Relichtie
Quarter finals No. 1
December 17
1887
Abercorn 3-1 Arbroath
Arbroath's first appearance in the last eight of the Scottish Cup was in this season, 1887/88. There were a huge amount of entrants in the cup in these days, there were 71 ties in the 1st round ! Arbroath met Aberdeen side Orion at Gayfield, and progressed by 18-0, while Abercorn registered a fine 9-0 victory over Johnstone Hearts in the 1st round. The second round saw the lichties win a home tie 3-1 against Strathmore ( Dundee ), meanwhile the Paisley side beat Neilston 6-0. The 3rd round saw victories against Oban 5-1, for the east coast side, and 3-1 away to Kilbirnie for the west coasters. Both teams coincidentally received a bye in the 4th round, and resumed with Arbroath defeating Cowlairs 5-1 and Abercorn accounted for St Bernards 9-0.
So the scene was set for the meeting of the two clubs at Blackstoun Park, Paisley.
Despite the heavy rain the previous night the pitch was in a very good condition. Abercorn took the game to the visitors from the start. Munro passed to McLardie, who hit a shot which Doig beat away, collie completed the clearance. It was Arbroath's turn to attack next and J. Buick forced a save from Clark. Play swung from end to end with first Abercorn, and then Arbroath making chances. " From a throw in close to the Abercorn goal, the ball came off one of the Abercorn's hands, and the visitors thus got a foul six yards to the front of the Abercorn goal". ( In the days before penalties, I assume ). " A scrimmage ensued, which Brodie broke up, and Munro dashed along his wing ". Arbroath were having the better of the play though, laying siege to the Renfrewshire Cup holders goal. Abercorn finally managed to break out and the ball was pushed to the visitors goal, Doig left his charge and missed the ball leaving Munro with an easy chance which he converted. Despite chances for both sides, half time came with no more scoring.
The teams changed ends, and Arbroath started the second half in determined fashion. " Leslie and Willocks had a splendid run along the right, and the ball being well centred, S. Buick equalised. " This seemed to spur Abercorn on and they pressed Arbroath back. They won several corners which came to nothing, but did go back in front, when Martin scored after a scramble in the box. Abercorn kept attacking, and Doig had to rescue Arbroath with some fine saves, before he was beaten for a third time by McLardie two minutes from time.
Arbroath - Doig, Collie, Milne, Rennie, Campbell, Sim, Willocks, Leslie, S. Buick, J. Buick, Crawford.
Abercorn also played at Ralston Park, and in Paisley today are a Blackstoun Road, and a Ralston Street, which are probably near the sites of the grounds used by the club