The club, claimed a foundation date of 1877, but there are records of fixtures from 1876.[1][2] The club's first competitive football came in the West of Scotland Cup for non-senior clubs, reaching the third round in 1877–78,[3] but losing to reigning champions Marchtown in the first round at Pollokshields in 1878–79.[4]
The club had a successful 1879–80 season at junior level, although one of its two defeats was in the Royal Standard Cup (for clubs in and around the Gorbals area).[5]
Despite this competitive setback, Windsor turned senior at the end of the season and entered the 1880–81 Scottish Cup. The club's first match as a senior club that season was a "fast and exciting" 4–2 win at Tollcross,[6] but, in the first round of the Cup, Windsor lost 1–0 at Jordanhill;[7] there was some consolation two months later when the club beat Rosehill of Paisley 10–0.[8]
The club wore white jerseys and knickers, and red and black hose.[10]
Ground
The club originally played on the Glasgow Green.[11] In order to join the Scottish Football Association, the club needed a private ground, and found one at Dalmarnock Park, 3 minutes' walk from the London Road car terminus,[12] either on or very close to the site used by the Thistle.
References
^"Saturday's fixtures". North British Daily Mail: 3. 1 April 1876.
^"Saturday's fixtures". North British Daily Mail: 7. 18 April 1876.