Due to the poor conditions and the unplayable nature of the pitch through snow, the match was ordered to be replayed the following week on 9 February 1889, where Third Lanark won again with a 2–1 victory.

Third Lanark had an even more prolonged route to the final with the matches against Queens Park and Abercorn having to be replayed following appeals.

[3] However, further heavy snow showers continued into the afternoon and by the time kick-off came, the pitch was ankle deep.

[3] With the wind at their backs, Celtic made most of the early pressure, but despite that went a goal down in the 20th minute after Johnstone centred to Marshall to give Third Lanark the lead.

[3] In the second half Third Lanark had most of the pressure and went 2–0 up after Celtic goalkeeper Kelly dropped the snow-covered ball to let John Oswald score.

[3] Two days later, on 4 February 1889, a special meeting of the Scottish Football Association was held to discuss the match.

Although a signed document was produced to show that the teams had agreed to play the match as a friendly, it was challenged by some members.

[6] The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Third Lanark's Marshall scrambled the ball home from close range; Kelly saved the shot but it was judged to have crossed the line.