1879-80 Anti-climax

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Following the excitement of the West Of Scotland Cup win the previous season, 1879-80 was if anything a bit of an anti-climax, although the club continued to build on prior success and became one of the top “junior” clubs. [Editor’s Note – this was at a time before the formation of the Scottish Junior FA and the organisation of junior football as we know it now. Junior clubs were any team not regarded by the press as a top club, “junior” and “senior” clubs played each other regularly.]

Indeed only two defeats were recorded by the newspapers during the September to March season – inflicted by Barrhead Rangers and by Fullerton.

Striking victories included 7-0 and 6-2 wins over Ardayre and an 8-0 win over Pollok. Thistle broke with the custom of local friendlies with a visit to Stirling, the furthest afield a Thistle side had travelled, and recorded a 4-0 win against Kings Park (predecessors of Stirling Albion).

Another notable fixture was the first meeting of teams from Partick Thistle and the top side in the country Queen’s Park. There were to be some great battles between the two sides in the coming years but at this stage of Thistle’s development they had to be content with a game against Queen’s Park’s second team – still no easy fixture. The game was played at Hampden and Thistle won by a Sinclair goal to none.

Other sides faced by Thistle this season were Possilpark, Possil Blue Bell, Barrhead Rangers, Windsor, Kelvinside, Renfrew Ramblers, Orient and Parkhead Rangers – all worthy members of the local football scene. Thistle were by now one of the most respected of the “junior” clubs but there was a desire to improve the lot of the club, brought about by the success of the previous season. Changes were afoot!

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