J. Oswald, Senior.
The senior Oswald, as he was called, to distinguish him from his companion of the same name, played against England in the spring, and was as good a dribbler, but not so fine a judge of a goalkeeper's ability to get at the ball when the forwards were crowding round, and sending in shots thick and fast. The passing among the forwards of the 3rd L.R.V. that day was so good as to defy criticism, if that were possible, and Oswald, senior, was no exception to the others. The pair, however, loved the loaves and fishes of England better than the 3rd L.R.V., and are now "o'er the Border and awa'."
J. Hannah.
In some of the best games of the 3rd L.R.V. last season the passing and following up between Mr. Hannah and Mr. Johnstone were not to be beaten anywhere for splendid judgment and properly matured forward play. There are what is known to the player as certain degrees of pluck and endurance, and while I have in my mind's eye some forwards in other clubs, including Mr. William Berry, the Queen's Park light-weight, who must of necessity come under the first, I am inclined to rank Mr. Hannah among the second. He is, however, a first-rate man.
W. Johnstone.
Last in order of forwards, but by no means lacking in genuine ability, with rare dribbling powers, comes the name of Mr. W. Johnstone. He played a very steady game all through this tie, and was as fresh as paint after the whistle sounded the finish. Although not such a determined tackler as some of the other forwards not only in his own team, but in the Celtic as well, he is the most earnest worker in the whole club, and in his probationary days would practice unceasingly to attain perfection in certain points of the game in which he was deficient. He played against Wales in 1889, and in 1887 against Ireland.
J. Kelly (Celtic).
Although Mr. Kelly is, so to speak, unknown to the game as a goalkeeper, he promises to become a good man below the bar. The ability of the Celtic goalkeeper, however, is certainly not equal to the back and half-back play; and, while Kelly did very well in this match, his duties were rendered less difficult by the splendid defence shown at back by Mr. M'Keown, and the grand half-back efforts of Mr. M'Laren. He has several good points, including the clever fisting-out of the ball, but is not a strong kicker, and sometimes goes too far away from his charge.
P. Gallacher.
When the Celtic were hard pressed on several occasions, Mr. Gallacher always fell back on his goal, like the prudent general who covers his retreat, and no man did more heading and breasting in running the ball out that day. He wants the judgment of his companion in the same position, but makes up for it by fearless and unceasing work. He was hard pressed several times by Marshall and Oswald, sen., and had the worst of the tackling, but he generally came up smiling, and renewed hostilities with Spartan bravery.