A heavy defeat at the hands of Hamilton Academicals, a club not much better placed than themselves was an ominous event in the career of Leith Athletic.
The game took place at the Marine Gardens on 17 October and though several team changes had been made, the Athletic never looked like coping with the opposition.
The visitors tightened their hold on the game early in the second half. Scoring chances were badly used by the Leith forwards whose shooting was feeble in the extreme. Renewed activity by the Herd brought a fourth goal to the Academicals. The visitors won without being unduly stretched. Their defence was sound and the forwards took their chances well.
From the Leith viewpoint the game had few redeeming features. The defence, like the forwards, never inspired much confidence.
At 3000 the attendance was the smallest since the season opened.
The Marine Gardens
The game at the Marine Gardens on 14 November between Leith Athletic and Falkirk was played in a continuous downpour of rain and before one of the smallest attendances ever seen at a First Division league match in the city, Probably not more than six hundred people were present.
If small in number, however, the crowd were very enthusiastic over a plucky victory by Leith Athletic.
The players who fell heavily at Greenock were given a chance to redeem themselves and they succeeded. They had a bad first half and were lucky to cross over on level terms. In the second period, however, the honours were with the Leith men who played an open game, scored the winning goal during a ten minutes absence by their right back and finished up in good fighting trim.
Falkirk found the water logged condition of the pitch a handicap. Pools of water held up their passes and made many of their shots stop short of the mark in the early part of the game. The visitors were the better balanced side, but failed at goal where their keeper did not thrive on water hazards.
If small in number, however, the crowd were very enthusiastic over a plucky victory by Leith Athletic.
The players who fell heavily at Greenock were given a chance to redeem themselves and they succeeded. They had a bad first half and were lucky to cross over on level terms. In the second period, however, the honours were with the Leith men who played an open game, scored the winning goal during a ten minutes absence by their right back and finished up in good fighting trim.
Falkirk found the water logged condition of the pitch a handicap. Pools of water held up their passes and made many of their shots stop short of the mark in the early part of the game. The visitors were the better balanced side, but failed at goal where their keeper did not thrive on water hazards.
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Leith Athletic played a stout hearted game against Rangers at the Marine Gardens on 28 November but the champions were never in any danger of defeat and in the end they won decisively. They were the better side and played remarkably good football on a heavy pitch.
Leith Athletic made their bravest show in the first half, when the mud at their end of the field proved a useful ally in holding up the Rangers forwards. The Athletic had great credit by their first half display but the change over found the Rangers playing on firmer ground and goals came to them easily.
The Athletic were fighters to the end but found their task a bit too heavy. Some of their defending slips proved costly, otherwise the rear men put in much sound work.
About 7000 spectators enjoyed a good sporting game.
Leith Athletic 2 Ranger 5
Leith Athletic made their bravest show in the first half, when the mud at their end of the field proved a useful ally in holding up the Rangers forwards. The Athletic had great credit by their first half display but the change over found the Rangers playing on firmer ground and goals came to them easily.
The Athletic were fighters to the end but found their task a bit too heavy. Some of their defending slips proved costly, otherwise the rear men put in much sound work.
About 7000 spectators enjoyed a good sporting game.
Leith Athletic 2 Ranger 5
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Leith Athletic made a sturdy fight against Aberdeen on 5 December and it was mainly due to bad finishing that they failed to secure a draw.
In a hard game on heavy ground the Aberdeen players maintained good touch with each other and while their supremacy was never strongly marked, they were the better side.
A goal to each side within ten minutes quickened interest at the outset. After that the defences held sway and both goalkeepers did good work in parrying high shots and coping with rush tactics.
The winning goal was scored in the first minute of the second half. Aberdeen were well served all round, though they had to play hard for success.
The attendance was under 2000.
In a hard game on heavy ground the Aberdeen players maintained good touch with each other and while their supremacy was never strongly marked, they were the better side.
A goal to each side within ten minutes quickened interest at the outset. After that the defences held sway and both goalkeepers did good work in parrying high shots and coping with rush tactics.
The winning goal was scored in the first minute of the second half. Aberdeen were well served all round, though they had to play hard for success.
The attendance was under 2000.
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1932 started badly.
An ominous rebuff to the league hopes of Leith Athletic was administered by Cowdenbeath in the game at the Marine Gardens on 2 January, when the Fife visitors won by the odd goal in three.
The losers had a grievance in having an apparently good goal disallowed for an infringement, but it was not difficult to single out Cowdenbeath as the better side.
The Athletic made a plucky enough show in defence. Their forward play was disappointing and was of little account even when the teams were playing with a strong wind at their backs.
The goals came ten minutes after the start and about nine minutes before the interval. The visitors kept the ball low and combined well in the second half. Their methodical play was in contrast to the heavy driving by the Leith club men, which brought poor results.
About 2000 spectators saw the match.
An ominous rebuff to the league hopes of Leith Athletic was administered by Cowdenbeath in the game at the Marine Gardens on 2 January, when the Fife visitors won by the odd goal in three.
The losers had a grievance in having an apparently good goal disallowed for an infringement, but it was not difficult to single out Cowdenbeath as the better side.
The Athletic made a plucky enough show in defence. Their forward play was disappointing and was of little account even when the teams were playing with a strong wind at their backs.
The goals came ten minutes after the start and about nine minutes before the interval. The visitors kept the ball low and combined well in the second half. Their methodical play was in contrast to the heavy driving by the Leith club men, which brought poor results.
About 2000 spectators saw the match.
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The following week Leith Athletic improved by defeating St Mirren in convincing style by four goals to one .
The game was interesting despite the wild conditions prevailing and the evenness of the first half play was reflected in the interval score of one goal each.
Strong half back play gave Leith a striking advantage in the second half and for a period they overran the Paisley defence.
The game was interesting despite the wild conditions prevailing and the evenness of the first half play was reflected in the interval score of one goal each.
Strong half back play gave Leith a striking advantage in the second half and for a period they overran the Paisley defence.
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A hurricane of wind accompanied by heavy rain made matters miserable for players and spectators alike on 16 January whenLeith Athletic and Albion Rovers battled out their tie.
The game ended in a draw of one goal each, but the Rovers nearly snatched a winning goal with the last kick of the game and the 2000 spectators held their breath as the ball missed the post by inches.
On the whole, however, the Athletic were much the better side. They held better together but in front of goal their luck was out. They missed chances too, of course, and it was due to that fact that they would now have to travel to Coatbridge. The conditions had much to do with the missing of several opportunities and it would be unfair to criticise too severely the players concerned.
The changes in the Leith side made for all round improvement.
It was the Albion Rovers defenders who were mainly responsible for them earning the right to a replay.
The takings at the Marine Gardens came to only £50, which would not help Leith Athletic in their financial troubles.
The game ended in a draw of one goal each, but the Rovers nearly snatched a winning goal with the last kick of the game and the 2000 spectators held their breath as the ball missed the post by inches.
On the whole, however, the Athletic were much the better side. They held better together but in front of goal their luck was out. They missed chances too, of course, and it was due to that fact that they would now have to travel to Coatbridge. The conditions had much to do with the missing of several opportunities and it would be unfair to criticise too severely the players concerned.
The changes in the Leith side made for all round improvement.
It was the Albion Rovers defenders who were mainly responsible for them earning the right to a replay.
The takings at the Marine Gardens came to only £50, which would not help Leith Athletic in their financial troubles.
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Leith Athletic scored the first goal and made a sporting bid for success against Partick Thistle on 23 January, but in the end the superior footwork of the visitors prevailed, although it was not until their third goal was secured five minutes from the finish that the Thistle were sure of winning.
The Athletic fought pluckily in the second half. A series of corner kicks showed that the Athletic had still some fight left but the visitors were easily the sounder and more skilful side, although betraying a familiar fault in weak finishing.
About 3000 spectators saw the game.
The Athletic fought pluckily in the second half. A series of corner kicks showed that the Athletic had still some fight left but the visitors were easily the sounder and more skilful side, although betraying a familiar fault in weak finishing.
About 3000 spectators saw the game.
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Leith Athletic enjoyed very few of fortunes smiles in their match with Motherwell at on 6 February.
They were beaten by five goals to nothing after having a big share in aggressive play and, in addition, they lost the services, shortly before half time, of their right half who came down heavily in a tackle and had his right arm fractured in two places.
At that stage Motherwell were leading by two goals.
The Leith team made a brave show in the first half and the visitors had a stout fight to subdue the Athletic’s ten men in the second half.
It was a flattering win for Motherwell whose form belied their high reputation. The Athletic played with fine spirit and deserved a much closer result.
Only about 3000 spectators saw the game.
They were beaten by five goals to nothing after having a big share in aggressive play and, in addition, they lost the services, shortly before half time, of their right half who came down heavily in a tackle and had his right arm fractured in two places.
At that stage Motherwell were leading by two goals.
The Leith team made a brave show in the first half and the visitors had a stout fight to subdue the Athletic’s ten men in the second half.
It was a flattering win for Motherwell whose form belied their high reputation. The Athletic played with fine spirit and deserved a much closer result.
Only about 3000 spectators saw the game.
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Dundee United, in their desperate effort to stave off relegation, had no mercy on Leith Athletic. The score at the Marine Gardens on 5 March was 5 - 1 in favour of the Tannadice men.
The game was looked upon as a kind of decider in the relegation struggle and the win enabled the Dundee players to pursue their challenge against Falkirk, while Leith Athletic’s hopes of recovery were well nigh extinguished. The score of five goals to one did not greatly flatter the winners.
Dundee United were the better balanced team and they used their scoring chances well. They had as many as seven position changes among the half backs and forwards as compared with the previous week but the backs and goalkeeper gave the side an excellent lead and team work improved as the game advanced.
As a side the Athletic never pulled well together, keen though the players undoubtedly were. Dundee United faced wind and rain in the first half. They survived some heavy onslaughts early in the game. The scorers seemed to get through the Leith defence easily. The United were not allowed to ease up, though generally their backs had the measure of the Leith forwards.
The attendance was less than 500.
The game was looked upon as a kind of decider in the relegation struggle and the win enabled the Dundee players to pursue their challenge against Falkirk, while Leith Athletic’s hopes of recovery were well nigh extinguished. The score of five goals to one did not greatly flatter the winners.
Dundee United were the better balanced team and they used their scoring chances well. They had as many as seven position changes among the half backs and forwards as compared with the previous week but the backs and goalkeeper gave the side an excellent lead and team work improved as the game advanced.
As a side the Athletic never pulled well together, keen though the players undoubtedly were. Dundee United faced wind and rain in the first half. They survived some heavy onslaughts early in the game. The scorers seemed to get through the Leith defence easily. The United were not allowed to ease up, though generally their backs had the measure of the Leith forwards.
The attendance was less than 500.
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Inevitably, with declining attendances, Leith Athletic was getting into difficulty.
On 16 March 1932 the financial position of the Club was discussed at a meeting of the shareholders and it was definitely stated by the directors that the club would carry on to the next season.
There was every probability that for next season at any rate they would remain at the Marine Gardens. However, when the question of the ground came under discussion it was pointed out to the shareholders that the directors had in view the desirability of securing a more central and more suitable venue than the Marine Gardens, but that the ground they had in mind could not be acquired at short notice.
On 16 March 1932 the financial position of the Club was discussed at a meeting of the shareholders and it was definitely stated by the directors that the club would carry on to the next season.
There was every probability that for next season at any rate they would remain at the Marine Gardens. However, when the question of the ground came under discussion it was pointed out to the shareholders that the directors had in view the desirability of securing a more central and more suitable venue than the Marine Gardens, but that the ground they had in mind could not be acquired at short notice.
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On 2 April Leith Athletic were defeated at Marine Gardens by Ayr United. By this time they were losing players as well as money.
However, with no more than four regular players in their ranks, they apparently gave an improved display compared with some recent outings.
A fortnight later they took the wooden spoon and made an inglorious exit from the First Division scoring only one goal to Clyde’s four.
However, with no more than four regular players in their ranks, they apparently gave an improved display compared with some recent outings.
A fortnight later they took the wooden spoon and made an inglorious exit from the First Division scoring only one goal to Clyde’s four.
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A new use for the Marine Gardens began on 2 July 1932 when the first race meeting organised by the Greyhound Racing Association took place on Saturday afternoon.
It was an inauspicious start as the meeting had to be abandoned after only one race had been completed.
The trouble began in the first race when the hare broke down at half way.
After a delay the second race was run off and, when everything was thought to be in working order, as the hare was sent several times round the rack, it was discovered that a pin in the mechanism was sheared.
It was decided to abandon the meeting.
It was an inauspicious start as the meeting had to be abandoned after only one race had been completed.
The trouble began in the first race when the hare broke down at half way.
After a delay the second race was run off and, when everything was thought to be in working order, as the hare was sent several times round the rack, it was discovered that a pin in the mechanism was sheared.
It was decided to abandon the meeting.
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With the hare fully repaired, a successful matinee meeting was held at the Marine Gardens on 16 July.
The races were over 525 yards and the sport was of an exhilarating description, several of the races having exciting finishes.
A feature of the meeting was the success that attended the greyhounds of Capt. R.B. Ricketts in the tote double event.
The races were over 525 yards and the sport was of an exhilarating description, several of the races having exciting finishes.
A feature of the meeting was the success that attended the greyhounds of Capt. R.B. Ricketts in the tote double event.
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The first evening meeting of greyhound racing took place at the Marine Gardens on 21 July.
The GRA had arranged a capital card of events. It was fine racing weather and a crowd of nearly 5000 turned up.
The Redcar Stakes introduced several speedy greyhounds and the issue rested between Craigmillar and Smutty Face. Ardmillan and Woolston Bob made a bold bid for the honours in the Redmire Stakes and Golden Sardinia was near the mark for the Reading Stakes. The Ravensworth and Reith Stakes provided the titbits of the series, the winners only getting back home by a head.
The GRA had arranged a capital card of events. It was fine racing weather and a crowd of nearly 5000 turned up.
The Redcar Stakes introduced several speedy greyhounds and the issue rested between Craigmillar and Smutty Face. Ardmillan and Woolston Bob made a bold bid for the honours in the Redmire Stakes and Golden Sardinia was near the mark for the Reading Stakes. The Ravensworth and Reith Stakes provided the titbits of the series, the winners only getting back home by a head.
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Two days later another successful meeting was held in the Marine Gardens and the most outstanding performance was that of Paralaine in the chief event. This dog returning the fast time of 30.30 seconds for 525 yards.
A hot favourite in Cyclone was defeated but in the end Grey Mullet and Happy Winnie did backers a good turn.
A hot favourite in Cyclone was defeated but in the end Grey Mullet and Happy Winnie did backers a good turn.
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A first class card had been arranged for the meeting at the Marine Gardens on 26 July.
Though none of the cracks were out the racing was of the best.
Hawthorn came out in one of the double races and though its time was none too flattering it held off Smutty Face at the finish. Ben Hunter and Lonco Laddie looked the best pair in the other tote race and though the market spoke in favour of the former, Ben Hunter was the better. Rambling Ben and Lochend fought out the finish in the Tanhill Stakes.
Though none of the cracks were out the racing was of the best.
Hawthorn came out in one of the double races and though its time was none too flattering it held off Smutty Face at the finish. Ben Hunter and Lonco Laddie looked the best pair in the other tote race and though the market spoke in favour of the former, Ben Hunter was the better. Rambling Ben and Lochend fought out the finish in the Tanhill Stakes.
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Football was back for the new season on 20 August and Leith Athletic developed some of their old spirit against Dumbarton at the Marine Gardens.
It was a pity that not more than 1000 of their supporters turned out to see them account for the stubborn western side by 3 goals to 1.
As a game it was full of clever passages and at times the play was quite lively. Two early goals seemed to presage an easy win for the Athletic but the Dumbarton men fought back gamely and if they were not so clever as their opponents, they made up for any deficiency in that respect with more than a fair share of honest endeavour. Had it not been for some cool defensive work by the home team Dumbarton might have equalised.
The Athletic centre had a good match. He took his goals well and was untiring in his efforts to keep the play open. The left winger shot and crossed well.
It was a most encouraging win.
It was a pity that not more than 1000 of their supporters turned out to see them account for the stubborn western side by 3 goals to 1.
As a game it was full of clever passages and at times the play was quite lively. Two early goals seemed to presage an easy win for the Athletic but the Dumbarton men fought back gamely and if they were not so clever as their opponents, they made up for any deficiency in that respect with more than a fair share of honest endeavour. Had it not been for some cool defensive work by the home team Dumbarton might have equalised.
The Athletic centre had a good match. He took his goals well and was untiring in his efforts to keep the play open. The left winger shot and crossed well.
It was a most encouraging win.
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Raith Rovers hopes of promotion received a set back at the Marine Gardens on 3 September when they surrendered both points to Leith Athletic.
The stiff westerly breeze made studied football difficult to play. The Athletic had no ambitions in that direction and their policy of hard driving and keen following up worked out satisfactorily under the conditions.
There were signs that the Rovers were capable of better things and in the first half, when facing the breeze, they made progress readily by means of ground passes of clockwork precision. Their ability left them when it came to finishing and that failing proved their undoing.
What turned out to be the only goal of the game fell to Leith in 30 minutes.
Since the change of ends gave Rovers the advantage of the breeze it was expected that they would soon reverse the position. The Leith team, however, played up with wonderful determination and their hurricane tactics seemed to throw the visitors completely out of gear. At any rate the Fifers failed to maintain their earlier form in the outfield and with their finishing showing no improvement they were obviously heading for defeat long before the end. The Athletic, indeed went near to increasing their lead as a result of two fine shots.
The Fifers were inclined to rely over much on their centre to do the scoring and with him held, most of the sting was taken out of their attacks. The Leith backs both played up strongly and seemed surer than the visiting pair, though that may have been due to the fact that things were made easier for them through the Rovers forwards keeping play too close. Whatever their deficiencies the home front line avoided that mistake and long passes up the middle were frequently a source of worry to the visiting defenders. The Rovers half backs formed the most effective section of the team and the fine service given by them deserved a better response than it got.
The attendance was 2000.
The stiff westerly breeze made studied football difficult to play. The Athletic had no ambitions in that direction and their policy of hard driving and keen following up worked out satisfactorily under the conditions.
There were signs that the Rovers were capable of better things and in the first half, when facing the breeze, they made progress readily by means of ground passes of clockwork precision. Their ability left them when it came to finishing and that failing proved their undoing.
What turned out to be the only goal of the game fell to Leith in 30 minutes.
Since the change of ends gave Rovers the advantage of the breeze it was expected that they would soon reverse the position. The Leith team, however, played up with wonderful determination and their hurricane tactics seemed to throw the visitors completely out of gear. At any rate the Fifers failed to maintain their earlier form in the outfield and with their finishing showing no improvement they were obviously heading for defeat long before the end. The Athletic, indeed went near to increasing their lead as a result of two fine shots.
The Fifers were inclined to rely over much on their centre to do the scoring and with him held, most of the sting was taken out of their attacks. The Leith backs both played up strongly and seemed surer than the visiting pair, though that may have been due to the fact that things were made easier for them through the Rovers forwards keeping play too close. Whatever their deficiencies the home front line avoided that mistake and long passes up the middle were frequently a source of worry to the visiting defenders. The Rovers half backs formed the most effective section of the team and the fine service given by them deserved a better response than it got.
The attendance was 2000.
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Perseverance in playing a combined game brought Leith Athletic an easier win than they deserved when they defeated Kings Park by four goals to two at the Marine Gardens on 14 September.
The Leith side was recast. The front line struck up a good game with the support of the half backs and after the first few raids by the Stirling forwards had been repulsed the home men settled down to a workmanlike display. It was half an hour, however, before the triallist centre forward got a good chance and he scored with a left foot drive.
Leith were indebted to their goalkeeper for having their lead at the interval but on the resumption they had three more goals in quick succession. The Leith defence stood up well to a fast forward line and the half backs added weight to their own attack.
There was a disappointing attendance of about 500 in good weather.
The Leith side was recast. The front line struck up a good game with the support of the half backs and after the first few raids by the Stirling forwards had been repulsed the home men settled down to a workmanlike display. It was half an hour, however, before the triallist centre forward got a good chance and he scored with a left foot drive.
Leith were indebted to their goalkeeper for having their lead at the interval but on the resumption they had three more goals in quick succession. The Leith defence stood up well to a fast forward line and the half backs added weight to their own attack.
There was a disappointing attendance of about 500 in good weather.
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On 15 October Leith Athletic gained ground in the league race as the result of a well deserved win over Forfar Athletic at the Marine Gardens, where the attendance was small. The winning margin was a narrow one and did Leith scant justice. On play they were much the better side. Their combination was always apparent but the fates were against them when it came to finishing off their work and often only the narrowest margins stood between them and success. The port team owed their superiority to the splendid play of their halfs. At breaking up and initiating attacks they were far in advance of the Forfar half backs. If their intermediate line was not too impressive the Angus defence could not have done better.
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Leith Athletic suffered their first home defeat of the season on 22 October when in miserable weather and before an attendance of some 500 spectators, they lost to Albion Rovers by the odd goal in three.
The visitors opened the scoring in three minutes and although the home side put in a number of attacks and on occasion came near to equalising, the only other goal of the first half also fell to the Coatbridge team who were a little lucky to be two goals up at the interval.
Within one minute of the resumption Leith Athletic had knocked one off the deficit but their forward play latterly as patchy due to weakness in the extreme wing positions and they seldom looked like breaking down the visitors sound defence. Although getting less of the ball than the home five, the Albion Rovers forwards were always a source of danger and in the closing stages were as likely to score as the Leith team.
The visitors opened the scoring in three minutes and although the home side put in a number of attacks and on occasion came near to equalising, the only other goal of the first half also fell to the Coatbridge team who were a little lucky to be two goals up at the interval.
Within one minute of the resumption Leith Athletic had knocked one off the deficit but their forward play latterly as patchy due to weakness in the extreme wing positions and they seldom looked like breaking down the visitors sound defence. Although getting less of the ball than the home five, the Albion Rovers forwards were always a source of danger and in the closing stages were as likely to score as the Leith team.
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For the second week in succession Dundee United visited the Capital on 26 November, but the fates at the Marine Gardens were not so kind to them as they were a week previously and they were beaten by Leith Athletic by the odd goal in three.
Climatic conditions were all against good football but the 1000 spectators were nevertheless regaled with a contest which in the circumstances was quite interesting.
The Dundee players were the more polished in their methods and their finishing lacked nothing in determination but they were up against a defence that gave nothing away and in the end, although slightly against the run of the play, the port team won the points.
Climatic conditions were all against good football but the 1000 spectators were nevertheless regaled with a contest which in the circumstances was quite interesting.
The Dundee players were the more polished in their methods and their finishing lacked nothing in determination but they were up against a defence that gave nothing away and in the end, although slightly against the run of the play, the port team won the points.
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On 21 January 1933, before an attendance of 1311 spectators who paid £39 9s 6d at the turnstiles at the Marine Gardens, Leith Athletic passed into the second round of the Scottish Cup competition at the expense of Brechin City who were defeated by 5 goals to 1.
Big though their win was, it in no way exaggerated the Leith team’s superiority who amply revenged themselves for the heavy defeat sustained at Brechin a few weeks before. The northerners, however, did not give in without a fight and their spirited resistance kept interest alive until the closing stages were reached.
An early goal gave the visitors confidence but Leith got a quick equaliser and the home men played telling football in the outfield.
Near the goal the ground conditions appeared to be too much for the centre and his inside supports to master. At any rate time and time again goals were missed when it seemed the easiest thing in the world to score. With Leith missing badly and the Brechin forwards dangerous when they got going, interest was fully maintained.
Level at half time, the port side, playing with something like their abandon of old times, really shook up the Brechin defence after the change of ends. In the last twenty five minutes the centre forward shot four goals in his best style.
Big though their win was, it in no way exaggerated the Leith team’s superiority who amply revenged themselves for the heavy defeat sustained at Brechin a few weeks before. The northerners, however, did not give in without a fight and their spirited resistance kept interest alive until the closing stages were reached.
An early goal gave the visitors confidence but Leith got a quick equaliser and the home men played telling football in the outfield.
Near the goal the ground conditions appeared to be too much for the centre and his inside supports to master. At any rate time and time again goals were missed when it seemed the easiest thing in the world to score. With Leith missing badly and the Brechin forwards dangerous when they got going, interest was fully maintained.
Level at half time, the port side, playing with something like their abandon of old times, really shook up the Brechin defence after the change of ends. In the last twenty five minutes the centre forward shot four goals in his best style.
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28 January saw the return engagement between Leith Athletic and St Bernards, which attracted some 2500 spectators to the Marine Gardens.
For the most part it was a case of the visiting team hammering away at the Leith defence in an effort to discount a goal obtained for the Athletic in the first five minutes of the game.
St Bernards played well in the outfield where the forwards, adequately served by three strong forceful half backs made good progress and showed some clever combination. Most of the attacks, however, broke down when the goal area was reached, generally because of the sound defensive work of the Athletic rear lines, but not infrequently on account of poor finishing.
It was not until twenty minutes of the second half had gone that St Bernards made the scores equal after a stirring bombardment of the Leith club goal.
Thereafter the Athletic play improved but the St Bernards continued to provide the finer points of the game. They also did most of the attacking without getting any nearer to scoring again than the home lot.
For the most part it was a case of the visiting team hammering away at the Leith defence in an effort to discount a goal obtained for the Athletic in the first five minutes of the game.
St Bernards played well in the outfield where the forwards, adequately served by three strong forceful half backs made good progress and showed some clever combination. Most of the attacks, however, broke down when the goal area was reached, generally because of the sound defensive work of the Athletic rear lines, but not infrequently on account of poor finishing.
It was not until twenty minutes of the second half had gone that St Bernards made the scores equal after a stirring bombardment of the Leith club goal.
Thereafter the Athletic play improved but the St Bernards continued to provide the finer points of the game. They also did most of the attacking without getting any nearer to scoring again than the home lot.
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A crowd of 3,800 spectators attended the tie between Leith Athletic and Clyde on 4 February and the takings amounted to £140, exclusive of money taken at the grandstand and entertainment tax.
The result was a drawn match of one goal each and on the day’s play was quite a fair indication of the merits of the two sides, neither of whom could claim a real superiority in any way.
As a second division team the Athletic, perhaps, took the honours of a strenuous struggle that ran on typical cup tie lines.
During the first hour they were distinctly the more dangerous side, their advances being made by means of wide flung passes that opened up the Clyde defence. With about half an hour left for play the Clyde men realised that their close passing was of no avail against the resolute defence the Athletic were putting up and they adopted a more open style. The wing forwards were played to assiduously and shooting was indulged in at every opportunity. During the closing stages both sides had chances to win the match but none was taken.
Defence was superior to attack during most of an entertaining tie, the full backs all coming out of the game with much credit.
The replay was at Shawfield, Glasgow, on the following Wednesday.
The result was a drawn match of one goal each and on the day’s play was quite a fair indication of the merits of the two sides, neither of whom could claim a real superiority in any way.
As a second division team the Athletic, perhaps, took the honours of a strenuous struggle that ran on typical cup tie lines.
During the first hour they were distinctly the more dangerous side, their advances being made by means of wide flung passes that opened up the Clyde defence. With about half an hour left for play the Clyde men realised that their close passing was of no avail against the resolute defence the Athletic were putting up and they adopted a more open style. The wing forwards were played to assiduously and shooting was indulged in at every opportunity. During the closing stages both sides had chances to win the match but none was taken.
Defence was superior to attack during most of an entertaining tie, the full backs all coming out of the game with much credit.
The replay was at Shawfield, Glasgow, on the following Wednesday.
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Leith Athletic brought their local derby games for the 1933 season to a close with a win over Edinburgh City by 3 goals to 0 on 1 April.
In this encounter the port team showed that their recent revival in form was a thing of some substance and with the City putting up a fine fight in the first half, the game was worthy of a better measure of public support than was accorded it.
Only a few hundred attended but they were well rewarded. The amateurs showed surprising cleverness, especially on the left early in the game. Finishing was not a City strong point and they could with advantage to themselves have taken a leaf out of the book of the Athletic forwards. A two goal Leith lead, however was all against the run of the play in the first half. The Leith defence, although not so severely tried, kept better position.
In this encounter the port team showed that their recent revival in form was a thing of some substance and with the City putting up a fine fight in the first half, the game was worthy of a better measure of public support than was accorded it.
Only a few hundred attended but they were well rewarded. The amateurs showed surprising cleverness, especially on the left early in the game. Finishing was not a City strong point and they could with advantage to themselves have taken a leaf out of the book of the Athletic forwards. A two goal Leith lead, however was all against the run of the play in the first half. The Leith defence, although not so severely tried, kept better position.
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Leith Athletic wound up their home league programme for the 1932/33 season with a goalless draw against Dunfermline Athletic at the Marine Gardens. As the Fifers needed to make every post a winning one if their effort to catch up to Queen of the South in the promotion race was to be successful, the result was a serious set back to their aspirations. They had no cause to cavil, however, at the loss of a point, for Leith were every bit as good as they were and with a little more steadiness on the part of the centre and his supporters at times, the 2000 spectators might have seen Dunfermline beaten at least once. So neither side had much reason to grumble at the division of the spoils. Hard rather than clever play was the rule. Both sides contrived occasionally to put in some studied effort. That nothing came of it was due to lack of thrust near goal on the part of the other forwards, who were well played to by their half backs. The respective defences acquitted themselves well.
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Saturday 29th April saw a race on roller skates from Glasgow to Edinburgh. A start was made from Glasgow at 2.30 p.m. and the route taken by the skaters was via Airdrie, Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn and Corstorphine. Then to Marine Gardens, where one circuit of the floor was made by the winner.
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On 5 August 1933, Johnny McMillan from Glasgow, knocked out Peter McKinlay from Edinburgh in the seventh round of a contest scheduled for twelve rounds at the Marine Gardens.
The conditions were ideal for an open air boxing tournament the only disconcerting factor from a competitor’s point of view being the glare of the sun. The crowd exceeded 5000.
The opening rounds were the fastest. McKinlay started in promising fashion and the leads of his opponent were always countered by quick lefts. McKinlay was speedier than McMillan who in his endeavour to force the fight was inclined to be erratic occasionally. At the same time McKinlay’s footwork took him out of danger repeatedly and this was pronounced in the second round when a quick foot movement just made McMillan miss with a heavy right hook.
In the third and fourth rounds there was little between the lads. McKinlay was sharper in his exchanges keeping both gloves going in a manner that was perplexing to McMillan. Realising this the Glasgow boxer steadied himself. He became more deliberate and on several occasions allowed McKinlay to pile up points with his light blows to the face. After this he tried all the tricks to work his opponent into a position but McKinlay kept his left going and made use of the ring.
In the fifth session they were often at close quarters. On these occasions McMillan was bringing his right hand round to land on the neck of his opponent. This brought a word from the referee. McMillan was repeatedly out of range with his blows, the smartness of McKinlay being responsible for this. Altering his tactics, the Glasgow boy made the body his target. The speed of McKinlay was worrying him, but recognising that his opponent’s flicks were doing no harm he steadied himself every now and again to connect with a right hook. Indeed he was going so far as to drop his hands to his sides when at close quarters but keeping well in to hook in his right as they separated.
In the sixth round McMillan sprang to more activity. The points lead of McKinlay was troubling him and to slow down his opponent he connected with a vicious right to the jaw then a left to the body, which put Mckinlay down. He was up immediately however.
In the seventh round McMillan again made the body his target and a hard right that appeared on the low side was responsible for the referee speaking strongly to Mcmillan, though McKinlay made no protest. Shortly after this the end came.
The quickness of it staggered most of the onlookers who had been cheering Mckinlay for his skill. The Glasgow boxer feigned. For the moment McKinlay dropped his guard and out shot a hard hook to the jaw followed by a half arm punch to the body. McKinlay rose to the count of nine but he was helpless and swaying towards the ropes. McMillan quite mercifully touched him on the jaw to put him out.
The conditions were ideal for an open air boxing tournament the only disconcerting factor from a competitor’s point of view being the glare of the sun. The crowd exceeded 5000.
The opening rounds were the fastest. McKinlay started in promising fashion and the leads of his opponent were always countered by quick lefts. McKinlay was speedier than McMillan who in his endeavour to force the fight was inclined to be erratic occasionally. At the same time McKinlay’s footwork took him out of danger repeatedly and this was pronounced in the second round when a quick foot movement just made McMillan miss with a heavy right hook.
In the third and fourth rounds there was little between the lads. McKinlay was sharper in his exchanges keeping both gloves going in a manner that was perplexing to McMillan. Realising this the Glasgow boxer steadied himself. He became more deliberate and on several occasions allowed McKinlay to pile up points with his light blows to the face. After this he tried all the tricks to work his opponent into a position but McKinlay kept his left going and made use of the ring.
In the fifth session they were often at close quarters. On these occasions McMillan was bringing his right hand round to land on the neck of his opponent. This brought a word from the referee. McMillan was repeatedly out of range with his blows, the smartness of McKinlay being responsible for this. Altering his tactics, the Glasgow boy made the body his target. The speed of McKinlay was worrying him, but recognising that his opponent’s flicks were doing no harm he steadied himself every now and again to connect with a right hook. Indeed he was going so far as to drop his hands to his sides when at close quarters but keeping well in to hook in his right as they separated.
In the sixth round McMillan sprang to more activity. The points lead of McKinlay was troubling him and to slow down his opponent he connected with a vicious right to the jaw then a left to the body, which put Mckinlay down. He was up immediately however.
In the seventh round McMillan again made the body his target and a hard right that appeared on the low side was responsible for the referee speaking strongly to Mcmillan, though McKinlay made no protest. Shortly after this the end came.
The quickness of it staggered most of the onlookers who had been cheering Mckinlay for his skill. The Glasgow boxer feigned. For the moment McKinlay dropped his guard and out shot a hard hook to the jaw followed by a half arm punch to the body. McKinlay rose to the count of nine but he was helpless and swaying towards the ropes. McMillan quite mercifully touched him on the jaw to put him out.
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Leith Athletic badly disappointed 3000 of their supporters at the start of the neew season when East Stirlingshire obtained the points by a 2-1 victory.
The play of the home men fell sadly below expectations and one or two positions would require to be better filled before the hoped for results came along.
As far as actual play was concerned the Athletic had their fair share and with a little better finishing might have obtained a point but they had not the same ability to combine as the visitors possessed.
It was better team work that gave the visitors their win. As a line the visitors forwards were vastly superior to the Leith quintette.
The play of the home men fell sadly below expectations and one or two positions would require to be better filled before the hoped for results came along.
As far as actual play was concerned the Athletic had their fair share and with a little better finishing might have obtained a point but they had not the same ability to combine as the visitors possessed.
It was better team work that gave the visitors their win. As a line the visitors forwards were vastly superior to the Leith quintette.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.