Here's a report on a Scottish Juvenile Cup tie Ardrossan Winton Rovers, then a Juvenile team, played against Burnfoothill Thistle on 3 January 1903.
BURNFOOTHILL THISTLE 0 - ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 0 The luck of the ballot has been none too kind to the Rovers in the Scottish Cup competition and on Saturday (3 January 1903), they and a goodly number of followers travelled 'down south' to tackle Burnfoothill Thistle in the second round of the ties. An uphill climb of about two miles had to be undertaken after leaving Patna and it was a somewhat 'fagged' company that arrived at the scene of operations. In McMurtrie's place, Lambie occupied the Rovers' goal. The backs and half backs were as usual while in the absence of Reid, McCulloch and Maxwell from the front line, Bannatyne, Kerr and Craig donned the colours for the day. The game was started sharp to time in almost a gale of wind which slightly favoured the Rovers and the first try came from Fleming, the Thistle custodian saving smartly. The troublesome breeze combined with the slippery character of the ground made respectable football impossibility and a succession of shies was perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the play. The Rovers were, if anything, the more aggressive in the initial period and with a little luck, their efforts might have been rewarded. The second half found the teams battling away on level terms and the game was well spent ere the Thistle succeeded in getting the ball through but the point was disallowed for offside. Towards the finish, the Burnfoothill lads strove determinedly to pierce an opening but the Rovers succeeded in keeping them out until the expiry of time and the game terminated in a goalless draw. Under the circumstances, the display given was as could fairly be expected and the absence of goal-scoring was due to the defective play of the forwards rather than to any unusual ability on the part of the defence. The teams again face each other at Winton Park tomorrow (10 January 1903), commencing at 2.30 pm. The Rovers have no reason to complain of the treatment meted out to them last Saturday and look forwards to a pleasant game. Let there be a bumper 'gate'.
Winton won the replay at Winton Park 3-0. Kilwinning Rangers were also Juveniles or had a team in the Juveniles in 1902 - 03.
