The Edinburgh team’s winning sequence of home victories was continued at the Marine Gardens on 31 May when before a crowd of 8000 they inflicted on the Warrington Speedway defeat by 23 points to 13.
This was only the second defeat Warrington had sustained in the Northern League but, attractive though the visitors were, the superiority of the home riders could not be gainsaid.
The win was pretty equitably contributed to by all members of the Edinburgh side, though Parsons was twice the victim of ill fortune in the shape of mechanical trouble when he was leading the field. Drew McQueen was in slightly better form.
Beaten though they were in the league test, the Warrington riders rehabilitated themselves individually in the Handicap and Gold Sash events.
However fortune may have aided him by its untoward ministrations to other riders, Tommy Hatch was sufficiently attractive and sound in his performance to deserve victory in the Handicap final.
No less appropriate was George Milton’s victory in the Gold sash race notwithstanding that practically the entire Edinburgh team was rendered impotent by engine troubles.
The Marine Gardens
On 7 June a crowd of over 16,000 at the Marine Gardens saw Edinburgh’s dirt track team sustain their second defeat at home when the Wembley team, members of the Southern dirt track League, were their victors by 20 points to 16.
The racing throughout was thoroughly exciting and the teams were level with only one race to go.
Edinburgh lost their chance of going to the final test with a lead because of engine trouble to Syd Parsons and with their two representatives similarly affected in the last run, the Manchester men were given an easy win.
Jack Ormiston was their star, winning his three races, but Drew McQueen, Edinburgh’s captain, with two wins and one second, was only a point behind. Syd Parsons won one race and was never happy with his machine thereafter, but both McKenzie and Stewart found their mounts in stubborn mood and did not give of their accustomed excellence.
But for a fall in the final of the Handicap Jack Ormiston would have gone through the evening undefeated. He came down with Broncho Bianchi after two laps and left the way clear for Drew McQueen to record his first win this season. Ormiston was unattended by misfortune in the Gold Torch and by his skilful displays fully deserved to take the trophy to Wembley.
The racing throughout was thoroughly exciting and the teams were level with only one race to go.
Edinburgh lost their chance of going to the final test with a lead because of engine trouble to Syd Parsons and with their two representatives similarly affected in the last run, the Manchester men were given an easy win.
Jack Ormiston was their star, winning his three races, but Drew McQueen, Edinburgh’s captain, with two wins and one second, was only a point behind. Syd Parsons won one race and was never happy with his machine thereafter, but both McKenzie and Stewart found their mounts in stubborn mood and did not give of their accustomed excellence.
But for a fall in the final of the Handicap Jack Ormiston would have gone through the evening undefeated. He came down with Broncho Bianchi after two laps and left the way clear for Drew McQueen to record his first win this season. Ormiston was unattended by misfortune in the Gold Torch and by his skilful displays fully deserved to take the trophy to Wembley.
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The following week a crowd of which the estimate was 16000 saw the Edinburgh Speedway again defeated at the Marine Gardens when the Sheffield team emulated Manchester and Wembley.
The local men had still a chance in the last race to snatch a narrow victory but though McKenzie did all that was required, Len Stewart could not give the necessary backing and Sheffield held their advantage.
The first two races showed Edinburgh in an excellent light but thereafter their machines gave just sufficient trouble to give Sheffield two easy victories. The home riders shared the points in the last two but it was not enough.
McKenzie was in fine form in the Handicap winning the final in grand style after a thrilling dead heat with Dick Wise in the heat.
The Gold Helmet however was apparently predestined for Sheffield as both McKenzie and Parsons, after having their races well won, were forced to draw up.
The local men had still a chance in the last race to snatch a narrow victory but though McKenzie did all that was required, Len Stewart could not give the necessary backing and Sheffield held their advantage.
The first two races showed Edinburgh in an excellent light but thereafter their machines gave just sufficient trouble to give Sheffield two easy victories. The home riders shared the points in the last two but it was not enough.
McKenzie was in fine form in the Handicap winning the final in grand style after a thrilling dead heat with Dick Wise in the heat.
The Gold Helmet however was apparently predestined for Sheffield as both McKenzie and Parsons, after having their races well won, were forced to draw up.
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And on 21 June the dirt track racing fixture at the Marine Gardens was carried through in heavy rain.
A crowd of about 3000 saw Edinburgh gain an overwhelming victory over Wombwell. At the end of three races they were in an unbeatable position having gained five points from each race and only another point was needed to ensure victory.
The fourth race saw Edinburgh again take full points and it was agreed to dispense with the last two races.
The handicap final was East v. West. Two Glasgow riders, Col Stewart and Alan Campbell meeting Syd Parsons and George McKenzie. McKenzie had engine trouble and Col Stewart, after getting the better of Campbell, held Syd Parsons at bay.
The Gold Sash was won outright by Len Stewart. In the final three riders came down on the first bend, Col Stewart escaping. The re-run took place without McQueen who was bruised on arm and leg by the fall and Len Stewart had an easy win, Col Stewart failing to start. Parsons wheeled his machine to the grass.
A crowd of about 3000 saw Edinburgh gain an overwhelming victory over Wombwell. At the end of three races they were in an unbeatable position having gained five points from each race and only another point was needed to ensure victory.
The fourth race saw Edinburgh again take full points and it was agreed to dispense with the last two races.
The handicap final was East v. West. Two Glasgow riders, Col Stewart and Alan Campbell meeting Syd Parsons and George McKenzie. McKenzie had engine trouble and Col Stewart, after getting the better of Campbell, held Syd Parsons at bay.
The Gold Sash was won outright by Len Stewart. In the final three riders came down on the first bend, Col Stewart escaping. The re-run took place without McQueen who was bruised on arm and leg by the fall and Len Stewart had an easy win, Col Stewart failing to start. Parsons wheeled his machine to the grass.
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A crowd of over 10000 spectators had a novel experience on the afternoon of 19 July 1930 when teams from two of the United States warships anchored in the Firth of Forth took part in a baseball match at the Marine Gardens.
Everything was strange to the vast majority of the onlookers. A cursory description of the rules and a diagram on the programme was puzzling rather than enlightening before the Arkansas Giants and the Florida Red Sox got bust with bat and ball and to the uninitiated the opening stages of the play were not particularly exciting, but once the players had warmed to their job and the purpose of it all became clearer by demonstration, it was possible to share something of the enthusiasm of the sailors in the crowd who wanted their ship’s team to win and did not care who knew on which side their sympathies lay.
Though in a small minority, the naval partisans made most of the noise. They rooted with a heartiness that made the individual exuberance of a Scottish football enthusiast seem comparatively mild. Come on babe! Atta boy! were among the favourite exhortations and the casual onlooker could readily imagine the scenes on a big occasion in America when a huge crowd are urging on the players at a thrilling point in a match.
After a long opening spell of equality when neither team could score, the game worked up to an exciting climax, the Arkansas Giants winning the last inning after the Florida Red Sox had pluckily drawn level.
A United States naval band and the Rover Scouts pipe band gave selections at intervals during the afternoon. On one occasion, however, both were competing merrily evidently quite oblivious of the resulting discord. The situation was saved by the umpire who crossed and signalled the naval brass band to stop. One up for the pipers.
It was a pleasant sunny afternoon and buckets from which the players rinsed out their mouths with water were in constant demand.
The match lasted about two hours.
Everything was strange to the vast majority of the onlookers. A cursory description of the rules and a diagram on the programme was puzzling rather than enlightening before the Arkansas Giants and the Florida Red Sox got bust with bat and ball and to the uninitiated the opening stages of the play were not particularly exciting, but once the players had warmed to their job and the purpose of it all became clearer by demonstration, it was possible to share something of the enthusiasm of the sailors in the crowd who wanted their ship’s team to win and did not care who knew on which side their sympathies lay.
Though in a small minority, the naval partisans made most of the noise. They rooted with a heartiness that made the individual exuberance of a Scottish football enthusiast seem comparatively mild. Come on babe! Atta boy! were among the favourite exhortations and the casual onlooker could readily imagine the scenes on a big occasion in America when a huge crowd are urging on the players at a thrilling point in a match.
After a long opening spell of equality when neither team could score, the game worked up to an exciting climax, the Arkansas Giants winning the last inning after the Florida Red Sox had pluckily drawn level.
A United States naval band and the Rover Scouts pipe band gave selections at intervals during the afternoon. On one occasion, however, both were competing merrily evidently quite oblivious of the resulting discord. The situation was saved by the umpire who crossed and signalled the naval brass band to stop. One up for the pipers.
It was a pleasant sunny afternoon and buckets from which the players rinsed out their mouths with water were in constant demand.
The match lasted about two hours.
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On 22 July the boxing tournament organised by Messrs Graham Yool and J. Lamarra in aid of the funds of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, which it was intended to stage in the grounds of the Marine Gardens, was held in the ballroom owing to bad weather.
The programme was on a grand scale as the six expected contests allowed for seventy four rounds of boxing. The attendance was gratifying, nearly 5000 people being present.
Unfortunately the chief contests were little short of fiascos.
The Bantam championship was robbed of its interest through the holder, Johnny Smith, Edinburgh, failing to weigh in and a deputy took the place of Giacomo Bergomas, Italy who had been hurt in a motor accident. The substitute was a compatriot, Joseph Spalla, who made a poor show against Bobby Shields, Glasgow. The referee, recognising that it was a too one sided fight, wisely stopped it.
The programme was on a grand scale as the six expected contests allowed for seventy four rounds of boxing. The attendance was gratifying, nearly 5000 people being present.
Unfortunately the chief contests were little short of fiascos.
The Bantam championship was robbed of its interest through the holder, Johnny Smith, Edinburgh, failing to weigh in and a deputy took the place of Giacomo Bergomas, Italy who had been hurt in a motor accident. The substitute was a compatriot, Joseph Spalla, who made a poor show against Bobby Shields, Glasgow. The referee, recognising that it was a too one sided fight, wisely stopped it.
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On 26 July, before a crowd of 20,000 Harry Whitfield, the Wembley rider, won the Marine Gardens 500cc Track Championship and so repeated his performance at the end of June when he became Scottish Champion on the same track.
As in the Scottish championship, Whitfield broke the track record, his time of 1 min 21 and one fifth secs being two fifths better than the time recently returned by Frank Charles.
In each of his three races Whitfield gained by splendid riding clean cut victories.
His track mate Stan Catlett was also in good form and only a lapse in the third lap of the final when Gordon Byers got ahead of him prevented Catlett being runner up to Whitfield.
The local riders Len Stewart, Drew McQueen and George McKenzie were heat winners, the last named by a very narrow margin, but none of the three was able to get beyond the semi-final stage. McQueen came down and Stewart, after leading for almost half the distance, went too far out and was behind Gordon Byers for the remainder of the journey. McKenzie was disappointing and against Catlett was always struggling ineffectively.
In a match race with Frank Charles, Drew McQueen came down heavily but was able to remount and start again.
As in the Scottish championship, Whitfield broke the track record, his time of 1 min 21 and one fifth secs being two fifths better than the time recently returned by Frank Charles.
In each of his three races Whitfield gained by splendid riding clean cut victories.
His track mate Stan Catlett was also in good form and only a lapse in the third lap of the final when Gordon Byers got ahead of him prevented Catlett being runner up to Whitfield.
The local riders Len Stewart, Drew McQueen and George McKenzie were heat winners, the last named by a very narrow margin, but none of the three was able to get beyond the semi-final stage. McQueen came down and Stewart, after leading for almost half the distance, went too far out and was behind Gordon Byers for the remainder of the journey. McKenzie was disappointing and against Catlett was always struggling ineffectively.
In a match race with Frank Charles, Drew McQueen came down heavily but was able to remount and start again.
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Queens Park were the first team to fall in the First League game at the Marine Gardens on 6 September. Leith Athletic beat them quite decisively by two goals to nothing.
The home men were slightly better all over and the forwards made more of their chances than the Amateurs did.
The Athletic made a good start and were a goal up in five minutes. This was all that was needed to give the Portobello men confidence and till the interval they had much the better of play. The Queens Park half backs were very poor. Therefore it was quite on the run of play that the home men got another point.
After the interval the Hampden men combined to such good effect that they pressed continuously for half an hour.
In the end Leith were again doing the pressing and it was seen that they had solved their team problems. The half backs and full backs were very steady.
It was good game and it attracted about 10000 spectators.
The home men were slightly better all over and the forwards made more of their chances than the Amateurs did.
The Athletic made a good start and were a goal up in five minutes. This was all that was needed to give the Portobello men confidence and till the interval they had much the better of play. The Queens Park half backs were very poor. Therefore it was quite on the run of play that the home men got another point.
After the interval the Hampden men combined to such good effect that they pressed continuously for half an hour.
In the end Leith were again doing the pressing and it was seen that they had solved their team problems. The half backs and full backs were very steady.
It was good game and it attracted about 10000 spectators.
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On 9 September Heart of Midlothian provided the opposition to Leith Athletic at a benefit game for Reid, the Leith centre half.
Both sides were somewhat depleted and the Tyncastle men, although taking the game rather easily, won fairly comfortably in the end.
They opened the scoring in the first few minutes and before the interval Leith equalised from a penalty.
The home men had very little of the game until the early part of the second half when their forwards failed to take their chances.
Hearts had out on trial a new centre forward who did quite well while a junior goalkeeper for the Marine Gardens side effected some good saves.
Only 1000 spectators saw a poor game which gave little indication of what the merits of the clubs would be in a League engagement.
Leith Athletic 1, Heart of Midlothian 3.
Both sides were somewhat depleted and the Tyncastle men, although taking the game rather easily, won fairly comfortably in the end.
They opened the scoring in the first few minutes and before the interval Leith equalised from a penalty.
The home men had very little of the game until the early part of the second half when their forwards failed to take their chances.
Hearts had out on trial a new centre forward who did quite well while a junior goalkeeper for the Marine Gardens side effected some good saves.
Only 1000 spectators saw a poor game which gave little indication of what the merits of the clubs would be in a League engagement.
Leith Athletic 1, Heart of Midlothian 3.
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Two days later Greenock Morton scored a second success for the season in Edinburgh when they beat Leith Athletic at the Marine Gardens. The promoted club were heavily handicapped by having to make seven positional changes from previous week’s selection.
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In the presence of about 8000 spectators Leith Athletic, playing at home, lost another pair of valuable points to Kilmarnock on 4 October.
A goal scored midway through the first half was sufficient to settle the issue in favour of the western team, who although in a combined sense superior to the Athletic, were yet lucky to get away with a win.
As far as pressure was concerned, the Athletic had if anything the better of matters but weak finishing and general lack of thrust at close quarters proved their undoing.
The inside forwards were weak. The Kilmarnock half backs, a big strong set of players were a difficult lot to overcome. Nevertheless sufficient scoring chances were allowed to go begging as would have won the game easily for the Athletic.
With fewer chances the Kilmarnock forwards proved themselves the better moving line. The forward line worked harmoniously with the half backs. The same thing could not be said of the Leith forwards.
It was not the fault of the half backs that that was the case for they worked tremendously hard and when they realised the weakness of the forwards as far as finishing was concerned they did their best to score. The shot sent in by the centre half in the first half from a free kick was one of the best things in a game not distinguished for thrilling incidents. Both defences came through trying times with credit. Very little goal keeping was performed on either side and chiefly on account of the dash they displayed.
The Athletic had conceded seven points out of the ten played for at the Marine Gardens. Their inside forward play required improving.
A goal scored midway through the first half was sufficient to settle the issue in favour of the western team, who although in a combined sense superior to the Athletic, were yet lucky to get away with a win.
As far as pressure was concerned, the Athletic had if anything the better of matters but weak finishing and general lack of thrust at close quarters proved their undoing.
The inside forwards were weak. The Kilmarnock half backs, a big strong set of players were a difficult lot to overcome. Nevertheless sufficient scoring chances were allowed to go begging as would have won the game easily for the Athletic.
With fewer chances the Kilmarnock forwards proved themselves the better moving line. The forward line worked harmoniously with the half backs. The same thing could not be said of the Leith forwards.
It was not the fault of the half backs that that was the case for they worked tremendously hard and when they realised the weakness of the forwards as far as finishing was concerned they did their best to score. The shot sent in by the centre half in the first half from a free kick was one of the best things in a game not distinguished for thrilling incidents. Both defences came through trying times with credit. Very little goal keeping was performed on either side and chiefly on account of the dash they displayed.
The Athletic had conceded seven points out of the ten played for at the Marine Gardens. Their inside forward play required improving.
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A fortnight later Falkirk Amateurs found it a matter of no great difficulty to progress yet another stage in the Scottish Qualifying Cup competition.
To penetrate the Edinburgh City defence at the Marine Gardens proved comparatively simple and long before the end there could have been little doubt as to the ultimate result.
It was in defence that the game was won and lost, the visitors being as steady as their opponents were erratic. If anything the visiting defenders were subjected to more sustained pressure than the City men but they conceded fewer goals.
Edinburgh City 3 goals, Falkirk Amateurs 6.
To penetrate the Edinburgh City defence at the Marine Gardens proved comparatively simple and long before the end there could have been little doubt as to the ultimate result.
It was in defence that the game was won and lost, the visitors being as steady as their opponents were erratic. If anything the visiting defenders were subjected to more sustained pressure than the City men but they conceded fewer goals.
Edinburgh City 3 goals, Falkirk Amateurs 6.
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Dismal weather conditions at the start of November tended to keep down attendance at the Marine Gardens to about 1000 for the Leith Athletic - St Mirren match which ended in a draw of one goal each.
Each side in their own particular way served up very entertaining play. The visitors in the first half were clearly the better side.
The forwards were extraordinarily clever and supported as they were from behind it created no surprise when they opened the scoring. So well did they continue to play after that goal that had their finishing been on a par with their field work they would have had the game well in hand before the interval was reached.
The finishing was not good, however and Leith Athletic survived a very critical period. Indeed just before the interval they began to hit back and that in no uncertain manner.
The team changes had made an improvement and that was specially noticeable in the second half. The Athletic forwards put more into their work and severely harassed the other defence.
The point gained was the Athletic’s first at home since they beat Queens Park away back in early September.
Leith Athletic 1 St Mirren 1
Each side in their own particular way served up very entertaining play. The visitors in the first half were clearly the better side.
The forwards were extraordinarily clever and supported as they were from behind it created no surprise when they opened the scoring. So well did they continue to play after that goal that had their finishing been on a par with their field work they would have had the game well in hand before the interval was reached.
The finishing was not good, however and Leith Athletic survived a very critical period. Indeed just before the interval they began to hit back and that in no uncertain manner.
The team changes had made an improvement and that was specially noticeable in the second half. The Athletic forwards put more into their work and severely harassed the other defence.
The point gained was the Athletic’s first at home since they beat Queens Park away back in early September.
Leith Athletic 1 St Mirren 1
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Admitting 28 charges of theft from clothing and from settees at the Marine Gardens Skating Rink, Charles Benjamin Wilde Thomson (17) apprentice engineer, was sentenced to 60 days imprisonment in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 17 December 1930.
Depute Fiscal McKechnie said that the total value of the stolen articles, including various sums of money, was £21, of which £11 had been recovered.
Thomson had been sneak thieving from the clothes of people who were skating.
Sheriff Jameson said that Thomson had had the indulgence of the Court. The previous year he had been fined and put on probation. He had had chances and the Court’s patience had worn out.
Depute Fiscal McKechnie said that the total value of the stolen articles, including various sums of money, was £21, of which £11 had been recovered.
Thomson had been sneak thieving from the clothes of people who were skating.
Sheriff Jameson said that Thomson had had the indulgence of the Court. The previous year he had been fined and put on probation. He had had chances and the Court’s patience had worn out.
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Primo Carnera, the giant Italian boxer paid his second visit to Edinburgh on 23 December and gave sparring exhibitions in the Marine Gardens Ballroom.
The man mountain, as Carnera had been vividly described in American journalism, gave his boxing exhibition during the evening at an interval in the dancing. There were a large number of onlookers.
The Italian had as his opponents Bobby Shields, heavy weight champion of Scotland, Dave Forbes, the Scottish cruiser weight champion and KO O’Brien, each of whom boxed a round.
The giant afterwards gave an exhibition of shadow boxing and a display of physical exercises that revealed his muscles as surprisingly supple.
The man mountain, as Carnera had been vividly described in American journalism, gave his boxing exhibition during the evening at an interval in the dancing. There were a large number of onlookers.
The Italian had as his opponents Bobby Shields, heavy weight champion of Scotland, Dave Forbes, the Scottish cruiser weight champion and KO O’Brien, each of whom boxed a round.
The giant afterwards gave an exhibition of shadow boxing and a display of physical exercises that revealed his muscles as surprisingly supple.
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On New Years Day 1931 it was announced that the Greyhound Racing Association, who carry on meetings at Powderhall, had acquired a lease of the Marine Gardens enclosure at Portobello.
This was a move on their part to stop the possibility of the Marine Gardens becoming a rival greyhound stadium.
It was understood that a well backed syndicate was in the market for the property with the intention of promoting meetings there as a counter attraction to Powderhall.
The question of running meetings at the new enclosure would be considered by the GRA at a meeting of the board.
This was a move on their part to stop the possibility of the Marine Gardens becoming a rival greyhound stadium.
It was understood that a well backed syndicate was in the market for the property with the intention of promoting meetings there as a counter attraction to Powderhall.
The question of running meetings at the new enclosure would be considered by the GRA at a meeting of the board.
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Leith Athletic were worthy winners over the Heart of Midlothian in a keen game at the Marine Gardens, on 21 February 1931 and victory was gained in spite of adverse circumstances.
To have to bring in two substitutes was one handicap, to lose the toss and be set to face the wind was another. Yet the Leith players did so well in the first half that they crossed over leading by two goals to one.
In the second half they lost the services of their goalkeeper for about ten minutes through injury but held on pluckily and resisted a desperate rally by the Hearts near the finish.
There was not a great deal between the sides. Hearts were bad finishers, although displaying good football in the open. Leith Athletic’s main assets were their sound half back play and an infusion of dash among the forwards. There were weak points in the Hearts’ team, notably at left back, right half and outside left. The Leith players pulled well together and had credit by a hard won success.
There were fully 12,000 spectators.
To have to bring in two substitutes was one handicap, to lose the toss and be set to face the wind was another. Yet the Leith players did so well in the first half that they crossed over leading by two goals to one.
In the second half they lost the services of their goalkeeper for about ten minutes through injury but held on pluckily and resisted a desperate rally by the Hearts near the finish.
There was not a great deal between the sides. Hearts were bad finishers, although displaying good football in the open. Leith Athletic’s main assets were their sound half back play and an infusion of dash among the forwards. There were weak points in the Hearts’ team, notably at left back, right half and outside left. The Leith players pulled well together and had credit by a hard won success.
There were fully 12,000 spectators.
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On 14 March Rangers scored a good win over Leith Athletic although it was late in the game before their success could be regarded as complete.
The Leith players fought with their customary pluck. They were only a goal behind until five minutes from the finish and were handicapped in having to play the last quarter of an hour without their right back who retired with a dislocated shoulder.
Due to the heavy ground forward play on both sides was poor and the game was hard rather than attractive.
Rangers made their best show in the first half. The Rangers defence was not greatly stretched during the second half but the forwards could not beat down the hard working Leith players. Rangers had one or two scares as the end approached but a breakaway ended with a third goal five minutes before full time.
About 9000 spectators were present.
The Leith players fought with their customary pluck. They were only a goal behind until five minutes from the finish and were handicapped in having to play the last quarter of an hour without their right back who retired with a dislocated shoulder.
Due to the heavy ground forward play on both sides was poor and the game was hard rather than attractive.
Rangers made their best show in the first half. The Rangers defence was not greatly stretched during the second half but the forwards could not beat down the hard working Leith players. Rangers had one or two scares as the end approached but a breakaway ended with a third goal five minutes before full time.
About 9000 spectators were present.
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Motherwell were the visitors at the Marine Gardens on 16 March and had a good victory by five goals to two over Leith Athletic.
The points were much needed by both clubs and while Motherwell’s win kept them well placed for the championship, the defeat was another bad set back for the Leith club who, as a result, lost four good points within a week.
They might have come out of the game better against the Motherwell team and especially as they started so well by opening the scoring following some strong attacking by their opponents.
The Athletic, however, were not allowed to enjoy their lead for any length of time. It came after twenty five minutes play but hardly had the game been resumed than Motherwell stormed the opposition goal and equalised easily.
That was a blow to the home team and their supporters and there was a greater immediately afterwards when a second goal gave Motherwell the lead.
These three scores all came inside five minutes and they practically decided how the points were to go.
Motherwell found it a difficult matter to open their account, but they soon went further ahead and they led at the interval by three - one.
All these Motherwell scores could be directly traced to mistakes by home team players and the goalkeeper seemed to be at fault on two occasions.
The points were much needed by both clubs and while Motherwell’s win kept them well placed for the championship, the defeat was another bad set back for the Leith club who, as a result, lost four good points within a week.
They might have come out of the game better against the Motherwell team and especially as they started so well by opening the scoring following some strong attacking by their opponents.
The Athletic, however, were not allowed to enjoy their lead for any length of time. It came after twenty five minutes play but hardly had the game been resumed than Motherwell stormed the opposition goal and equalised easily.
That was a blow to the home team and their supporters and there was a greater immediately afterwards when a second goal gave Motherwell the lead.
These three scores all came inside five minutes and they practically decided how the points were to go.
Motherwell found it a difficult matter to open their account, but they soon went further ahead and they led at the interval by three - one.
All these Motherwell scores could be directly traced to mistakes by home team players and the goalkeeper seemed to be at fault on two occasions.
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At Edinburgh Dean of Guild Court on 20 March a warrant was granted to Mr. F.R. Graham Yooll to erect an amusement hall at the Marine Gardens. The hall, which when completed would measure 200 by 100 feet was to be built on vacant ground at the side of the ballroom. It would be constructed on the same lines as the ballroom. It was not yet known to what use the new hall would be put but it was stated that it might be used for staging boxing bouts or circuses.
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About 4000 spectators gathered at the Marine Gardens on 4 April, in boisterous weather and saw Leith Athletic and Cowdenbeath divide the points as the result of a two goals draw.
It was a point the home men could ill afford to lose considering their position in the League, although on their second half display they might have won both.
There was no doubt that the more methodical work of the visitors entitled them to a share of the spoils.
The Leith players all seemed to be keyed up for a big effort but over anxiety on many occasions proved their undoing. In the first half especially that was the case.
The swirling wind certainly undid a lot of good Leith Athletic work but there was little or no cohesion between the various departments of the team. The half back hardly ever provided their forwards with good passes and their defensive work, too, left something to be desired.
Although territorially Cowdenbeath had the worse of the play, their better directed attacks always looked likely to succeed.
When Leith Athletic resumed in the second half they were a much refreshed side and their hopes rose. For long periods they kept the Fifers confined to their own quarters but good defensive work kept the Leith forwards out.
The closing stages were thrilling in as much as each side nearly got the leading goal. Each struck a post with the goalkeepers well beaten.
It was a point the home men could ill afford to lose considering their position in the League, although on their second half display they might have won both.
There was no doubt that the more methodical work of the visitors entitled them to a share of the spoils.
The Leith players all seemed to be keyed up for a big effort but over anxiety on many occasions proved their undoing. In the first half especially that was the case.
The swirling wind certainly undid a lot of good Leith Athletic work but there was little or no cohesion between the various departments of the team. The half back hardly ever provided their forwards with good passes and their defensive work, too, left something to be desired.
Although territorially Cowdenbeath had the worse of the play, their better directed attacks always looked likely to succeed.
When Leith Athletic resumed in the second half they were a much refreshed side and their hopes rose. For long periods they kept the Fifers confined to their own quarters but good defensive work kept the Leith forwards out.
The closing stages were thrilling in as much as each side nearly got the leading goal. Each struck a post with the goalkeepers well beaten.
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Much to the delight of the 3000 people who gathered at the Marine Gardens on a cold, uninviting afternoon on 18 April, Leith Athletic made their position secure in the First Division for another season at least by defeating Dundee by 3 goals to 1.
Considering that injuries to several of the regular players caused a number of changes to be made, the Athletic did remarkably well and the win was distinctly meritorious. All the changes seemed to make for strength.
It was at half back where the game was won and lost. Dundee got poor service from that department of their team. In defence Leith Athletic had a decided pull.
The Dundee front rank moved far more sweetly than the home lot but there was far too much elaboration. The left wing did best but even they suffered from the general complaint. Shooting seemed to be a lost art with the Dundee forwards.
Goal scoring seemed to strike the Athletic forwards all of a sudden for only about two minutes separated the scoring of the second and third goals.
Considering that injuries to several of the regular players caused a number of changes to be made, the Athletic did remarkably well and the win was distinctly meritorious. All the changes seemed to make for strength.
It was at half back where the game was won and lost. Dundee got poor service from that department of their team. In defence Leith Athletic had a decided pull.
The Dundee front rank moved far more sweetly than the home lot but there was far too much elaboration. The left wing did best but even they suffered from the general complaint. Shooting seemed to be a lost art with the Dundee forwards.
Goal scoring seemed to strike the Athletic forwards all of a sudden for only about two minutes separated the scoring of the second and third goals.
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About 1000 spectators were at the Marine Gardens on the evening of 28 April for the replayed City Cup match between Leith Athletic and Penicuik Athletic. The first division side qualified by five goals to three to meet Murrayfield Amateurs in the final.
While Leith were entitled to win in the end, the Penicuik men were to be commiserated with for at one stage in the game they were leading by three goals and they defended with such determination that they appeared likely to hold out to the end.
The Leith goals, the last four of which came within a minute or two of each other in the last quarter of an hour, were not to be compared with that of Penicuik as far as execution was concerned.
While Leith were entitled to win in the end, the Penicuik men were to be commiserated with for at one stage in the game they were leading by three goals and they defended with such determination that they appeared likely to hold out to the end.
The Leith goals, the last four of which came within a minute or two of each other in the last quarter of an hour, were not to be compared with that of Penicuik as far as execution was concerned.
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The first of the series of dirt track racing fixtures arranged for 1931 was carried through at Marine Gardens Speedway on 16 May before about 8000 spectators under very favourable weather conditions.
With the exception of two Leeds riders, Vic Ctereteko and Tiger Lewis, neither of whom was particularly impressive, all the performers had previous experience of the track.
Paddy Dean, the Australian, now located at West Ham, who in the early days swept all before him, failed to produce the form that made him famous.
Drew McQueen, George McKenzie and Col Stewart were there as good as ever but overshadowed by Harry Whitfield, who must have looked upon the Portobello enclosure as a very happy hunting ground.
Whitfield failed in the final of the handicap because of a very slow start after having recorded in the semi-final the fastest time of the event. He defeated McQueen in a four laps match race with something more in hand than the five yards margin indicated and in the final of the Torch race, though McQueen beat him in their heat, the Wembley man was a winner from start to finish.
With the exception of two Leeds riders, Vic Ctereteko and Tiger Lewis, neither of whom was particularly impressive, all the performers had previous experience of the track.
Paddy Dean, the Australian, now located at West Ham, who in the early days swept all before him, failed to produce the form that made him famous.
Drew McQueen, George McKenzie and Col Stewart were there as good as ever but overshadowed by Harry Whitfield, who must have looked upon the Portobello enclosure as a very happy hunting ground.
Whitfield failed in the final of the handicap because of a very slow start after having recorded in the semi-final the fastest time of the event. He defeated McQueen in a four laps match race with something more in hand than the five yards margin indicated and in the final of the Torch race, though McQueen beat him in their heat, the Wembley man was a winner from start to finish.
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In mid May rumours began to circulate that Leith Athletic were considering taking on the occupancy of Powderhall in place of the Marine Gardens, but this depended on whether or not there was to be greyhound racing at Easter Road. On 27 May the directors of Leith Athletic Football Club announced that they had decided to remain at the Marine Gardens for another season at least.
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When the S.S. Jolly Diana came into Leith docks on 8 June it had in one of its holds two whales.
They had been caught off the Norwegian coast and had been embalmed under the direction of an expert from the British Museum. It was stated that in the process of preparation as an exhibit one of the leviathans had been stuffed with about four tons of salt.
One of the whales was to be on view at the Marine Gardens throughout the following week. It was 45 feet in length and approximately 25 tons in weight.
Officials of the Edinburgh Sanitary department, after inspecting the carcase on board the ship, raised no objection to its being brought on shore.
A 45 ton crane soon lifted the monster out of the vessel on to a large motor lorry and trailer for transport to the Gardens at Seafield Road.
They had been caught off the Norwegian coast and had been embalmed under the direction of an expert from the British Museum. It was stated that in the process of preparation as an exhibit one of the leviathans had been stuffed with about four tons of salt.
One of the whales was to be on view at the Marine Gardens throughout the following week. It was 45 feet in length and approximately 25 tons in weight.
Officials of the Edinburgh Sanitary department, after inspecting the carcase on board the ship, raised no objection to its being brought on shore.
A 45 ton crane soon lifted the monster out of the vessel on to a large motor lorry and trailer for transport to the Gardens at Seafield Road.
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The dirt track racing fixture at the Marine Gardens on 20 June provided racing the competitive nature of which was of higher standard than usual. There were fewer of the all too easily accomplished wins which had made the sport rather tedious to witness.
The most polished rider on view was Broncho Dixon who gave some sparkling performances in which skill was much more evident than reckless daring. So well did he perform in the early heats of the Handicap that a win for him in the final was a reasonable expectancy.
That he could get no nearer than third place was due in some degree to two momentary but vital lapses of his engine but also the manner in which Andy Nicoll, who finished second, kept to the white line and gave him no chance of going through by the short route.
As a matter of fact the tussle between Nicoll and Dixon was so persistent in its interest that the spectators ignored the fact that Sam Aitkenhead was riding to a sound victory some distance before the pair. Aitkenhead’s win from his three second handicap was a triumph of sound unperturbed riding rather then of brilliant flashes.
Dixon could count himself unlucky in not annexing the chief place in the scratch race. He had taken the measure of his opponents early on in his semi-final heat and was going home an easy winner when on the last bend but one he made his only mistake. He hurried his cornering, over slid and was thrown down, to be narrowly but skilfully avoided by Drew McQueen who was following behind.
McQueen thus became the probable winner with the Wembley man Charlie Shelton the danger, as George McKenzie had tumbled out of the event in his heat. Expectations materialised as McQueen led early and all the way, though he allowed Shelton to come rather near in the final fifty yards. McQueen was in sprightly mood and cleverly defeated George McKenzie in two match races.
The crowd would barely numbered 5000.
This was the last speedway meeting at Marine Gardens until 1938.
The most polished rider on view was Broncho Dixon who gave some sparkling performances in which skill was much more evident than reckless daring. So well did he perform in the early heats of the Handicap that a win for him in the final was a reasonable expectancy.
That he could get no nearer than third place was due in some degree to two momentary but vital lapses of his engine but also the manner in which Andy Nicoll, who finished second, kept to the white line and gave him no chance of going through by the short route.
As a matter of fact the tussle between Nicoll and Dixon was so persistent in its interest that the spectators ignored the fact that Sam Aitkenhead was riding to a sound victory some distance before the pair. Aitkenhead’s win from his three second handicap was a triumph of sound unperturbed riding rather then of brilliant flashes.
Dixon could count himself unlucky in not annexing the chief place in the scratch race. He had taken the measure of his opponents early on in his semi-final heat and was going home an easy winner when on the last bend but one he made his only mistake. He hurried his cornering, over slid and was thrown down, to be narrowly but skilfully avoided by Drew McQueen who was following behind.
McQueen thus became the probable winner with the Wembley man Charlie Shelton the danger, as George McKenzie had tumbled out of the event in his heat. Expectations materialised as McQueen led early and all the way, though he allowed Shelton to come rather near in the final fifty yards. McQueen was in sprightly mood and cleverly defeated George McKenzie in two match races.
The crowd would barely numbered 5000.
This was the last speedway meeting at Marine Gardens until 1938.
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Leith Athletic’s recruiting campaign during the off season did not save them from a sharp rebuff from the Celtic in the opening game at the Marine Gardens, on 8 August.
Celtic were able to repeat the 3 - 0 victory they scored on the same ground in the last game of the old season in April.
The Parkhead players won without being greatly stretched. Their football was not brilliant but their team work was sound and they had a distinct pull in forward play.
A slow start by the cup holders was not turned to account by Leith Athletic. Some alertness and enterprise on the part of the Leith forwards might have brought an early goal and helped them to keep Celtic off their game. As it was the worst that befell the visitors was an escape when the goalkeeper had to run out and daringly throw himself at the feet of a Leith player. Otherwise the Leith forwards and the outside men and centre in particular were weak and halting in their style and fell an easy prey to the capable Celtic backs and half backs.
It was nine minutes from the interval before Celtic opened the scoring. Latterly they eased up. Their supremacy was complete.
Defenders took what honours were going on the Leith side. All over it was a disappointing show by the Leith players.
The attendance, estimated at over 20,000 was to be a record for a football match at the Marine Gardens.
Celtic were able to repeat the 3 - 0 victory they scored on the same ground in the last game of the old season in April.
The Parkhead players won without being greatly stretched. Their football was not brilliant but their team work was sound and they had a distinct pull in forward play.
A slow start by the cup holders was not turned to account by Leith Athletic. Some alertness and enterprise on the part of the Leith forwards might have brought an early goal and helped them to keep Celtic off their game. As it was the worst that befell the visitors was an escape when the goalkeeper had to run out and daringly throw himself at the feet of a Leith player. Otherwise the Leith forwards and the outside men and centre in particular were weak and halting in their style and fell an easy prey to the capable Celtic backs and half backs.
It was nine minutes from the interval before Celtic opened the scoring. Latterly they eased up. Their supremacy was complete.
Defenders took what honours were going on the Leith side. All over it was a disappointing show by the Leith players.
The attendance, estimated at over 20,000 was to be a record for a football match at the Marine Gardens.
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On 22 August Leith Athletic defeated Ayr United by four goals to one and secured their first brace of points in the new season.
It was a heartening experience for the Leith players and there was no fluke about their success. They played lively football throughout and if their finishing left something to be desired, they did well to score four goals and they won with a good bit to spare.
The Ayr forwards made a very poor impression. Superior height and weight helped the half backs and backs to make a fight but often they were passed by the skilful ball distribution by Leith. The visitors got a consolation goal five minutes from the end.
About 6000 spectators enjoyed a brisk, well contested game.
It was a heartening experience for the Leith players and there was no fluke about their success. They played lively football throughout and if their finishing left something to be desired, they did well to score four goals and they won with a good bit to spare.
The Ayr forwards made a very poor impression. Superior height and weight helped the half backs and backs to make a fight but often they were passed by the skilful ball distribution by Leith. The visitors got a consolation goal five minutes from the end.
About 6000 spectators enjoyed a brisk, well contested game.
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Queens Park sprang something of a surprise when they defeated Leith Athletic at the Marine Gardens on 9 Sepember by three goals to one and secured two much needed points.
But they were not worth such a good sounding win and the Leith Athletic forwards must shoulder the blame for the poor display by the home side. The Leith defence was good but the few things the Amateurs did came off and they were very lucky right at the start when they were awarded a penalty kick for a doubtful case of handling.
The Athletic were met with a stubborn defence although consistent pressure was maintained by their half backs and at half time they were two goals behind.
Leith still kept going in an endeavour to reduce the leeway, however, and were eventually successful.
The attendance was 5000.
But they were not worth such a good sounding win and the Leith Athletic forwards must shoulder the blame for the poor display by the home side. The Leith defence was good but the few things the Amateurs did came off and they were very lucky right at the start when they were awarded a penalty kick for a doubtful case of handling.
The Athletic were met with a stubborn defence although consistent pressure was maintained by their half backs and at half time they were two goals behind.
Leith still kept going in an endeavour to reduce the leeway, however, and were eventually successful.
The attendance was 5000.
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Before 6000 spectators Leith Athletic defeated Dundee at the Marine Gardens by a goal to nothing on 19 September.
They were the better of two moderate sides and might have won by a larger margin had the forwards shown more readiness to shoot.
Dundee began well but they did not maintain their form. Their forwards failed to combine and their defence was not so resourceful and steady as that of the Athletic, whose half backs were the mainstay of the team.
Dundee had the better of the first quarter of an hour but then the Athletic showed marked improvement.
The closing stages favoured the Athletic who, however, finished poorly.
They were the better of two moderate sides and might have won by a larger margin had the forwards shown more readiness to shoot.
Dundee began well but they did not maintain their form. Their forwards failed to combine and their defence was not so resourceful and steady as that of the Athletic, whose half backs were the mainstay of the team.
Dundee had the better of the first quarter of an hour but then the Athletic showed marked improvement.
The closing stages favoured the Athletic who, however, finished poorly.
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St Mirren were more than a match for Leith Athletic in the game at the Marine Gardens on 3 October.
The effects of a heavy defeat at Motherwell had evidently lingered among the Athletic players. They were shaken and irresolute and fell an easy prey to a St Mirren side who played well together. The Leith men were in trouble from the start.
St Mirren fought well against the wind and their half back kept sweeping the ball to the wings and the centre. The St Mirren extreme wing players had thus three goals between them in the first half. The centre forward’s turn came in the second period.
Nothing went well with the Leith men but in any case they were outplayed by a stronger side.
About 5000 spectators saw the game.
The effects of a heavy defeat at Motherwell had evidently lingered among the Athletic players. They were shaken and irresolute and fell an easy prey to a St Mirren side who played well together. The Leith men were in trouble from the start.
St Mirren fought well against the wind and their half back kept sweeping the ball to the wings and the centre. The St Mirren extreme wing players had thus three goals between them in the first half. The centre forward’s turn came in the second period.
Nothing went well with the Leith men but in any case they were outplayed by a stronger side.
About 5000 spectators saw the game.
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In their Alliance game at the Marine Gardens on 10 October, Leith Athletic were outmatched by a sprightly Airdieonian eleven.
The visitors were ahead on play in the first half but the only score before the interval fell to the Leith side.
The game was barely resumed when the Airdieonians equalised and a minute later took the lead. Leith Athletic flattered for a period but failed to penetrate a fine defence. The disposal of the points was made certain by a third goal for the visitors towards the finish.
The Airdrieonians showed themselves to be a well balanced side, quick in decision and smart in footwork.
The visitors were ahead on play in the first half but the only score before the interval fell to the Leith side.
The game was barely resumed when the Airdieonians equalised and a minute later took the lead. Leith Athletic flattered for a period but failed to penetrate a fine defence. The disposal of the points was made certain by a third goal for the visitors towards the finish.
The Airdrieonians showed themselves to be a well balanced side, quick in decision and smart in footwork.
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