This season Dumbarton came up against Vale of Leven in the second round, and lost (to the eventual champions) after a 1-1 draw.

[1] During the season, 12 'friendly' matches were played, including home and away fixtures against local teams Renton and Alexandria, and also Glasgow sides, Rangers and South Western.

Of note amongst those appearing in club colours for the first time this season were Joe Lindsay, Jock Hutcheson and William McKinnon.

Source:[15] In order to select a 'Scotland' team to play against England, an international trial match was held for Dunbartonshire players on 9 February 1878 at Alexandria.

Archie Lang, Peter Miller, Alex Galbraith, Joe Lindsay and J McMaster all played.