The home team for each tie was determined by the toss of a coin unless it was mutually agreed or only one of the two clubs drawn against one another had a private ground.

[3][4] However, only 51 ties were played after Girvan, Blythswood, Stranraer, Maybole Carrick, Star of Leven, 4th Renfrew RV and Govanhill Lacrosse scratched to Catrine, Clyde, Cree Rovers, Mauchline, Renton, Stonefield and Wellpark respectively.

[7] Two-time defending champions Vale of Leven began the competition with a 6–0 home win against Alclutha from Dumbarton on 21 September 1878.

[9] Rangers defeated Shaftesbury 3–0 at Kinning Park a week later[10] while there were big wins for Kilmarnock Portland (9–0 vs. Dean), Upper Clydesdale (12–0 vs. Newmains) and Whitefield (10–0 vs.

[21] Vale of Leven recorded the biggest win of the round as they thumped Renton Thistle 11–0 at North Street Park on 26 October.

[4] Glengowan defeated Airdrie 2–0 away from home but neither side advanced as both were disqualified and, despite losing 5–0 to South Western, a protest from Petershill was upheld and a replay was ordered.

Sources:[7] Two teams received a bye to the fourth round while Glasgow University scratched from their tie with Queen's Park.

[32] A week later, free-scoring Vale of Leven took their tally for the competition to 32 goals after a thumping 15–0 win over Jamestown at North Street Park setting a new Scottish Cup record for the biggest margin of victory in the process.

Vale of Leven continued their fine form, recording a third consecutive double-figures win, as they defeated Govan 11–1 conceding a goal for the first time in the process.

[42][43] Similarly, Hibernian became the last Edinburgh club standing after thumping Rob Roy 9–0[44] while Heart of Midlothian lost 2–1 to Helensburgh.

[57][58] They were joined by Vale of Leven as the defending champions eased passed Dunbartonshire rivals Dumbarton with a 3–1 win at North Street Park.

That tie took three matches to decide and it initially looked like this year's final would be no different after goals from Struthers and Ferguson saw the teams draw 1–1 in front of 6,000 spectators.