The original match - which ended in a 2–2 draw - was played at Hampden Park in Crosshill (today part of Glasgow) on 31 March 1883 and was watched by a crowd of 15,000 spectators.
Dumbarton only held the lead for five minutes, failing to play to the referee's decision after claiming a foul, which allowed Johnstone to run through with little opposition and score with ease.
Almost straight from the kick-off though Dumbarton took the lead; Anderson justified his inclusion by mugging a tardy McPherson, and, after an exchange of passes with R. P. Brown, the latter finished off with a shot in off the post.
Rattled, the Vale lost its composure in front of goal, poor passing amongst the forwards preventing it from taking any advantage, until with five minutes remaining Friel scored with a shot that went in off the bar.
Johnstone brought out an excellent save from McAulay soon afterwards, but Dumbarton held possession for the final couple of minutes, and were chaired off the field at the call of time.
[10][11] One unfortunate aftermath was that the Dumbarton players went on a celebratory excursion to Luss on the following Monday, which saw their vehicles pass through the Vale's home village of Alexandria, the wagons decorated with flags and colours, and accompanied by the sound of trumpets; forewarned of their return, some of the Alexandria locals attacked the vehicles, ripping up the flags and throwing two pails of animal blood taken from Mr Johnstone's butchery at the occupants.