The Glasgow Dental Hospital Cup was promoted by the Glasgow Football Association in 1928 to raise funds for the local dental hospital, which would open its doors for the first time in 1931. A nice cup was at stake, with gold medals for the winners.
The first time Celtic were involved was on this day in 1928, when a fairly strong side ran out at Parkhead to face Queen’s Park.
About 4,000 turned up see John Thomson in his customary goalkeeping position and Jimmy McStay at centre-half, although by that time he was beginning to assume more of a ‘stopper’ role.
But there were also new boys, like Dan McColgan at right back, who had come in from Baillieston Juniors and outside-left Bob McWilliam, just arrived that summer from Denny Hibs.
It was another new boy, though, Joe Riley, a B.Sc. student at Glasgow University who got the first two goals – in the 7th and 30th minute – and an older star, Tommy McInally, who scored two more in the second half to give Celtic a 4-0 victory and a place in the second round against Partick Thistle.
Many Happy Returns to Tommy Coyne, born on this day at Govan in 1962.
Jim Craig
