Seasons 1890-1891 and 1891-1892

1890 - 91 saw the return of Arniston Rangers, and in a more organized fashion than the ill-fated venture in the early 1880's.

Can we use the imagination again, and dare suggest that with the "News" coming in that football had at last reached the tranquil hamlet of Newtongrange the men of Arniston must have felt they were being left behind as football was already flourishing in Dalkeith, Penicuik and Bonnyrigg. The nucleus of the side would again come from the Arniston collieries.

The 1890's must have been an exciting period to have been around in a football sense, Arniston started this era as juveniles along with their neighbours Newtongrange Star and had a satisfactory first season, 4 games listed including a 2nd team fixture, won 2 lost 1 and drew 1.

Season 1891-92 was a bit of a let down for the Arniston men, again playing 4, winning 1 losing 3, including a 10 - 5 defeat against Niddrie Bluebell at Gorebridge. The "neutrals" that day must have had a football feast.

1892 - 1899, Arniston were now Juniors playing in the Donaldson League along with Newtongrange Athletic who had replaced the 'Star', Gilmerton Drum Birds and Dalkeith Rangers. To describe this period - simplicity itself, the listed results will tell us about Arniston's performances, and the photocopying will give us reports. To put this chapter into perspective, one simply must study the 1895 Arniston photo, which gives us marvellous information about the beginning Arniston Rangers. The committee standing at the back of the players could have been involved with the Arniston beginning but are alas unnamed. Could one of these hardy individuals be McGrady, who is reputed to have brought football to Arniston in 1878?. September 14 1899 gives us the first listed Arniston Committee, and included the Earl of Rosebery, Sir Robert Dundas as Honorary Presidents, the first club President Mr. George Young. The first Treasurer Mr. Robert Robertson, the first match Secretary Mr. W.S. Ballantyne, the first Honorary Secretary Alex Finlay. To complete this period I will include the Honorary Vice-Presidents, Lord Melville, Earl of Stair, Captain Dundas. 'How's that for pedigree'!

Season 1890 - 91

November 7 1890 2nd Arniston Rangers v Danderhall Heatherbell

Match was played at Arniston and ended in a win for Arniston by 3 goals to 0

December 18 1890 Arniston Rangers v Newtongrange Star

Match was played at Arniston and ended in a win for the Star by 7 goals to 2

January 29 1891 Arniston Rangers v Dalkeith Primrose

Match was played at Arniston on a muddy ground. Home team scored first, Primrose secured their goal from a corner. Result Arniston 1, Dalkeith 1

April 9 1891 Arniston Rangers v Rockside

Match was played at Arniston and was halted by . rain. Result Arniston 2, Rockside 1

Season 1891 - 92

December 1891 Arniston Rangers v Cameron Highlanders

Match was played at Arniston and ended in a win for Arniston by 6 goals to 1

December 24 1891 Arniston Rangers v Prestonpans Athletic

Match was played at Prestonpans and ended in a win for Prestonpans by 2 goals to 1

March 17 1892 Arniston Rangers v Niddrie Bluebell

Match was played at Gorebridge and ended in a win for Niddrie by 10 goals to 5

April 14 1892 Arniston Rangers v Newtongrange Athletic

Match was played at Gorebridge and ended in a win for Newtongrange by 5 goals to 3