Hamilton Crescent

This inconspicuous cricket ground is located in Partick, near the west end of Glasgow. It’s nestled among several older tenements and a few newer flats and is home to the West of Scotland Cricket Club. To the unknowing, this seems like any other cricket club. 

However, Hamilton Crescent played a key role in the world of football. This site hosted the first international football match. The contest pitted Scotland against England on November 30, 1872. The game ended in a 0-0 tie and was viewed by a crowd of around 4,000. It’s hard to imagine such a spectacle when looking over the usually empty and relaxed pitch today.  

Other international football matches were held here in 1874 and 1876 before play moved to the first rendition of Hampden Park. Interestingly, this is now Hampden Bowling Club. The 1877 Scottish Cup Final was also held at Hamilton Crescent and featured a match between the Rangers and Vale of Leven.

The game ended 1-1, with a subsequent replay also ending 1–1. During the early days of the sport, extra time had not been yet been introduced. The third match between the teams was held at Hampden Park where Vale of Leven won 3–2. Interesting to think of today, given that Rangers went on to win Scotland’s top league more times than any other club, before suffering financial difficulties, reorganization, and relegation to lower leagues during the 2012-16 period.