When you think of Scottish sport, football immediately springs to mind. Over the years, Scottish clubs have produced incredible results and won major honours. Among these historic clubs, Polton Vale Football Club deserves a special mention. Though their time in the spotlight was brief, their story is a fascinating one, and for a short while, their team was considered one of the best. More at iedinburgh.
Early Success
The club played its first match back in 1886. They first gained real recognition when they reached the semi-finals of the East of Scotland Shield in the 1888/89 season, though they were ultimately beaten by Heart of Midlothian.
First Silverware and Growing Ambitions
The club’s first major success came in the 1890/91 season when they won The Shield’s Consolation Cup, defeating Penicuik Athletic in the final. This victory fuelled the ambitions of Polton Vale, and the following season, 1891/92, they entered the Scottish Cup and applied to join The Eastern Football Alliance. In 1892/93, the club once again reached the semi-final of the East of Scotland Shield and won the Consolation Cup for a second time.
The Club’s Peak
The 1894/95 season was undoubtedly Polton Vale’s finest. They put in a brilliant performance in the semi-final of the East of Scotland Shield, despite most Edinburgh clubs having left the East of Scotland Football League for the Scottish League at the start of the season. Although they lost that semi-final to Adventurers F.C., they compensated for the defeat by winning the King Cup against Raith Rovers.
Controversy and Setbacks
A bitter disappointment came with a loss to Mossend Swifts in the King Cup, a trophy Polton Vale had a great chance of retaining. They met Mossend Swifts again in the final of the East of Scotland Shield. Polton Vale initially emerged as victors, but their opponents lodged a protest, during which it was discovered that Polton Vale had fielded an ineligible player. Victory, therefore, slipped from their grasp. In the 1895/96 season, the Scottish Football Association introduced the Scottish Qualifying Cup. Polton Vale successfully proved their right to participate in the main competition but were unfortunately knocked out by Clyde F.C.
The Beginning of the End
The club was soon at the centre of another scandal that significantly damaged its reputation. During the 1895/96 Qualifying Cup, it was discovered that one of their players, Walls, had played under the surname Campbell, though all official documents listed him as Walls. This discovery had a very negative impact on Polton Vale’s standing. Despite the controversy, the club continued to compete. They were finalists in the 1896/97 King Cup, but the decisive match ended in a draw. In the 1897/98 season, they won the Qualifying Cup for the second and final time. By 1899, they were playing their last matches in the King Cup, and 1900 saw their final appearance in the Scottish Qualifying Cup. It was clear that Polton Vale’s days were numbered.
The Final Whistle
Sadly, this proved to be the case. In 1901, the club played its last official match, a defeat in the East of Scotland Consolation Cup. At the end of the 1901/02 season, Polton Vale Football Club was removed from the list of members of the Scottish Football Association, marking the end of the club.
Despite its ultimate demise, Polton Vale Football Club remains a valuable part of Scottish football history. Their success, however brief, demonstrated a potential that was sadly never fully realised. Perhaps it’s a classic tale of what might have been, and Polton Vale stands as a perfect testament to the fleeting nature of sporting glory.