Renton were favourites going into the match, the Dunbartonshire club having already lifted the trophy in 1885 and finished runners-up to Queen's Park in 1886; in contrast, it was Cambuslang's first and only major final, though the Lanarkshire side had won the first edition of the Glasgow Cup a week earlier, beating Rangers.[2] Reports from the day indicate that despite the outcome the final was very evenly fought for the most part, with Cambuslang having several chances and Renton goalkeeper John Lindsay performing strongly before his team eventually took control of the play.[3][4] The margin of victory stood as a Scottish Cup Final record outright until being matched in 1972, but has never been surpassed.
Three months later the same teams contested the final of the Glasgow Merchants Charity Cup at the same venue, Renton again winning by a 4–0 scoreline for what was their third of four successive victories in that competition.[5] A week after that, they became unofficial "World Champions" after challenging and defeating FA Cup holders West Bromwich Albion.[6][7][8]
