Dumbartonshire was a real hotbed of Scottish Football in the 1870’s and 1880’s with Vale of Leven and Renton also supporting strong teams. The club was one of the major forces in Scottish football during these years, appearing in five Scottish cup Finals between 1881 and 1891 although they were only successful in the 1883 final against Vale of Leven when the triumphed 2-1 in a replay.

They were founder members of the Scottish League in 1890 and won the first two Championships.

However the advent of increasing professionalism in the game saw Dumbarton’s influence on the wane as the club were supporters of amateurism and proceeded to lose their best players to other clubs as a result.

In 1897 the club reached the Scottish Cup final once more this time losing 1-5 to Rangers. The twentieth century has been one of diminishing rewards for the club with the Division Two Championship being won in 1910-11 and 1971-72 and a Second Division title in 1991-92.

Even the clubs romantically named Boghead Park is being abandoned in favour of a move to a ground near Dumbarton Castle. The club had moved into Boghead Park in 1879 making it Scotland’s oldest football ground.

Shared 1890-91 Championship with Rangers after a play off game between the two clubs ended in a 2-2 draw.


Following their win in the 1872-73 Scottish Cup Dumbarton played English Cup Winners Blackburn Olympic in the customary challenge match; they won 6-1 and were proclaimed to be Champions of the World.