Rovers was one of the original 16 teams to participate in the inaugural season of the Scottish Cup, although it was considered in the second rank of sides, only being considered fit opposition in friendlies for the Eastern F.C.

[3] It took part in Scottish Cup tournaments between 1873–74 and 1877–78, reaching the quarter-finals on two occasions.

The first time the club reached the last eight was in 1874–75, and it did so without playing a match in the tournament - accepting a walkover from Hamilton F.C.

The following season the club reached the quarter-finals - that season, the final seven - on merit, with wins over the Glasgow side West End and the 3rd Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers F.C., but losing to Vale of Leven; the game at Alexandria ended early because of bad light but Rovers agreed that the result should stand.

The club originally played in blue jerseys with a white cross, white knickerbockers, and blue stockings,[7] supplied by Forsyths of Renfield Street.