Jonnyboy
29-12-2009, 10:06 PM
........ I thought I'd have a wee look at games played by Hibs on Christmas Day over the years and there's quite a list. I'll need to post it in a few parts but if you can be bothered you should read it if only for the fabulous use of the English language employed by the Scotsman reporters :greengrin
I've added some comments of my own where I feel it's been worthwhile doing so
Here we go ........
1875 Hibs 0 Hearts 1 Friendly
HIBERNIAN v HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. Played in the East Meadows and resulted in a win for the Heart of Mid-Lothian of one goal to nothing. The Mid-Lothian played with three men short for the first twenty minutes. Cavanagh and Byrne played well for the Hibernian; J. Wylie and Laidlaw for the Mid-Lothian © Scotsman Archive
1880 Hibs 6 The Holmes Zulu’s of Sheffield 0 Friendly
HIBERNIANS V THE HOLMES ZULUS (SHEFFIELD) – This match was played at Easter Road, Edinburgh on Saturday in presence of around 2,000 spectators. The home team had the best of the game throughout and won by six goals to nothing. The ground was very hard and slippery. The strangers appeared to kick well but were deficient in passing the ball. Teams – HIBERNIANS Goal – J. Reid; backs – Jas. McKearnan, Mal Byrne; half backs – P. Cavanagh (captain), Jas. Waugh; forwards – Frank Rourke, Tom Lea, O. Quinn, McGuire, Gillie Byrne and W. Cox. Zulus – Goal – Umlathoosi; backs – Cetewayo (captain), Dabalamanzi; half backs – Sirayo, Methlagazulu; forwards – Umeltyu, Ngobamalrosi, Maquenda, Jiggleumbergo, Muyamani and Aniatonga. © Scotsman Archive
Contrary to what you might think these Zulus did not have skin the colour of coal and nor did they run onto the park brandishing spears and shields. In fact they were not Zulus at all but a team of British footballers that was travelling the UK playing in a series of charity matches with the proceeds going to help the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Zulu conflict. In an effort to add to the authenticity of their name it is reported that the Zulu players stained their skin with burnt cork and covered their bodies with black jerseys and stockings, wore feathers round their heads and white beads around their necks. It should not surprise the reader that Hibs agreed to this match as it fitted in perfectly with the ethos of the club founders, given the destination of the monies raised at the gate.
1886 Third Lanark 1 Hibernians 2 Scottish Cup Sixth Round
The surprise of the round was the defeat of 3rd LRV at Glasgow by the Hibernians by two goals to one. The victory will be popular in the East of Scotland as the Hibernians were the only club left in to represent the district. The ground was in the worst condition possible. There had been a sharp frost overnight and several pools of water that had gathered on the field during the week were covered with ice and all over the ground was frozen hard. At one time it was thought that the tie might not be gone on with but on consideration the clubs decided to have it played. The number of spectators who braved the elements to witness the game would not be far short of 5,000 and on the whole they witnessed a very fair exhibition of football. The Hibernians won the toss and the Volunteers kicked off towards the southern goal. The Hibernians right at once got on the ball and carried it swiftly down to the 3rd Lanark goal where Flint interfered. Marshall then put in a run for the Volunteers which caused Lundy to give a corner but nothing came of it. Grand forward play by the Edinburgh Shieldholders followed and by one of their usual dashes they swept through all opposition and Clarke by a nice low shot brought about the downfall of the Volunteers’ goal amid loud cheering. On the game being started from the centre the Volunteers made way to the Hibernians goal where they lost a chance of scoring with bad shooting. Clarke then received the ball from McLaren and before Hamilton had robbed him of it he had made his way to the Volunteers’ goal. Play was chiefly in the Volunteers’ ground and after the ball had been kept dancing around Collie’s charge for a time Reynolds scored a second point for the Hibernians. Rain and sleet now came down heavily but the players and spectators seemed not to suffer from it and the game was continued with great vigour. Play of a very fast description followed and in turn each goal was visited the 3rd Lanark all but scoring on one occasion as a shot from McIntyre was saved just in time by Tobin.
If anything the 3rd Lanark now had the best of the play, Marshall in particular doing good service. A foul was then given away by Hibernians close to their goalmouth but Thomson sent the leather over the line. Close things followed and some pretty dribbling by Groves saw him near the Volunteers’ goal but his shot went wide. The Hibs kept up the pressure for some time but eventually Marshall got an opening and by the best run of the game took the ball right to the goalmouth and passed for Johnstone who scored a goal amid loud cheering. This success put new fire into 3rd and they went at it with great dash but bad shooting prevented them from equalising.
The Hibernians team: Goal – J. Tobin; backs – J. Lundy and B. Fagan; half backs – J. McGhee, P. McGinn and J. McLaren; forwards – T. E. Mailey, W. Groves, J. Reynolds, P. Clarke and G. Smith. © Scotsman Archive
It’s worth pointing out that the win over Third Lanark or to give them their full name The 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers was achieved in a Scottish Cup run that took the Hibernians all the way to a Final 2-1 win over Dumbarton. It’s also interesting to note that even though this game was played in 1886 the press were already referring to Hibernians as Hibs.
1896 Burnley 2 Edinburgh Hibernians 1 Friendly
BURNLEY V EDINBURGH HIBERNIANS – played at Burnley yesterday before 4,000 spectators in fine weather. Both teams were well represented and Burnley tried a new man in Devine of Broxburn. The visitors had the best of the opening exchanges and playing with great dash and good combination they found the Burnley defence plenty of work. Kennedy had hard lines. In ten minutes Dougal scored for the Hibernians with a splendid shot and after more good forward work Kennedy hit the cross bar. Pretty football was shown by both sides. Pryce, Dougal and Martin dribbled beautifully the length of the field and Dougal backed up with smart play the Burnley goalkeeper having frequently to save. At the other end Robertson robbed Bowes when about to shoot. The visitors’ play delighted the spectators, Martin just missed the Burnley left running up nicely. Pince junior crossed and Beveridge headed through equalising. Murray just failed to draw ahead, the Burnley keeper being in great form. McColl saved marvellously in the scrimmage under the goalposts. Half time, one goal each. The game continued fast on resuming. In ten minutes Bowes shot a second for Burnley. After smart work two fruitless corners fell to the Hibernians, Dougal being robbed when about to shoot and Dunn a moment later dashed in and prevented a certain score. Kennedy had a bang at goal but shot just wide following up with a second into the goalkeeper’s hands. The Hibernians had a further period of pressure during which the Burnley goalkeeper saved admirably. The visitors tried admirably to equalise but could not manage it and were defeated by two goals to one. © Scotsman Archive
1897 Hibernians 3 St. Mirren 1Division 1
The return league match between Hibernians and St Mirren was played at Easter Road in front of about 2,000 spectators. When the teams met some weeks ago at Paisley the Hibernians won by three goals to two and again on this occasion they proved themselves the better team – the score being three goals to one. There were some alterations on the usual elevens. On the St Mirren side Steel played for Wyllie and on that of the Hibernians Palmer kept goal and Martin was at half back in place of Raisbeck; Smith occupied the centre position. The early stages of the game were altogether in favour of the visitors who assisted by a strong cross breeze showered innumerable shots upon Palmer. The goalkeeper however defended grandly until Morgan, taking up a pass from May opened the scoring. Both teams strove hard after this and each in turn had chances. A short time before the interval Hibernians equalised. Murray in conjunction with Kennedy ran the ball past Binnie and a high pass from the outside man was turned into the goal by Dougal. The teams thus crossed over on equal terms. With the wind in their favour the Hibernians had almost all the play in the second half and took the lead when McCrone in saving a shot by Murray drove the ball hard into his own goal. Further pressure on the St Mirren goal ensued before a third point fell to the Hibernians curiously enough in the very same way – Murray sending in a ball which glanced off McCrone and passed into the net. A fourth should have been scored by Martin who missed a penalty kick. Towards the close the play of St Mirren improved but they were unable to pierce the strong Hibernians defence and the match ended Hibernians three goals, St Mirren one goal. © Scotsman Archive
1899 Sunderland 2 Edinburgh Hibernians 2 Friendly
These teams engaged in a friendly match at Roker Park, Sunderland before a moderate attendance. The game was a fairly even one. Sunderland pressed in the first half and before crossing over Raisbeck scored for Sunderland. After the interval Aitken equalised for the visitors. To the end play was very even, each side scoring again the result being a draw of two goals each. © Scotsman Archive
I've added some comments of my own where I feel it's been worthwhile doing so
Here we go ........
1875 Hibs 0 Hearts 1 Friendly
HIBERNIAN v HEART OF MID-LOTHIAN. Played in the East Meadows and resulted in a win for the Heart of Mid-Lothian of one goal to nothing. The Mid-Lothian played with three men short for the first twenty minutes. Cavanagh and Byrne played well for the Hibernian; J. Wylie and Laidlaw for the Mid-Lothian © Scotsman Archive
1880 Hibs 6 The Holmes Zulu’s of Sheffield 0 Friendly
HIBERNIANS V THE HOLMES ZULUS (SHEFFIELD) – This match was played at Easter Road, Edinburgh on Saturday in presence of around 2,000 spectators. The home team had the best of the game throughout and won by six goals to nothing. The ground was very hard and slippery. The strangers appeared to kick well but were deficient in passing the ball. Teams – HIBERNIANS Goal – J. Reid; backs – Jas. McKearnan, Mal Byrne; half backs – P. Cavanagh (captain), Jas. Waugh; forwards – Frank Rourke, Tom Lea, O. Quinn, McGuire, Gillie Byrne and W. Cox. Zulus – Goal – Umlathoosi; backs – Cetewayo (captain), Dabalamanzi; half backs – Sirayo, Methlagazulu; forwards – Umeltyu, Ngobamalrosi, Maquenda, Jiggleumbergo, Muyamani and Aniatonga. © Scotsman Archive
Contrary to what you might think these Zulus did not have skin the colour of coal and nor did they run onto the park brandishing spears and shields. In fact they were not Zulus at all but a team of British footballers that was travelling the UK playing in a series of charity matches with the proceeds going to help the families of those who lost their lives in the recent Zulu conflict. In an effort to add to the authenticity of their name it is reported that the Zulu players stained their skin with burnt cork and covered their bodies with black jerseys and stockings, wore feathers round their heads and white beads around their necks. It should not surprise the reader that Hibs agreed to this match as it fitted in perfectly with the ethos of the club founders, given the destination of the monies raised at the gate.
1886 Third Lanark 1 Hibernians 2 Scottish Cup Sixth Round
The surprise of the round was the defeat of 3rd LRV at Glasgow by the Hibernians by two goals to one. The victory will be popular in the East of Scotland as the Hibernians were the only club left in to represent the district. The ground was in the worst condition possible. There had been a sharp frost overnight and several pools of water that had gathered on the field during the week were covered with ice and all over the ground was frozen hard. At one time it was thought that the tie might not be gone on with but on consideration the clubs decided to have it played. The number of spectators who braved the elements to witness the game would not be far short of 5,000 and on the whole they witnessed a very fair exhibition of football. The Hibernians won the toss and the Volunteers kicked off towards the southern goal. The Hibernians right at once got on the ball and carried it swiftly down to the 3rd Lanark goal where Flint interfered. Marshall then put in a run for the Volunteers which caused Lundy to give a corner but nothing came of it. Grand forward play by the Edinburgh Shieldholders followed and by one of their usual dashes they swept through all opposition and Clarke by a nice low shot brought about the downfall of the Volunteers’ goal amid loud cheering. On the game being started from the centre the Volunteers made way to the Hibernians goal where they lost a chance of scoring with bad shooting. Clarke then received the ball from McLaren and before Hamilton had robbed him of it he had made his way to the Volunteers’ goal. Play was chiefly in the Volunteers’ ground and after the ball had been kept dancing around Collie’s charge for a time Reynolds scored a second point for the Hibernians. Rain and sleet now came down heavily but the players and spectators seemed not to suffer from it and the game was continued with great vigour. Play of a very fast description followed and in turn each goal was visited the 3rd Lanark all but scoring on one occasion as a shot from McIntyre was saved just in time by Tobin.
If anything the 3rd Lanark now had the best of the play, Marshall in particular doing good service. A foul was then given away by Hibernians close to their goalmouth but Thomson sent the leather over the line. Close things followed and some pretty dribbling by Groves saw him near the Volunteers’ goal but his shot went wide. The Hibs kept up the pressure for some time but eventually Marshall got an opening and by the best run of the game took the ball right to the goalmouth and passed for Johnstone who scored a goal amid loud cheering. This success put new fire into 3rd and they went at it with great dash but bad shooting prevented them from equalising.
The Hibernians team: Goal – J. Tobin; backs – J. Lundy and B. Fagan; half backs – J. McGhee, P. McGinn and J. McLaren; forwards – T. E. Mailey, W. Groves, J. Reynolds, P. Clarke and G. Smith. © Scotsman Archive
It’s worth pointing out that the win over Third Lanark or to give them their full name The 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers was achieved in a Scottish Cup run that took the Hibernians all the way to a Final 2-1 win over Dumbarton. It’s also interesting to note that even though this game was played in 1886 the press were already referring to Hibernians as Hibs.
1896 Burnley 2 Edinburgh Hibernians 1 Friendly
BURNLEY V EDINBURGH HIBERNIANS – played at Burnley yesterday before 4,000 spectators in fine weather. Both teams were well represented and Burnley tried a new man in Devine of Broxburn. The visitors had the best of the opening exchanges and playing with great dash and good combination they found the Burnley defence plenty of work. Kennedy had hard lines. In ten minutes Dougal scored for the Hibernians with a splendid shot and after more good forward work Kennedy hit the cross bar. Pretty football was shown by both sides. Pryce, Dougal and Martin dribbled beautifully the length of the field and Dougal backed up with smart play the Burnley goalkeeper having frequently to save. At the other end Robertson robbed Bowes when about to shoot. The visitors’ play delighted the spectators, Martin just missed the Burnley left running up nicely. Pince junior crossed and Beveridge headed through equalising. Murray just failed to draw ahead, the Burnley keeper being in great form. McColl saved marvellously in the scrimmage under the goalposts. Half time, one goal each. The game continued fast on resuming. In ten minutes Bowes shot a second for Burnley. After smart work two fruitless corners fell to the Hibernians, Dougal being robbed when about to shoot and Dunn a moment later dashed in and prevented a certain score. Kennedy had a bang at goal but shot just wide following up with a second into the goalkeeper’s hands. The Hibernians had a further period of pressure during which the Burnley goalkeeper saved admirably. The visitors tried admirably to equalise but could not manage it and were defeated by two goals to one. © Scotsman Archive
1897 Hibernians 3 St. Mirren 1Division 1
The return league match between Hibernians and St Mirren was played at Easter Road in front of about 2,000 spectators. When the teams met some weeks ago at Paisley the Hibernians won by three goals to two and again on this occasion they proved themselves the better team – the score being three goals to one. There were some alterations on the usual elevens. On the St Mirren side Steel played for Wyllie and on that of the Hibernians Palmer kept goal and Martin was at half back in place of Raisbeck; Smith occupied the centre position. The early stages of the game were altogether in favour of the visitors who assisted by a strong cross breeze showered innumerable shots upon Palmer. The goalkeeper however defended grandly until Morgan, taking up a pass from May opened the scoring. Both teams strove hard after this and each in turn had chances. A short time before the interval Hibernians equalised. Murray in conjunction with Kennedy ran the ball past Binnie and a high pass from the outside man was turned into the goal by Dougal. The teams thus crossed over on equal terms. With the wind in their favour the Hibernians had almost all the play in the second half and took the lead when McCrone in saving a shot by Murray drove the ball hard into his own goal. Further pressure on the St Mirren goal ensued before a third point fell to the Hibernians curiously enough in the very same way – Murray sending in a ball which glanced off McCrone and passed into the net. A fourth should have been scored by Martin who missed a penalty kick. Towards the close the play of St Mirren improved but they were unable to pierce the strong Hibernians defence and the match ended Hibernians three goals, St Mirren one goal. © Scotsman Archive
1899 Sunderland 2 Edinburgh Hibernians 2 Friendly
These teams engaged in a friendly match at Roker Park, Sunderland before a moderate attendance. The game was a fairly even one. Sunderland pressed in the first half and before crossing over Raisbeck scored for Sunderland. After the interval Aitken equalised for the visitors. To the end play was very even, each side scoring again the result being a draw of two goals each. © Scotsman Archive