The club was formed in 1877 in Springburn,[1] an area that was growing rapidly due to its importance to Glasgow's railway industry, and promptly joined the Scottish Football Association.

[2] Petershill was an active if unsuccessful club, entering the Scottish Cup every season from 1877–78 to 1882–83, but it only won two ties.

Thistle won the replay 2–0, but Petershill successfully protested on the basis that "three horses broke through the ropes" and "not only interfered with the game, but threatened to molest the players".

[6] At the third time of asking, Petershill took a 2–1 half-time lead, but lost 3–2; unusually, the Scottish FA had insisted on the tie being concluded, and the match went to extra-time.

[10] At the conclusion of the season, many of the Petershill members decamped to fellow Springburn side Northern, the two effectively amalgamating.