Union F.C. (Dumbarton) facts for kids
| Full name | UnionFootball Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1882 | |
| Dissolved | 1894 | |
| Ground | Woodyard Park | |
| Match Secretary | Angus Brown, Robert Sloan | |
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Union Football Club was a football team from the town of Dumbarton, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The club played for about 12 years before it stopped playing in 1894.
Contents
Club History: The Early Years
Union Football Club started in 1882. People often called it Union (Dumbarton) or Dumbarton Union. This helped avoid confusion with other teams named Union, like Union (Glasgow).
It was tough for Union to become a big team. There were already many strong football clubs in the Dumbarton area. These included famous teams like Renton, Vale of Leven, and Dumbarton. Union played in smaller local games for three years.
Joining the Scottish Cup
In 1885–86, Union joined the Scottish Football Association. This meant they could play in the important Scottish Cup competition.
Their first Scottish Cup match was against Yoker. Union lost 5–1 at first. But they protested that the field was too narrow. So, the game was replayed. Union won the replay 1–0, which was a big surprise! In the next round, they lost 7–0 to Dumbarton.
The following year, in 1886–87, Yoker beat Union 4–2. Union's biggest loss in the Scottish Cup happened in 1888–89. They lost a huge game, 15–1, against Dumbarton Athletic.
Union's Best Scottish Cup Run
Union had its best run in the 1889–90 Scottish Cup. They made it to the third round of the competition. They played against a strong team called Cambuslang.
Union was ahead at half-time, which was a big surprise! But Cambuslang scored to tie the game with only 10 minutes left. Then, Cambuslang scored again right at the end of the game. Union argued that the goal was scored after the normal 90 minutes. The referee said he added extra time because the wind kept blowing the ball off the field.
The Scottish FA decided to replay the game. But Cambuslang won the replay easily, 6–0.
Later Years and Club Closure
In 1890–91, Union had its biggest win ever in a competitive game. They beat Bonnybridge Grasshoppers 12–1!
However, it became harder for smaller clubs like Union to succeed. The Scottish League started, and it included the three biggest teams from Dumbartonshire. Also, the Scottish Cup added qualifying rounds. This made it very difficult for Union to reach the main competition.
Union never made it to the first round of the Scottish Cup again. They pulled out of their last entry in 1893–94. The club also played its last game in the Dumbartonshire Cup that same season. Union Football Club stopped playing entirely in 1894.
Team Colours and Kits
Union Football Club had different team colours over the years:
- At first, their shirts were navy blue. They wore white shorts and blue and white socks.
- In 1887, they changed their kit. They wore white shirts and blue shorts.
- In 1891, they changed their shirts again. They became blue and white hoops.
Home Grounds: Where They Played
Union Football Club played at a few different places:
- They first played at Woodyard Park. This was also the home ground for another team called Alclutha.
- Later, they had a neighbour team, Methlan Park, playing nearby at Upper Woodyard Park.
- In 1890, Union moved to St James' Park. This ground used to be the home of Dumbarton Athletic.
