The club won its first round tie at Pollokshaws by default, the home side walking off the pitch while 2–0 down in protest at a refereeing decision.

[7] However Barrhead was disqualified from the competition and both Renfrew and Partick were placed in the fifth round, which that season consisted of the final 12 clubs.

The Renfrewshire Cup started in 1879–80 but the club did not enter until 1881–82; it lost 3–0 to Arthurlie in the semi-finals.

By 1889. the club was in financial difficulties, and was dependent on Abercorn from Paisley - a much larger town than Renfrew - agreeing to play a friendly free of charge later in the season in order to replenish funds.

Hughes of Glasgow refused to pay the admission fee for a friendly with Dykebar, and threatened to knife anyone who tried to charge him; he was fined £1.