidson of Longbar at this stage was the best back on the field and made a grand defence. Another run on the home left resulted in McGinley scoring number two for the Rangers. The visitors played with great dash to the finish, Knox and Hunter being most prominent in the attack but they made no impression on the home defence and a keenly contested game resulted in favour of the Rangers by two goals to nil.
A comment on the match is given below.
Those who tipped Ardrossan Celtic to win last Saturday (19 October 1901) against Longbar Rangers must have felt a little disappointed when the true result arrived. Though defeated by two goals to one, the Celts, however, were not by any means disgraced considering that the tie was played at Longbar and we are told that the Celtic lads have lodged a protest against the encroachment of spectators. A replay may be ordered by the Association but we still hold to the opinion that Celtic will be 'caught, weighed and found wanting'.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1901

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 October 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
5
4
0
1
15
  5
9
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
4
4
0
0
24
  4
8
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
2
1
0
1
  4
  1
3
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
3
1
2
0
10
12
2
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
4
0
3
1
  7
16
1
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
2
0
1
1
  7
  8
1
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
4
0
4
0
  7
18
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS RESERVES 7 - IRVINE VICTORIA 2
On Winton Park last Saturday (19 October 1901), the Winton Rovers Reserves met Irvine Victoria XI in a friendly game. The Rovers won by seven goals to two. Prominent among the home players were Anderson and McMillan, Barclay who played a fine game at centre, Stevenson and Thomson. Considerable interest was taken in the match and the performance of the Reserves was satisfactory to the Rovers' supporters.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
A meeting of the North Ayrshire League Association will be held on Monday evening first (28 October 1901) instead of tonight (25 October 1901).
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4 - IRVINE SAINT ANDREW'S 1
Splendid football weather prevailed on Saturday last (26 October 1901) and a good crowed of spectators lined the touch at Winton Park, Ardrossan to witness the league game between Irvine Saint Andrew's and Winton Rovers. Several of the Winton Parkers were having and off day and subs had to be found to fill the positions vacated by Welsh, Kerr, Tait, Findlay, Bennett and Reid. Losing the toss, the Rovers kicked off . They were first to assume the aggressive and after several exciting tries, Hattie banged the sphere within five minutes from the start. Restarting from the meridian, the home forwards again came away and ere other five minutes had fled, the Irvine custodian was beaten a second time but the referee disallowed the point on the plea of offside. Saint Andrew's, from the relevant free-kick, made an effort to extricate themselves and made for the Rovers' end but the home backs easily cleared and the Rovers again returned to the attack. The forwards, led by Hattie, came away in a body and once more the Thistle citadel was captured, the keeper having little or no chance to save - Hattie again. The visitors occasionally got in the vicinity of the Winton stronghold but there was a want of method in their attack and they were seldom dangerous. The Rovers added a third goal in the course of the first half and at the interval led by three to nil. On the resumption of hostilities, the home team seemed to slacken down a bit and the play of the forwards was not characterised by the dash they displayed in the opening stages of the game. On the other hand, Saint Andrew's wakened up and for a time, the Rovers' defence had their work cut out for them. The visitors were awarded a penalty kick but 'Jock' McEwan saved the shot amid the cheers of the Winton supporters. After this, play opened out a bit and both ends received their share of attention. The Irvine lads at length had their efforts rewarded, a long shot finding its way between the home uprights, McEwan evidently thinking that the ball was going past. This reverse had the effect of spurring on the Light Blues, the Irvine defence being kept lively. The Rovers' quintet made several good lines and keeping up the pressure, they did not relax their efforts until they had beaten the Irvine custodian a fourth time. Darkness was fast setting in and it was difficulty that the spectators followed the game but no further scoring was effected by either side and the game ended in favour of the Rovers by four goals to one. Although it cannot be said that the game was altogether one-sided, still on the day's play the Rovers were undoubtedly the better team. A 4-1 result was a very fair index of the play and the Winton supporters have reason to be pleased with the performance of the 'mixed eleven' last Saturday.
A comment on the match is given below.
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers secured the full complement of points for the first time on Saturday (26 October 1901) at the expense of Irvine Saint Andrew's. The result was a little surprising as the Rovers team included several new faces drawn from the A eleven. The victory scored by the Rovers too was superior to that recorded by Celtic against the Irvine lads. On that occasion, it will be remembered, the Celts only managed to secure the verdict in the last minute of time by two to one while the Rovers emerged winners on Saturday by four to one. How's that for form?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901

KILWINNING EGLINTON THISTLE 1 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 0
The Celtic had rather hard luck last Saturday (26 October 1901) in forfeiting their first league two points and Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle claimed the honour of being the first to smash the Celtic's league record. The Ardrossan lads will perhaps come up smiling tomorrow (2 November 1901), however.
A comment on the match is given below.
The Ardrossan Celtic fell before our other juvenile team, the Eglinton Thistle by one goal to nil. This, like Ardeer Thistle, was the Celts' first defeat in the league. Kilwinning Rangers are now the only undefeated team in the North Ayrshire League. Who will be the first to break their record?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901
Unusually, there was no full report on the game. The comment is from the Kilwinning football reporter.

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 October 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
6
4
1
1
15
  6
9
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
5
4
1
0
25
  6
8
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
5
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
4
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
3
1
1
1
  8
  8
3
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
5
1
3
1
11
17
3
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
3
1
2
0
10
12
2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
5
0
5
0
  8
22
0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 6 - SEAFIELD 2
The Rovers A team did their ninety minutes at Celtic Park last Saturday (26 October 1901) with a juvenile combination known as the Seafield. The result was Rovers A 6 - Seafield 2.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901
It is interesting to note that a Winton Rovers team played on the ground of their rivals, Ardrossan Celtic.
The Seafield team may have been a reincarnation of Ardrossan Seafield, Ardrossan Seafield Athletic or Ardrossan Seafield Strollers but there is no evidence.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS TO PLAY SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
Brewery Field will be opened tomorrow Saturday (2 November 1901) when these local rivals Winton Rovers and Seaside Rangers will cross swords in a friendly encounter. During the week, the Saltcoats lads have been fully engaged in getting their house in order and at the time of writing, their field is in good condition. The teams are very evenly matched although the Rovers have yet to score their first team over the Seaside lads. The Saltcoats team will be the best at the disposal of the committee and the following eleven is expected to run the Rovers hard for premier honours - J McMurtrie, A Glen, A Allan, J Tait, D Donachie, J Fleming, D Norwood, J Bell, F Frazer, A Stevenson and A Torrance. It is hoped that the game will be contested in a friendly spirit and that the rowdy scenes which characterised the last meeting of the teams will be absent. The kick-off is timed for 3.15 pm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901

The reports above and below contradict each other.

SEASIDE RANGERS WILL NOT PLAY WINTON ROVERS

Seaside Rangers do not meet Winton Rovers tomorrow (2 November 1901). Fereneze of Barrhead will be the guests at the Brewery.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
A meeting of the North Ayrshire League Association was held on Monday evening (28 October 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats at which all the clubs were represented excepting Warner XI and Irvine Saint Andrew's. The league matches arranged to come off tomorrow Saturday (2 November 1901) are as follows - Ardrossan Celtic v Dalry Athletic; Irvine Saint Andrew's v Bartonholm Britannia; Auchenharvie XI v Ardeer Thistle and Eglinton Thistle v Warner XI. The referees for the above games in the order given are - Mr Stranigan, Kilwinning; Mr Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic; Mr Paterson, Kilwinning and Mr Coulter, Bartonholm.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - DALRY ATHLETIC 1
The league match at Ardrossan Crescent Park, Ardrossan Celtic v Dalry Athletic (on 1 November 1901), drew forth a good crowd of spectators and regret was expressed that the game be left unfinished on account of darkness. It was early seen that the game was to be a brisk one and that the teams were apparently well-matched in point of strength. During the first half, Celtic were just the more aggressive party and threw away chances which should have brought them success but for lack of skill near goal, these were lost. Dalry made repeated attacks on the home goal and on nearly every occasion, their parting efforts were dangerous. The home custodian who made a couple of really fine saves held his trust intact, a remark which is also applicable to the Dalry keeper. Neither team scored in the first half which spoke well for the respective defences. Resuming the second period, Celtic began well and after one or two determined attacks, a shot from Knox was guided between the Dalry uprights five minutes from the kick-off. Encouraged by this success, the homesters moved into their work with a will but at length, the Dalry lads worked their way in the opposite direction and the Celts were subjected to some heavy pressure. For a time, Dalry forced the pace but they fought in vain and give-and-take play ensued for a space. Frequent passes were made by the visitors to their outside-right who seemed to be the pot-shot of the team but these, as a rule, came to nothing. However, when twenty-five minutes had gone, Dalry were awarded a goal and the teams stood level. It was now becoming difficult to follow the ball and it was just a question which of the teams would come out on top. Dalry continued to hold their own but about ten minutes later, the Celtic gave it piping hot to the visitors and certainly looked like scoring. The outside element cheered the homesters lustily and a corner was forced but Dalry came out of the ordeal with a clean sheet and on the sphere reaching the meridian, the referee sounded his whistle ten minutes before time with the score standing one goal each.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
Four North Ayrshire League matches were expected to have been decided last Saturday (2 November 1901) but two of thse were rendered null and void. In the case of Ardrossan Celtic v Dalry Athletic, the game was stopped ten minutes before time on account of darkness with the score standing at one goal each. As to the Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle v Warner XI fixture, we have been informed that it took the form of a friendly. By Saturday's results, Ardeer Thistle now head the league with ten points, being one point better than Ardrossan Celtic for the same number of matches played. Owing to the local clubs being drawn to play at Ardrossan, we understand the Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers have agreed to play the first game at Kilwinning. This is a wise arrangement. The Celtic lads will oppose Ardeer Thistle at North Crescent Park, Ardrossan and we expect to see a good crowd of spectators present. The Celts will have to be on their best playing form on Saturday (9 October 1901) and even then we fear they may be 'weighed and found wanting'. The luck of the ballot for tomorrow's tiles has turned out rather unkind to the Winton Rovers and Celtic teams as in Kilwinning Rangers and Ardeer Thistle, they have to face perhaps the best juvenile combinations in the shire. We understand the protest lodged by Ardrossan Celtic against the encroachment of spectators at the recent Ayrshire Juvenile Cup tie with Longbar Rangers was thrown out by the Association on Saturday night, being informally lodged. The Saltcoats Seaside Rangers made a start last Saturday by engaging Barrhead Fereneze in a friendly. The seasiders were defeated though one could hardly say they were disgraced seeing that their opponents rank as juniors. One wondered if several of the Saltcoats team had been engaged playing rugby lately judging from the way in which hands were used. Last week, a correspondent wrote us saying the Winton Rovers were to open Brewery Park last Saturday but it is evident our informant was not 'in the know'. The Rovers, however, managed to get on a fixture with Kilmarnock Hazelbank. The Kilwinning Buffs failed to bring the Scottish Junior Cup to Ayrshire, Dumbarton Corinthians defeating them in the final at Saracen Park on Saturday.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901
In the last sentence, reference was made to the Scottish Junior Cup. It should have been the Scottish Juvenile Cup.

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
A meeting of the North Ayrshire League body was held on Monday evening (4 November 1901) last under the presidency of Mr Paterson, Kilwinning. McLaughlan of the Kilwinning Rangers was suspended until the eighteenth of the month for striking the referee at the recent league game with Ardrossan Celtic and McLaughlan of Eglinton Thistle, a relation of the above, was censured for kicking the ball away after it had been placed by the referee. The incident took place at the Eglinton v Celtic match.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901

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 (2 November 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
6
5
1
0
31
  7
      10
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
6
4
1
1
15
  6
        9
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
        5
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
        4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
        4
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
3
1
1
1
  8
  8
        3
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
5
1
3
1
11
17
        3
 
Bartonholm Britannia
 
1
1
0
0
  4
  1
        2
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
4
1
3
0
11
18
        2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
6
0
6
0
  9
26
        0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901
Bartonholm Britannia joined the North Ayrshire Juvenile Football League at the beginning of November 1901.

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 4 - KILMARNOCK HAZELBANK 0
The Ardrossan Winton Rovers were to have played Saltcoats Seaside Rangers on the latter's ground last Saturday (2 November 1901) but owing to some misunderstanding, the did not take place. The Rovers, however, managed to arrange a fixture with Kilmarnock Hazelbank and these teams met at Winton Park. In the opening stages of the game, the visitors had the best of matters, the Rovers being forced to act on the defensive. As time advanced, the homesters gradually took the upper hand and crossed over leading by three to nil. In the second half, the Killie youths had one or two likely runs but they were sent back pointless and in the course of play, the Rovers added a fourth goal. The ground lads continued to press and looked like augmenting their total but the game was stopped before time owing to darkness with the score standing Rovers 4, Hazelbank 0. The home backs, Carmichael and McMurray, played a consistent game all through and repeatedly broke up the combination of the Killie forwards, Welsh only handling the ball about half-a-dozen times throughout the whole game. Tomorrow (9 November 1901), the Blues travel to Woodwynd Park in order to play their Irvine and District Cup tie with Kilwinning Rangers. The Rovers have a stiff job before them but we hope they will give a good account of themselves against the Buffs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901

IRVINE AND DISTRICT JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The juvenile teams entered for the above competition will play their first game on Saturday (9 November 1901) in the initial round and some good games are expected. This competition, it may be stated, is conducted on the home-and-away principle and the ties as drawn are undernoted.
   Kilmarnock District
      Kilmarnock Academicals v Hurlford Rovers
      Hurlford Thistle v Darvel Thistle
      Dunlop v Kilmarnock Hazelbank
      Galston Ladyton Star v Carmel Lads
      Stewarton XI v Galston Bluebell
   Irvine District
      Vale of Garnock Strollers v Auchenharvie XI
      Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers
      Irvine Saint Andrew's v Beith Caledonia
      Troon Portland v Dalry Athletic
      Springside v Vale of Dusk
      Longbar Rangers v Largs Neva
      Ardrossan Celtic v Ardeer Thistle
      Bartonholm Britannia v Irvine Thistle
   Cumnock District
      Darnconner v Cumnock Thistle
      Auchinleck v Burnton Lads
Since the above draw was made, we understand several other clubs have entered the competition and have been drawn against each other.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC AND WINTON ROVERS PLAY TOMORROW
There is to be a football match tomorrow (16 November 1901) on the ground of Ardrossan Celtic, the Winton Rovers and Ardrossan Celtic the contestants. Most of the spectators - and there will be a crowd - will fancy and desire an exhibition of football.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

KILWINNING RANGERS 5 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2
On Saturday last (9 November 1901), Ardrossan Winton Rovers and Kilwinning Rangers met at Woodwynd Park, Kilwinning and played their first game in the Irvine and District cup competition. Hattie was absent from the Rovers' front rank and Steadman from the A team was introduced at inside-right. Rangers, winning the toss, elected to play downhill with the wind in their favour first half and prompt to time, Reid kicked off for the Rovers. The Rangers end was first to receive a visit but they cleared without much difficulty and with a good run, the homesters got within shooting range of Welsh who save one or two hards shots and the ball was ultimatedly sent past. The Rovers next took up the running, making tracks for the opposite end and after a brief scrimmage in front of the Rangers' citadel, Simpson scored the initial goal of the match for the visitors about five minutes from the start. This early success of the strangers made the Buffs look a little more lively and although met by a stubborn defence, they were soon hovering dangerously near the Winton goal. A shot from the Rangers left wing found its wasy 'twixt the uprights. This shot Welsh in goal was ready for but McMurray unfortunately tipped the ball as it passed him which put the costodian off his guard and the teams were level. During the reminder of the first half, the Rangers had if anything the best of matters, adding two points to their total. On the other hand, Rovers spoiled chances which, had they excercised a little more judgement, might have had happier terminations. The interval was reached with Rangers leading by three to one. Resuming the second half, the Buffs were first to assume the aggresive but in Carmichael and McMurray, they found a pair of backs pretty hard to beat. They returned to the attack however, and after several tries, succeeded in registering a fourth goal. The Rovers' custodian maintained that he had forced the ball round the outside of the post but the referee, although about midfield when the incident happened, had no hesitation in awarding the point. Notwithstanding the fact they were three goals in the minority, the Winton Parkers played gamely and even after the Rangers had added a fifth point, play was by no means lop-sided. The untiring efforts of the Light Blues were at length rewarded and with about twenty minutes to play, the Buffs led by five to two. In the last five minutes of the game, the Rovers pressed their opponents pretty hard and with a reasonable share of the luck might have reduced the homesters' lead. They latterly forced corner but no sooner was this taken than the whistle sounded time with the score standing five to two in favour of the Rangers. Considering the state of the ground which was in a somewhat soft and slippery condition, the game was well-contested throughout and we do not think the Rovers deserved to lose by three clear goals. At one stage, during a scrimmage, the Rovers declared they had the ball a foot through the goal and several of the spectators were of the same opinion. We certainly do not consider a referee to be in a good position to pronounce a decision in a case of this kind when standing about thirty yards away. As the fixtures in this competition, are home and home, the Rovers will again have an opportunity of trying their mettle against the Scottish Juvenile Cup finalists tomorrow week (23 November 1901) at Winton Park. The Rovers will pay a visit to their Celtic friends at North Crescent Park tomorrow (16 November 1901). They will endeavour to capture the coveted league points.
A second report on the match is given below.
As the game between, Kilwinning Rangers and Ardrossan Winton Rovers was referred to under Echoes From Winton Park, we have reluctantly kept out our Kilwinning friend's notes on the game. We trust he will not take amiss out first failure to give his welcome notes publicity. As some talk has arisen as to the teams which represented the respective clubs on Saturday, we give the names as supplied as supplied by our Kilwinning representative. Rovers - Welsh, Carmichael, McMurray, Bennett, Findlay, McGill, Harris, Steedman, Reid, Templeton and Simpson; Rangers - Pomeroy Lynch, Lindsay, Muirhead, Paterson, Rae, Muir, Bannerman, Lundie, Wales and Watt. From the above, it will be noticed that the Buffs had three reserves out for the day. When the game stood at two to one in favour of the Rangers, the Rovers supporters let themselves be heard cheering on their pets and remarking that it wouldn't be a thirteen to zero result this time and our correspondent adds the Rovers responded gamely. He did not notice the 'Lady of Winton Park' at Woodwynd on Saturday. She might have been there to encourage the Rovers but we hope to see her at the return game as they will need all the encouragement they can get to beat the Buffs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 3 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC A TEAM 2
The Rovers and Celtic A teams were the occupants of Winton Park last Saturday (9 November 1901) and after a somewhat 'muddy' display of football, the Winton Reserves retired winners by three goals to two.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - ARDEER THISTLE 2
Despite the unfavourable weather of Saturday last (9 November 1901), something like a record crowd of spectators assembled to North Crescent Park to witness the first contest between Ardrossan Celtic and Ardeer Thistle for the Irvine and District Cup honours. The event brought out the supporters of each club in full force and the inclemency of the weather did not seem to affect the enthusiasm of the crowd in any way. A steady breeze accompanied with rain did not hold out very cheery prospects of a fine display of football being given and these were not by any means improved by the state of the pitch which was soft and muddy. Both teams had out their best available elevens and on the Celts winning the choice of ends, they decided to play with the elements in their favour in the first half. The first quarter of an hour was played at a rattling pace and while the current ran best with Celtic, the Thistle lads by clever tactics made repeated attacks on the home goal. It was evident, however, the Celts were anxious to make the most of the advantage they enjoyed and the Thistle custodian got several shots to negotiate but fifteen minutes from the start, the Celts registered the first goal of the match amid some enthusiasm, (James) Hunter being the marksman. Ardeer thereafter put in some pressure and on different occasions, the ground custodian had to avert disaster. While on home territory, play had to be stopped owing to an injury to one of the Celts which, however, did not necessitate his retiral from the field. The pace by this time seemed to have toned down a bit with an incursion now and again on the part of the Celts. Nothing noteworthy occurred until a penalty was awarded the Ardeer lads but this they threw away much to the chagrin of their admirers. In the succeeding play, Celtic wrought hard to improve their total and several times looked as if they would succeed but up to half-time, their efforts to beat down the opposing defence were unavailing and Celts were only one goal up at the interval. With the change of ends, it was now felt that Ardeer would pull the game off but Celtic were first to get into evidence but their visit was a short-lived one. Forced back, Ardeer now put on the pressure and after a dangerous shot was repulsed by the Celts, a foul was given against them about thirty yards out. Robb took the kick which went sailing over the heads of the players and was finally headed through by Duff, placing the teams on level terms five minutes from the resumption. Starting from the meridian, the Celts immediately forged ahead and in quick time took the lead again by bracketing a second goal. This was good work when it is said they were playing against the elements and it no doubt surprised a particular section of the crowd but the ground lads did not maintain the lead long as Ardeer, a few minutes later, equalised matters through McAllister. The play which subsequently followed was chiefly of a one-sided nature, the Celts being hard pressed to the finish. Their defence, however, stood the test nobly, Steed, making one or two miraculous saves. Time after time, it looked as if Ardeer's efforts were to be crowned with success but hard luck was their only award and the game ended in a draw, two goals each. The results reflects some credit on the Celts but they will perhaps realise when we say that Ardeer were the better team and ought to have won. All round, they are a better balanced combination and will be hard to beat. It is to be hoped, however, the Celts will display more judgement in the return meeting and there will not be such a wide difference between the teams as many remarked last Saturday.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

ARDROSSAN MAN PLAYING WELL FOR QUEEN'S PARK
W Fullarton of Queen's Park continues to catch the eye of the city critics. His play often came in handy on Saturday (9 November 1901) when the Queen's goal was in danger. The Ardrossan stalwart is steadily making a name for himself
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
The fact that most of the North Ayrshire League clubs were engaged in Irvine and District Cup interests contributed to keeping up interests in the doings of the respective teams, however. Not the least interesting of these were the ties played at Ardrossan and Kilwinning in which Celtic and Winton Rovers were respectively concerned. Their opponents were Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, two of the best juvenile combinations in the country. The Ardrossan teams were both expected to go under but it must be said each of these gave a fairly good account of themselves. The Rovers, it is true, were in arrears at the finish but when the score is viewed in the light of past results, an improvement is perceptible. The Rovers, we are told, had the misfortune by the referee's decision to be robbed of a point which even some of the Buffs admirers admit should be allowed the visitors. As regards the Celtic lads, they stood up gamely against Ardeer the fact that the game ended in a draw upset calculations. Nevertheless, the Celts who were lucky in escaping defeat must frankly confess that the Jags were their superiors in point of play. Tomorrow, Saturday (16 November 1901) all of these were to have been played in the hunt for points but so far as we are aware, only three of the following five fixtures are likely to be played.
   Ardrossan Celtic v Winton Rovers - referee Mr Stranigan, Kilwinning
   Auchenharvie XI v Bartonholm Britannia - referee Mr Young, Kilwinning
   Warner XI v Dalry Athletic - referee Mr Anderson, Kilwinning
   Ardeer Thistle v Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle - referee Mr Craig, Dalry
   Irvine Saint Andrews v Kilwinning Rangers - referee Mr Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic
The last two fixtures are likely to be postponed. This is owing to the unfinished Irvine and District Cup tie between Eglinton Thistle and Vale of Irvine. Tomorrow is the day set apart for deciding the third round of the Ayrshire Juvenile Cup ties and in which the Kilwinning Rangers have been drawn to play Galston Bluebell. In the event of the above cup-ties being played, Ardeer Thistle and Irvine Saint Andrew's might arrange to play their return league match on the ground of the latter.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

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 (9 November 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
6
5
1
0
31
  7
      10
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
6
4
1
1
15
  6
        9
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
        5
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
        4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
        4
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
3
1
1
1
  8
  8
        3
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
5
1
3
1
11
17
        3
 
Bartonholm Britannia
 
1
1
0
0
  4
  1
        2
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
4
1
3
0
11
18
        2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
6
0
6
0
  9
26
        0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
No league games were played last Saturday (9 November 1901) and the above table is the same as appeared last week.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3
Not since the days of the old Ardrossan Seafield has so much interest been manifested in football as is the case at present and the fact that Ardrossan boasts two rival combination is mainly responsible for the enthusiasm and rivalry which exist throughout the town and district. On Saturday (16 November 1901), these teams had occasion to cross North Ayrshire League swords for the second time this season and as the Celts managed to run off with the points at Winton Park, the Rovers hoped to square accounts with their opponents at North Crescent Park. On the other hand, the Celts felt pretty confident of success and, no doubt, this opinion was based on the fact that they had drawn with Kilwinning Rangers and Ardeer Thistle on the same pitch but many are the disappointments at the nice little game called football and it goes without saying that the Rovers sprung a surprise on their Celtic brethren on Saturday. The event drew out a large concourse of all sorts and conditions of men not to speak of the youthful portion of the community and the enthusiasm which characterised the outside element was in striking contrast to the rivalry evinced by the contending teams. We regret to say, however, that the conduct of some of the spectators was disgraceful and for which one or two drunks were responsible. We beg to call the attention of the Celtic executive to this fact and trust some effort will be made in future to have intoxicants kept under better control if not removed from the pitch. If the popular game is to flourish in the district, it cannot be expected to do so if responsible patrons are to be assaulted by drunks as was the case last Saturday. We therefore express the hope that both the Celtic and the Rovers' executives will do their utmost to keep down the evil. In referring to the game, we first of all have to say that the ground was in good condition and on the teams facing each other, the Celtic looked the abler lot but the Rovers smarter in appearance. The Celts won the toss and the Rovers had to face a strong wind the first half. On Reid kicking off for the Light Blues, the excitement of the outside element immediately made itself apparent and was maintained more or less to the finish of hostilities. In giving a summary of the play, it is needless to say that both teams fought with grim determination and the outcome of the first five minutes work saw Simpson score the initial goal of the match for the Rovers. This was an auspicious start and the admirers of the Wintonians did not forget to cheer their pets to the echo. This reverse nerved the Celts to make up a little bit of leeway they had lost and the raids they several times made on their opponents' citadel were highly dangerous but a good defence on the part of the Rovers prevented disaster. With the breeze favouring the Celts, it was expected they would be the more aggressive party but now and again the Rovers' quintet, backed by a good trio, among whom Findlay was the most conspicuous, broke away over the meridian only to have their progress barred on these occasions by the opposing defender. At length, Celtic were awarded a penalty for McGill striking the sphere with his hands and the equalising point was now assured. (James) Hunter took the kick and sent the ball home but for infringing the rule, the kick had to be retaken and this time Welsh saved the effort. Hard lines, Celtic. Both teams continued to fight gamely and, now and again, faulty play was noticed which the referee failed to check. Fouls were frequent and in this respect, the Rovers seemed to suffer most. It was an interesting game to watch and on the Celtic left wing getting away with a run, the sphere was sent across to the right and Hunter who looked offside beat Welsh with the equaliser. The referee, however, allowed the point. In the play which followed, the Rovers held their own and several times got in the vicinity of Steed by clever tactics but nothing further in the scoring line occurred till near the call of half-time when the Rovers again attacked the Celtic citadel and this time Reid cleverly send the ball safely and surely between the uprights thus placing the Light Blues in the ascendant by two to one at the interval. Little time as lost in restarting and with the wind against them in the second half, victory for the Celts did not look so rosy as they anticipated. On the play shown, the chances were that the Rovers would come out of the ordeal and this opinion proved to be correct. The Celts began by encroaching on their opponents' territory and finally sent the ball over the Rovers' line into touch. Kicked off, the Rovers now put on the pressure but the Celtic defence held them at bay for several minutes. Latterly, Dow registered goal number three. To be a couple of points in arrears was a thing the Celts never dreamed off and the Rovers were beating them down at their own game too. To regain lost ground, the Celts struggled gamely but as gamely did the Rovers repulse them empty-handed. Subsequently, Hattie of the Rovers hurt one of his legs but resumed again and while the Light Blues were doing the pressing work, Hattie was next ordered off the field by the referee leaving the Rovers with only ten players to finish the greater part of this half. This decision of the referee caused much comment and dissatisfaction among the spectators and not a few were more impressed than ever that the referee was favouring the Celts. On that score, we will remain silent but we are quite prepared to say if the referee considered himself justified in ordering Hattie off the field for his act, he certainly had good grounds for using his powers in the same direction with regard to the play of one or two of the Celts. That by the way. At this stage, a heavy squall of wind and rain burst on the scene, rendering the ground somewhat soft in the vicinity of the Celtic goal. The ground lads were having the worst of matters but the visitors could not break through the opposition. The squall abated and at length Celtic opened out to the meridian. Good play on their part latterly allowed Maxwell to get in and on Welsh running out to avert disaster, he fell and Maxwell practically walked home with Celtic's second goal. With the game now stands in at three to two, the Celts played hard to draw the game but the Rovers thought short-manned, would not allow and again took up the running. They failed to augment their total however but at the close were returned winners of a hard and exciting game, a result, it may be noted which gave general satisfaction.
A second report on the match is given below.
We thank Mr _________ for his notes on the above game 'as seen through green glasses' but as these fail to give a fresh idea of the run of play, there is no need rehearsing the game. However, we give one or two of the notes. It is ten weeks since the teams last met and on that occasion, Celtic won by the handsome majority of four goals to one. When the teams lined up, it was seen that the Celts had almost a different eleven to face, there being no less than seven changes in the Rovers' ranks against two in Celtic's. As regards the penalty kick, it should have been taken a third time as the referee, while watching the players, failed to notice the Rovers' custodian run forward too soon and stop the ball. It was hard lines on the Celts after scoring with their first try to lose the second time but they had just to suffer and say nothing. It was rather hard lines on the Rovers to have Hattie ordered off the field but the referee seemed to think he was the offender. The Celts sustained their first league reverse on their own ground and when it is said they were under strength and had a strengthened eleven to oppose, the defeat is not a severe one. The Celts hope to have another opportunity of meeting the Rovers before the season closes and on that occasion, they think they can turn Saturday's result in their favour.
A comment on the match is given below.
A trio of league matches were fought and won last Saturday (16 November 1901) and two points were added to the Winton Rovers, Auchenharvie and Eglinton Thistle records. These they got at the expense of Celtic, Bartonholm and Irvine Saint Andrew's, the first pair being worsted by three to two respectively and the latter by five to nil. The downfall of the Celts is the first of the kind on their own pitch. It was a sore pill to swallow and neither they, nor their admirers, relished it. The Rovers, however, had need of the points and as the Celts won the first two at Winton Park, there is no use crying over the two they forfeited on Saturday. The Rovers' victory, it need hardly be said, was a decidedly popular one and the fact that it was ably accomplished after leaving ten men for the greater part of the second period raised the Light Blues in the estimation of their supporters. Hattie of the Winton Rovers has been reported for rough play.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 November 1901

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 (16 November 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
6
5
1
0
31
  7
      10
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
7
4
2
1
17
  9
        9
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
        5
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
4
2
1
1
  13
  8
        5
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
6
2
3
1
14
19
        5
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
        4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
        4
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
5
2
3
0
14
20
        4
 
Bartonholm Britannia
 
2
1
1
0
  6
  4
        2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
7
0
7
0
  9
31
        0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 November 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
We beg to remind our readers of the match which takes place tomorrow (23 November 1901) at Wandhouse Field, Stevenston between Ardrossan Celtic and Ardeer Thistle. The occasion is an Irvine and District Cup tie, the first game having ended in a draw. The kick-off is fixed for three o'clock prompt. Would J Baird kindly mention one or two of the centres that the Rovers went to to look after players. We heard him make a remark to that effect on Saturday night. 'Tha' is so!'. Remarks such as these, not to speak of the private letter JB is said to have received regarding the Rovers, show an amount of petty spleen and for the sake of the two local clubs it is to be hoped the Celtic admirer in the person of JB will endeavour to show a better spirit of rivalry in future. There is no need burking the fact both Celtic and Rovers have, since their formation, been doing their best to strengthen their representations but for JB to say that the Rovers were going to all centres for players is an utter falsehood. 'Tha' is so!'. Owing to the Ayrshire Juvenile Cup tie, Kilwinning Rangers v Galston Bluebell, taking the form of a friendly, these teams will again face each other tomorrow. This means that the Winton Rovers will have to wait a week before they can play their return Irvine and District Cup tie with the Kilwinning Buffs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 November 1901
This is an extract from a longer report.

IRVINE AND DISTRICT JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The second and deciding games in the first round of this competition come up for settlement tomorrow (23 November 1901). The ties in the respective districts are as undernoted.
   Kilmarnock District
      Hurlford Rovers v Kilmarnock Academicals
      Hurlford Thistle v Darvel Thistle
      Dunlop v Kilmarnock Hazelbank
      Carmel Lads v Galston Ladyton Star
      Galston Bluebell v Stewarton XI
   Irvine District
      Vale of Garnock Strollers v Auchenharvie XI
      Ardrossan Winton Rovers v Kilwinning Rangers
      Irvine Saint Andrew's v Beith Caledonia
      Troon Portland v Dalry Athletic
      Vale of Dusk v Springside
      Largs Neva v Longbar Rangers
      Ardeer Thistle v Ardrossan Celtic
      Irvine Thistle v Bartonholm Britannia
      Eglinton Thistle v Vale of Irvine
   Cumnock District
      Cumnock Thistle v Darnconner
      Burnton Lads v Auchinleck
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 November 1901

ARDEER THISTLE 5 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1
The Irvine and District Cup time between Ardeer Thistle and Ardrossan Celtic (on 23 November 1901) was expected by many to turn out to be a hard game but the reverse proved to be the case as the result shows. When the Celts appeared, it was seen they were without two or three of their usual team. In the first half, Ardeer had matters pretty much their own way and at half-time led by five goals to nil. On resuming, it was noticed that one of the Celts had retired. From a fine shot by the outside, the visitors scored their first goal. Play in this half was greatly spoiled by the Celts playing one back time after time, the Ardeer forwards being repeatedly pulled up for offside. Ardeer however, managed to score but this point, too, was disallowed on the plea of offside. No more scoring resulted and Ardeer emerged the winners of a poor game by five goals to one. The Celts may be considered unlucky in losing the services of their right-half as it was their offside game which kept down the scoring. The second half was not far gone when McAllister of Ardeer twisted himself and was of little use afterwards. We may state that Ardeer Thistle have got a wire rope round their field and have been speculating in goal nets which they used for the first time on Saturday against Celtic. The road to the field has been repaired, a splendid footpath now being made with pipes to take away the water which used to gather at this point. The furrows in the field have also been filled in and everything is being done to make the pitch one of the best in Ayrshire. Tomorrow (30 November 1901), Ardeer Thistle have Bartonholm Britannia at Wandhouse in a North Ayrshire League match.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 November 1901

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 (23 November 1901).
     
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Goals
For
Goals
Against
Points
 
Ardeer Thistle
 
6
5
1
0
31
  7
      10
 
Ardrossan Celtic
 
7
4
2
1
17
  9
        9
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
        5
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
4
2
1
1
  13
  8
        5
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
6
2
3
1
14
19
        5
 
Dalry Athletic
 
4
2
2
0
15
17
        4
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
        4
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
5
2
3
0
14
20
        4
 
Bartonholm Britannia
 
2
1
1
0
  6
  4
        2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
7
0
7
0
  9
31
        0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 November 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL
According to fixtures arranged at a recent meeting of the North Ayrshire League body, all the clubs were to be in the hunt for points tomorrow (30 November 1901). This, however, cannot be owing to cup-ties. Kilwinning Rangers have a return Irvine and District tie to play with Winton Rovers at Ardrossan. We are officially informed that only two league matches will be played tomorrow namely Ardeer Thistle v Bartonholm Britannia and Dalry Athletic v Warner XI. Messrs Paterson, Kilwinning and Aitken, Ardrossan Celtic, have been appointed to referee the above matches in the order given. Bartonholm v Ardrossan Celtic was fixed for tomorrow but we are told the Celts desired to have the match put off. It is hardly fair to Bartonholm that the Celts should be allowed to put off their league fixture and arrange to play a friendly with Saltcoats Seaside Rangers as our Saltcoats scribe states in his notes. We understand the Celtic custodian (William Steed) is to be married tonight, Friday (29 November 1901) and that members of the club have presented him with a marble clock on the occasion of his marriage. The Celts, like several other aspiring teams made their exit from the Irvine and District ties on Saturday. They dropped rather heavily too but it is only fair to add they lacked the services of several of their regular players. Winton Rovers were disappointed last Saturday through Barrhead Gateside Victoria failing to turn up at Winton Park. The Rovers, however, will have their hands full tomorrow with the Buffs as their guest and opponents for Irvine and District Cup honours. A meeting of the North Ayrshire League Committee was to be held last night, Thursday (28 November 1901) in the Station Temperance Hotel, Saltcoats.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 November 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC MEET SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS
To satisfy the discontented ones in last Friday's issue (22 November 1901), the Saltcoats Seaside Rangers will engage Ardrossan Celtic on Saturday first (30 November 1901) in a friendly.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 November 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS SECOND ELEVEN 2 - IRVINE VICTORIA 3
The youthful Irvine Victoria XI seem to be in good-going order. They had another victory on Saturday (30 November 1901) defeating the Winton Rovers second eleven by three to two. The Rovers seem to have fallen away the second half as at the interval they were leading by two goals to nil. Better luck next time, Rovers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 1 - KILWINNING RANGERS 9
The Kilwinning Rangers travelled to Ardrossan on Saturday (30 November 1901) and engaged Winton Rovers in Irvine and District Cup interests. In the first game at Kilwinning, the Buffs only won by five goals to two and it was thought the Rovers would give them a hard game at Ardrossan and win the game if not the tie. The Buffs, therefore, left nothing to chance and turned out their strongest eleven. The teams were: Rovers - Welsh, Thomson, McMurray, Bennett, Findlay, McGill, Dow, Anderson, Reid, Templeton and Simpson. Rangers - McGavin, Lindsay, Kerr, McLachlan, Muirhead, Rae, Lynch, Bannerman, Lundie, Wales and Watt. The referee was Mr J Lyle, Kilmarnock. The Rangers commenced operations against the wind and carried the ball well into their opponents' territory. McMurray relieved and the Rovers had a look-in but the sphere was sent past. From the goal kick, the Buffs' forwards got into their stride and on Bannerman shooting, one of the Rovers' backs fisted the ball inside the dreaded line. A penalty was awarded and from this, Watt scored the first goal of the match for the Buffs. The Rovers afterwards tried hard to equalise but the Rangers' back division gave them little chance, sending the homesters back time after time empty-handed. The Buffs' forwards broke away repeatedly and as the Rovers' backs were making some bad miskicks, Welsh in goal had to look to his colours. Although contending against the breeze, the Buffs were playing a fine game, forcing a couple of corners in quick succession but nothing eventuated from these. The Rovers again assumed the aggressive and a chance opened up to their right wing but Kerr stepped in and relieved matters. Shortly after, the Buffs forwards initiated a run and Bannerman rushed through goal number two. Things were beginning to look serious for the Rovers - two goals down and playing with the wind in their favour. At length, the homesters came away with a rush and on Kerr kicking the sphere, he sent it against one of the Rovers' forwards and it rebounded over the bar but to the surprise of all, the referee awarded a goal. Half-time was shortly after signalled with the score standing two to one in favour of the Rangers. Turning round, Reid resumed matters for the Rovers without losing any time and on Muirhead picking up the pass, he sent the ball to Watt who had a fine run down the field and who finished with a shot which just missed the mark. From the goal kick, Bannerman got on the ball and getting past the backs let drive, scoring number three for the Rangers, Welsh having no chance to save. The Buffs took advantage of the wind shooting at long range and but for Welsh would have had additional success in the next few minutes. Welsh was getting little support in goal and he could not keep the Buffs at bay himself so after twenty minutes play, McLaughlan put on number four with a long shot which Lundie supplemented with a fifth. There was only one team in this half and that was not the Rovers. The Buffs fairly ran through their opponents and before the call of time, added four points to their total. The game thus ended in favour of the Rangers by nine to one and over the two games won the tie by fourteen to three.
A second report on the same match is shown below.
Seeing that our Kilwinning correspondent has given a short description of the match played at Winton Park on Saturday (30 December 1901), it is unnecessary to enter into details again. One or two remarks, however, may be made and the first of these is that the result of the game surprised both elevens. The initial period of the game was decidedly the better half and if one team were oftener in the attack than the other, it was the Rovers but when in front of goal could make nothing of the opposing defence. Though playing against the wind, the Buffs displayed clever tactics and had a good share of the play in the first half but if the point that was awarded the Rovers for the ball going round the outside of the upright was an error of judgement on the part of the referee, we have no hesitation in saying that the second goal got by the Buffs was due to offside play. With the change of ends, odds could now have been given on the Buffs. In this half, they simply outplayed the Rovers who could hardly do anything well and when Findlay left the field, matters were not improved as the wind had freshened considerably. Once this half, the Rovers did experience very hard lines when the ball almost grazed the foot of the upright. Welsh in goal could not be blamed for all the balls he lost. He saved a number of certainties very cleverly and would perhaps have negotiated other shots had he been given more room. The backs rendered him little support when the pinch came and were otherwise unsteady while the halves were not by any means effective. As to the forwards, more cuteness and dash together with a better understanding on the part of the halves might produce better results. It is only fair to mention that the Rovers lacked the services of two of their best players, Hattie in front and Carmichael at back and Anderson and Thomson of the A team filled the vacancies. The defeat is the worst sustained this season by the Rovers and their admirers were sadly disappointed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901

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 (30 November 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
 
5
3
2
0
21
20
        4
 
Kilwinning Rangers
 
3
2
0
1
  6
  2
        5
 
Kilwinning Eglinton Thistle
 
4
2
1
1
  13
  8
        5
 
Ardrossan Winton Rovers
 
6
2
3
1
14
19
        5
 
Warner XI
 
4
2
2
0
  8
16
        4
 
AuchenharvieXI
 
5
2
3
0
14
20
        4
 
Bartonholm Britannia
 
4
1
3
0
  9
13
        2
 
Irvine Saint Andrew's
 
7
0
7
0
  9
31
        0
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The friendly at North Crescent Park between Ardrossan Celtic and Saltcoats Seaside Rangers had a close result, the Celts winning the verdict by a single goal. The Saltcoats lads are a promising lot of players. The return Irvine and District Cup game at Winton Park turned out to be pretty much of a farce, the Kilwinning Rangers having a runaway victory. The Winton Rovers made a somewhat poor stand and one of their number, evidently sick of the business, left the field in the second half and allowed the team to fight it out short-manned to the bitter end. The play of the Rovers was somewhat indifferent and when it is said they were but three goals in arrears by the result of the first game at Kilwinning, their severe downfall on Saturday at home showed a great falling off in form. Our Kilwinning friend says the referee came in for a lot of abuse after the game and had to be guarded to the clubhouse but the referee was not safe there either, he says, as one man had off his coat and wanted to fight the referee or any of the Kilwinning men. We can say nothing regarding these incidents as we do not make it a practice to follow teams to the clubhouse after the match. The referee, our friend states, got away after the crowd dispersed. Auchenharvie will engage Ardrossan Celtic tomorrow (7 December 1901) in a North Ayrshire League fixture and as the Celts won the points at Ardrossan, the Stevenston lads hope to capture the next two. The Winton Rovers will find employment in the same interests with Bartonholm Britannia and it is hoped the Rovers will be seen in better form at Winton Park than they were last week or they will have to put up with another reverse.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901
This is an extract from an longer report.

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION MEETING
At a meeting of the North Ayrshire League Association held last week, A Hattie of the Winton Rovers was suspended for one month for rough play and Ballantyne of Auchenharvie XI for misconduct and striking the referee on the face, lies off for two months. The Association is evidently bent on punishing defaulting players but in the case of Hattie, we think they have been too severe. Moreover, it is not good enough for a referee to order a player off the field, have him reported for rough tactics and to allow other equally as guilty to pass unnoticed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 1 - SALTCOATS SEASIDE RANGERS 0
Saltcoats Seaside Rangers visited Ardrossan last Saturday (30 November 1901) and engaged Celtic at North Crescent Park. It was the desire of the Celtic officials that the game be played at Ardrossan being a benefit match. The Rangers started with the wind in their favour and at once attacked the Celtic goal. It was owing greatly to the erratic play of their forwards that there was no scoring as time after time, the ball was sent past when it could have been otherwise. On one occasion, a foul was given against the Celts and had there been lines, a penalty would have been awarded the visitors. During this half, the Rangers' custodian had an easy time of it, the Celtic visits being few. There was no scoring at half time. On resuming, the Celts now forced the pace but the Rangers defence played a grand game and Glen in goal answered to the calls made upon him. Ultimately, however, the Celts scored through (James) Hunter. It is not for us to decide but we give it as our opinion that it was an offside goal, Hunter being between the uprights when he scored. This reverse seemed to arouse the Seasiders for they at once settled down and gave the Celts something to do. Visiting the Celtic end, they forced a corner but it passed unrewarded. Miller had a fine run on the right and gave Kerr a chance which he put behind. From this point to the finish, the Celts wrought hard to increase their total but Glen and company were mainly responsible for their non-success. Time was announced with the scores standing at one to nil in favour of the Celtic. The Rangers were Glen, Bell, Allan, Tait, Reid, Fleming, Miller, Kerr, Stewart, Stevenson and Duguid. The custodian selected to play for the Rangers on this occasion did not turn out and Glen took his place. He gave a good account of himself. The Rangers forwards could be arranged better. The Celtic defence was up to its usual standard.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 6 December 1901
The phrase 'had there been lines' implies that the park did not have the usual line markings.

ARDROSSAN MAN PLAYS FOR QUEEN'S PARK
In the great game between Queen's Park and Celtic on Saturday (7 December 1901), the centre-half of the Queen's, Mr W Fullarton, Ardrossan, was prominent in breaking up the attack of the Celts who were defeated by the amateurs.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901

WINTON PARK VANDALISED
Though some men or youths tore down and smashed the goalposts and barricades on the Winton Rovers' pitch on Wednesday night (11 December 1901), the act need not be take as signifying their disapproval of football. It may, however, be taken as indicating that there are some specimens of a peculiarly mean stamp of scoundrel knocking about Ardrossan.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 7 - BARTONHOLM VICTORIA 1
Bartonholm Britannia were the visitors to Winton Park, Ardrossan (on Saturday 7 December 1901) where they played the first of their league fixtures with the Winton Rovers. The following eleven donned the light blue jerseys - Welsh, Carmichael, Thomson, Bennett, Findlay, McGill, Cochrane, Dow, Reid, Steedman and Simpson. Despite the inclemency of the weather, there was a good attendance of spectators. Bartonholm won the toss and elected to play the first half with the wind in their favour. Five minutes after the advertised time, Reid set the ball a-rolling for the Rovers and the Bartonholm citadel was the first to receive a visit but the visitors cleared their lines and on transferring the play to the other end, the Rovers had to defend their stronghold. For about fifteen minutes, play was of a give-and-take nature although on both sides, scraggy football was shown. The locals, however, gradually settled down and a good piece of combination brought play into Bartonholm territory where Steedman, taking up a pass from the right, opened the scoring department for the Light Blues. Restarting from the meridian, the visitors played determinedly to get the equaliser but it came not thanks to the sound defence of Welsh and company. Both ends received their share of attention but the play continued to be of an uninteresting character until shortly before half-time when the Rovers again invaded their opponents' stronghold and after a brief scrimmage, they scored goal number two. On the interval being reached, the teams immediately crossed over and with the breeze in their favour, the Rovers were soon hovering around the visitors' goal. Five minutes had elapsed and the 'Holm custodian was beaten for a third time which was followed with a fourth goal a little later. With four goals to the bad and the wind against them, matters were looking rather gloomy for Britannia who were being practically hemmed in by their opponents. However, they at last managed to extricate themselves and breaking through the Rovers' defence succeeded in scoring their first and only goal, the result of a stinging shot which completely beat Welsh. The Rovers now took the game in hand, keeping up a persistent attack on their opponents' citadel until the end of the game which finished in favour of the Winton Parkers by seven goals to one. The above score gives a pretty fair idea of the play as the Bartonholm lads were completely outplayed. It should be stated here, however, that they had to play short-manned for some time in the second half, one of their number being forced to retire owing to an injury but he was able to make his appearance again after being attended to. We doubt if the Rovers received much benefit from this, however, as the visitors adopted the one back policy during the absence of the injured player and in consequence, the Winton forwards were pulled up repeatedly for offside when a goal seemed certain. The Rovers played the winning game throughout, the forwards showing better judgement at goal and in the open than they have displayed in previous games but still there is room for improvement and before that can be brought about, they must learn to keep their places better. Dow and Reid were the pick of the forwards while Carmichael was the mainstay of the defence.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901
The phrase 'the teams immediately crossed over' implies that there was no half-time break.

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 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
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Four league matches were played last Saturday (7 December 1901) but two of these were stopped before the prescribed hour and a half. The games left unfinished owing to darkness were Auchenharvie XI v Ardrossan Celtic and Irvine Saint Andrew's v Ardeer Thistle. When these games were stopped, the first two clubs stood level with one goal each and Ardeer were leading the Irvine lads by five to one. These games will likely be replayed and on that account, the figures opposite the respective clubs are the same as appeared last week. Dalry Athletic and Ardrossan Winton Rovers were the only clubs that added two points to their respective registers last Saturday and the latter worsting Bartonholm Britannia at Ardrossan by seven to one. After their previous week's reverse, Ardrossan Winton Rovers redeemed themselves in the eyes of their supporters by the substantial win they scored against Bartonholm. If their recent big defeat was a big surprise, the Rovers' big victory was none the less so.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901

STEVENSTON SEAMORE 2 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS A TEAM 3
The Rovers A Team also had a win on Saturday (7 December 1901). They journeyed to Wandhouse Field and defeated Seamore in a friendly by three goals to two.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The above league table is the same as appeared in our last issue as no games were played on Saturday last (14 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
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 December 1901

WINTON ROVERS GOALPOSTS REPLACED
Being without a fixture owing to Eglinton Thistle's undecided cup-tie, Ardrossan Rovers and their officials found employment in erecting two new sets of goalposts et cetera in place of the ones which some evil-disposed person or persons broke down last week. Such dastardly conduct is condemned on all hands and it is just a pity the guilty ones were not caught in the act. Suspicion rests on certain parties, however, and time alone will perhaps reveal them to the general public.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 December 1901

TOMORROW'S NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE LEAGUE GAMES
The North Ayrshire League games down for decision tomorrow (21 December 1901) are Ardrossan Celtic v Warner XI and Eglinton Thistle v Winton Rovers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 December 1901

NEW YEAR'S DAY FOOTBALL FIXTURES
Many of the local football teams, including Winton Thistle, have fixtures for New Year's Day.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 December 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE
The above league table is the same as appeared in our last issue as no games were played on Saturday last (21 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
                                                       Two points for a win and one for a draw.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 December 1901

NORTH AYRSHIRE JUVENILE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Contrary to expectations, no league games were played last Saturday (21 December 1901) and two reasons can be given for the state of things. The first of these is that in the case of Eglinton Thistle v Ardrossan Winton Rovers fixture, the former club was unable to fulfil the fixture as advised from the fact that Blacklands Park, Kilwinning was engaged by the senior club. The second reason refers to the Ardrossan Celtic v Warner XI fixture which should have been decided on the former's pitch but owing, it is said, to the Warner club being unable to muster a full team, the Celtic had to remain idle. Ardrossan Winton Rovers had a double disappointment last week. Their league fixture with Kilwinning Eglinton being off, the young 'Furnacemen' agreed to play a friendly at Winton Park but the latter failed to turn up. Conduct of this sort, we think, demands an explanation. The league games down for tomorrow are Ardrossan Celtic v Bartonholm and Auchenharvie XI v Winton Rovers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 December 1901

ARE ARDROSSAN TEAMS AFRAID TO GO TO SALTCOATS?
We may here state that there are two teams about a mile or thereabouts to the west of Saltcoats who had promised the Seaside their first open date. We understand both teams had an off-day last Saturday (21 December 1901). The Seaside brought this under the notice of one of the teams in particular. That team so far condescended as to invite the Seasiders to come and play on their ground for or no account would they come to Saltcoats which was a piece of unparalleled magnanimity considering Seaside have played them three times already on their own pitch. This applies to both teams in question. Is it that the finances would not stand the strain of visiting Saltcoats or, what is perhaps nearer the mark, are they afraid to come to Brewery Field?
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 December 1901
This paragraph was written under the heading Seaside Ripples by a Saltcoats Seaside Rangers correspondent.