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Jonnyboy
29-12-2009, 11:06 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

Jonnyboy
29-12-2009, 11:09 PM
1901 Bury 5 Hibernians 1 Friendly

Bury scored in ten minutes through Berry and Thorpe caused Rennie to make a brilliant save. In the second half Berry added a second. The home team had matters their own way while the visitors did not utilise the chances they had. Berry scored twice more and Wood once for Bury and McCartney for Edinburgh. © Scotsman Archive

1905 Berwick Rangers 3 Hibernians 6 Friendly

These clubs met in a holiday fixture at Berwick yesterday before a large crowd of spectators. The visitors who played several reserves gave a fine exhibition of football their opponents being hopelessly outclassed. The Rangers however at times showed up well, especially in their defence. The game resulted: Hibernians six goals, Berwick Rangers three goals. © Scotsman Archive

1906 Hibernians 2 Raith Rovers 1 Friendly

Hibernians two goals, Raith rovers nothing in a holiday fixture played at Easter Road yesterday. © Scotsman Archive

1907 Hibernians 1 Leith Athletic 1 Friendly

A friendly game between the Hibernians and Leith was played at Easter Road in the presence of about 1,000 spectators. Leith tried one new player and the Hibernians six, all their forwards being strangers and all played under assumed names. Several of the Hibernians’ new men were distinctly good and the home team had the better of the game. The Hibernians scored the only goal of the first half during which they did most of the attacking and the equaliser was got early in the second half from a penalty. Allan handled the ball close to the Leith goal and Moffat scored the goal. It was a capital game for a friendly and play was invariably interesting. © Scotsman Archive

It’s hard not to speculate as to why Hibs played six trialists (‘strangers’) under assumed names. Perhaps they were worried the Old Firm would snatch them away if they found out or maybe these were players from other clubs being played without those other clubs’ knowledge!

1909 Partick Thistle 3 Hibs 1 Division 1

HIBERNIANS v PARTICK THISTLE – At Firhill Park, Glasgow before 5,000 spectators. The Thistle were without Parry, Raisbeck and Callaghan while the Hibernians were minus the services of S. Allan, Smith, Duguid and Birrell. The ground was hard and ice-bound and the football insecure. Early on the Hibernians scored a soft goal through Sharp. Gardner responded with the equaliser. Main got badly hurt and retired after Gardner had again scored. The Hibernians were without their back all the second half but held out until the last minute when Robertson got a third goal for the home side. © Scotsman Archive

Some days later – SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO AN EDINBURGH FOOTBALLER – In the course of the football match between the Hibernian football club and Partick Thistle at Firhill Park in Glasgow on Saturday, James Main the well known back of the Hibernian club was injured. After the match, Main who appeared to have completely recovered went to his house in West Calder. When he arrived there a doctor was called in. Main appeared to be suffering from a bruise on the wall of the stomach. No serious symptoms developed until the Sunday morning when Drs. Young and Gordon deemed it advisable to send Main to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. At that institution it was decided that an immediate operation was necessary. It was found that one of the intestines was seriously ruptured. Main came through the operation successfully but his condition afterwards became so serious that his relatives were summoned and at an early hour this morning his condition was very low. © Scotsman Archive

Around the same time – THE ACCIDENT TO JAMES MAIN – James Main the member of the Hibernian football team who met with an accident while playing on Saturday and who is at present lying in a critical condition in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was reported early this morning as being still in danger though a little easier than on the previous day. © Scotsman Archive

A day later – ACCIDENT TO EDINBURGH FOOTBALLER ENDS FATALLY – James Main the well known Hibernian player died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary last night as the result of an accident which befell him in the match at Glasgow on Saturday last between the Hibernians and Partick Thistle. The mishap occurred as the result of a collision between the deceased and Branscombe the Partick Thistle outside left, Main being injured about the stomach. The injured player seemed to have recovered after the match and was able to proceed to his home at West Calder. On Sunday morning, one of the doctor’s in attendance, fearing a rupture of the bowel, had him removed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where an operation was performed. On Monday and Tuesday slight improvement was reported but last night the deceased’s condition was very low again and death resulted. Main was a native of West Calder. He was in his twenty fourth year and joined the Hibernians, his only senior club, when he was eighteen and since then he has been connected with the club. Main was one of the best club backs in the country and his services have been so much sought after that the Hibernians have invariably had some difficulty at the end of each season getting him to stay with them. He twice played in international matches, once against the English League for the Scottish League in 1908 and once against Ireland for Scotland last season. © Scotsman Archive

Jonnyboy
29-12-2009, 11:11 PM
1915 Hibs 0 Dundee 2 Division 1

There was a big display of khaki among the 3,000 spectators at Easter Road, both Regulars and Derby men, and these were pretty impartial in their encouragement and criticism of both teams. It was not a great game but Dundee played the better football in the first half and scored two goals through Brown. A clever pass by Fisher led up to the first and a rally in goal following a corner brought the second. In the second half the Hibernians played a strong bustling game but weak finishing and a good display by Fraser, a young goalkeeper Dundee were trying kept them out. The Hibernians had McManus of Parkhead in goal and Grosert, home on leave was also included. © Scotsman Archive

Out of interest the ‘Derby men’ were so called because although they had not yet volunteered to join up they had volunteered their names on the basis that they would indeed be called up if it was thought necessary.

1920 Clydebank 2 Hibs 2 Division 1

Some 5,000 spectators were present at the Clydebank-Hibernian game at Clydeholm Park. The home side had out their two latest players Shaw and McIntosh and Shaw played for Kerr who was indisposed on the Hibernians side. The ground was to the heavy side but despite that the game was keenly contested, especially in the second half which had many thrills. The earlier stages ran mainly in favour of Clydebank but not until within sight of half time was any scoring effected. Then, a “penalty” against Paterson led to McLavin giving Clydebank the lead. In the second half the Hibernians opened up the game more and in that way they claimed the balance of play. Dunn had one great try which Morton did well to save but he scarcely got rid of the danger and Hannigan eventually sent the ball over the bar. Still keeping at it the Hibernians at length drew level through Dunn and immediately afterwards Hannigan put the Easter Road side ahead. Following these reverses Clydebank went off with a bang and a minute or so later Paton once more equalised the game. So it ended and the game was voted one of the best at Clydebank this season. Both sides played well and if Clydebank had had the pull at one stage, the Hibernians persevered until they got on top. The closing stages were quite exciting. Harper in the Hibernian goal did splendidly. He was backed up well by McGinnigle and Dornan. Cannon shone at half back and Dunn was the pick of the forwards. © Scotsman Archive

1926 St Johnstone 0 Hibs 0 Division 1

Though neither St Johnstone nor the Hibernians scored in the game at Perth the match was always interesting. The home side had a new centre forward in Main, late of the Airdrieonians and the Hibernians were at full strength. A slight thaw following on frost made the pitch greasy on top and hard below with the result that while the ball often bounced high the players invariably had trouble keeping their feet. Despite that handicap play was fast and in the first half both goalkeepers had to be alert. McColl made a nice opening for Bradley but Page saved and later Penman put in sound defence to hold the McColl-Bradley movements in check. Dunn was particularly good in the way he worked the ball. In a St Johnstone attack Robb luckily blocked a close in drive by Black and then Miller and Gilfeather did good work to drive back the home men. As play proceeded the strength of the rival half-backs and also of the backs prevailed over the attacks and half time found the scoresheet blank. The second half was a lively period from start to finish. Mostly the attacks lay with St Johnstone who half-backs were forcing the game, Swallow and White being especially clever. The forwards too were smart but Miller was in fine form and Robb anticipated every shot. The Hibernians had an occasional spell of attacking, Ritchie, McColl and Bradley all doing well but the attack was mainly by the home men. The last ten minutes were fought for the most part near the Hibernians goal and kept the 8,000 spectators thrilled but the defence never gave in and the side deserved the league point their work produced. Robb was brilliant in the Hibernian goal and got his best support from Stark and Miller. Page, at the other end was not so sorely tested and was well shielded by Penman and Jamieson and the strong work of Swallow and Whyte in forcing on the play. © Scotsman Archive

1937 Hibs 1 Hamilton 1 Division 1

Bright fare was provided by Hibernians and Hamilton Academicals in a keen match at Easter Road. A draw was a fair result but Hibernians missed their best chance of success in the first half when Milne had the goal apparently at his mercy on several occasions and could do no better than ram the ball against the goalkeeper. Morgan at that stage gave a particularly fine display in the Hamilton goal. The visitors were in arrears shortly after the interval but fought back pluckily and equalised twenty minutes from the finish. The closing stages were exciting and both sides went very near to pulling off a win. Finnigan took a turn at leading the Hibernian forwards without being able to improve on Milne and dashing play by McIntyre and Kelso on the wings was discounted by poor finishing.

One of the best Hibernians was Birse who, despite wearing a skullcap seemed little the worse of a head injury sustained a week earlier and scarcely put a foot wrong. The return of McLean and Kelso to form a left wing met with considerable success. They were a lively pair in the first half hour and did a fair proportion of the shooting. Milne at that time co-operated in his usual dashing style but was inclined to hold the ball too long and on occasion was baffled by excellent goalkeeping. The visitors’ early raids were less dangerous although there was one let-off for Hibernians when a rising shot from Wilson hit the crossbar and rebounded into play. Both sets of forwards made sweeping moves on goal without being able to finish effectively. The Hibernians had a distinct pull during the first half but it was apparently an off day with Milne. Clever play with many dashing touches was still the rule in the second half. Milne led off with a run on the left and Kelso who had cut into centre failed to get enough pith into his shot. In four minutes however, McLean opened the scoring with a stirring drive at twenty yards. Shortly afterwards Milne missed still another chance by running the ball into the goalkeeper when an overhead touch was the obvious requirement. An accident which left Prior limping handicapped the Hibernians for the last half hour. Gourlay had a fine save from a double header but was beaten by a strong drive from Wilson who gathered the ball quickly after a run by McNee had been checked. In a tense finish Morgan gained further prominence by saving from Kelso and Gourlay was to the fore in parrying a heavy drive by Gilmour.

The visitors were a smart moving side well served in goal and at the back and with industrious wing half-backs. Wilson’s raiding qualities gave the Hibernians backs a busy afternoon and when McNee came out of his shell in the second half the pressure was at times severe. Logan and Birse however proved able opponents and the exchanges were entertaining. Save that the centre connection was ineffective the Hibernians gave one of their best displays for some time. Fully 12,000 saw the game and heard the King’s speech broadcast at half time. © Scotsman Archive

1948 Hibs 1 QOTS 1 Division ‘A’

At Easter Road a draw was a fitting result. For three-quarters of the game Hibernians played without Shaw who retired with an ankle injury sustained in a tackle. Queen of the South lacked the services of their international centre forward Houliston and his place was taken by C. Brown a young but useful substitute. Cuthbertson was entrusted with the leadership of the home forward line but the attack was no better than in recent weeks. Hibs had many scoring chances but could not take them. Dumfries were sturdy defenders and they have an excellent goalkeeper in Henderson who saved high shots and low ones often in daring fashion. Half time came without scoring and it was well on into the second period when Hibs opened the scoring through Reilly who was one of their best forwards. But the lead was short-lived. In four minutes Queens got the equaliser and it was Jenkins their outstanding forward who scored it with a shot which seemed to take goalkeeper Kerr by surprise. Saturday’s result was a repetition of the score when the teams met at Dumfries in the first week of the season. © Scotsman Archive

1954 Hibs 2 Rangers 1 Division ‘A’

Sadly, I have no details at present so if anyone would care to fill in the blanks!

1965 Aberdeen 1 Hibs 3 Division 1

On Christmas Day 1965 Hibs travelled to Pittodrie where they faced an Aberdeen team which had not lost in its previous ten games. Courtesy of goals from Peter Cormack, Jim Scott and John McNamee that run was ended as Hibs took the points in a 3-1 win and moved on to 21 points from 16 games, just 6 behind leaders Celtic. McNamee’s goal could have been added to in that game but for a goal line clearance by Ally Shewan but the one that did count was his fifth of the season, a valuable contribution by the big defender.

1971 Hibs 0 Rangers 1 Division 1

Christmas Day 1971 saw Rangers visiting Easter Road and going home with a nice gift of two points after grabbing a last minute winner despite being second best throughout the ninety minutes. It was unfortunate for Hibs to relinquish their third place to Rangers who had the Girvan Lighthouse Peter McCloy to thanks after he pulled off a series of fantastic saves, notably from O’Rourke and Edwards.

hibbybrian
30-12-2009, 01:31 AM
[B]1954 Hibs 2 Rangers 1 Division ‘A’

Sadly, I have no details at present so if anyone would care to fill in the blanks!

Hibs Team: Tommy Younger, Pat Ward, Jock Paterson, John Grant, Jacky Plenderleith, Eddie Turnbull, Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Bobby Combe & Willie Ormond

Hibs goals scored by Bobby Combe & Willie Ormond :xwave:partyhibb

Jonnyboy
30-12-2009, 11:18 PM
Hibs Team: Tommy Younger, Pat Ward, Jock Paterson, John Grant, Jacky Plenderleith, Eddie Turnbull, Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Bobby Combe & Willie Ormond

Hibs goals scored by Bobby Combe & Willie Ormond :xwave:partyhibb

Knew I could rely on you :greengrin :thumbsup:

(((Fergus)))
31-12-2009, 12:45 AM
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.



:wtf:

hibbybrian
31-12-2009, 02:06 AM
Knew I could rely on you :greengrin :thumbsup:

:cool2: I always enjoy and appreciate your Hibstoric articles John :thumbsup: hope your work in progress comes to fruition soon mate :not worth

BTW what happened to "doon the slope" :confused:


:wtf:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zulus

"They subsequently also played in Edinburgh and had an offer to also tour South Africa. They never lost a match. However, they were forced to disband by the Sheffield F.A. in 1882." :grr:

Someone should edit the Wikipedia page - no access for a Qatar IP unfortunately :rolleyes: