Abercorn were formed on the 10th November 1877, barely two months after St.Mirren. However
it is widely believed that their first match was not played until 16th February 1878. This was a match against St.Mirren,
the first of many ‘Paisley Derbies’. This first match was a one-sided affair, Saints running out 7-0 winners.
Abercorn played several more matches over the coming weeks and by the end of March 1878, were
again up against Saints. This time they gained a credible 0-0 draw. The Abbies had arrived!
The
first competitive match between Saints and Abercorn was a Scottish Cup match on the 23rd October 1880, which St.Mirren won comfortably 4-1.
Over the years there were only ten national meetings with Abercorn, two Scottish Cups and
eight league meetings, St.Mirren just edging things 5-4, with one draw.
Tragedy was to strike during a friendly match between the clubs on New Years Day 1892 at Underwood
Park, when Saints James 'Daddy' Dunlop fell on a piece of glass and died later in hospital from infection. He was only 23
and was already an internationalist. A sad loss to the game.
The final meeting between the teams was a Paisley Charity Cup match during Abercorn’s final season
in 1920, Saints taking
the honours 2-0.
During their short existence, Abercorn played at five different homes:-
1877–1879 East Park.
Located in the area of Bank Street and Cochrane Street
1879–1889 Blackstoun Park.
Located
near the gasworks at Lonewells
1889–1899 Underwood Park.
Located near the cleansing department on St James’ Street
1899–1909 Old Ralston.
Located around the Williamsburgh area.
1909–1920 New Ralston.
Located
in the area of East lane/lacy street
