F Speedie >45
J McPherson
McMahon
Match Information
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: Mr Neilson (Thornliebank)
Matchday: Tuesday
Match Trivia
Ibrox Park contained the biggest crowd that has yet graced that handsome enclosue, quite 30,000 being present, and as may be supposed, the enclosure presented an imposing spectacle. Somehow the feeling seemed to prevail that the match was indeed a fight for the League Championship, and that football of a more than ordinary, clever and exciting kind would be witnessed. The teams on their arrival looked exceeding fit, and there could be no question that both were conscious of the fact that the spectators looked for a supreme effort being put forth. The Rangers had the greater share of favourers, for the Celtic had played an Inter-League match the previous day against 3rd Lanark, and were in consequence not so fresh as their opponents, while their defence was weakened by the absence of McArthur, Battles and Hynds. The Rangers were first to press and excitement ran high among the crowd. But the Celtic defence was not to be caught napping, both Storrier and Davidson keeping extremely cool and collected. Admirable placing by the Rangers halves enabled the forwards to make a lot of headway, but near goal the shooting was by no means good. Several breaks away by the Celtic front line drew out to the full the latent defensive qualities of Smith and Drummond, but for a time the Parkhead eleven never shaped like scoring. Twice Donnelly saved somewhat luckily, and shortly afterwards he was almost beaten by a long kick from Drummond. A splendid shot by Divers was splendidly scooped out by Dickie, after which Findlay had a rare chance of putting on the first goal for his side, but unfortunately he cut matters too fine. The interval came with nothing done in the scoring line, although on play the Rangers were indisputably value for a point. The Celtic were seen to much better advantage in the second half, not withstanding the fact that Speedie beat Donnelly after fifteen minutes had gone. The forwards were much more energetic, and repeatedly Dickie had to exert himself to keep his goal intact. The Rangers defence however seemed to gain in strength, Robertson and Drummond in particular accomplishing some. The Celtic halves were unreliable, although eager to a fault, and it was in this division that the superiority of the Rangers was seen. At the end of half an hour McPherson again beat Donnelly, and the Celtic to all appearance seemed a losing team. To their credit however they pulled themselves together in great style, and from a corner kick McMahon banged the ball into the net. Thereafter the game became intensely interesting for the Celtic were battling as if for dear life, and the Rangers began to falter. Dickie’s coolness deserted him, and he persisted in running out to head the ball, although both Smith and Drummond were quite able to deal with it. More than once he picked the leather up and kicked it square over the touchline. The Celtic pressure was relieved by several dangerous runs by the Rangers forwards, Graham especially showing a rare turn of speed, but no more goals were put on and the Celtic were defeated by 2 goals to 1. The Rangers may now be said to have won the Championship three years in succession a unique and highly creditable feat. Their victory over the Celtic was thoroughly well merited, and was primarily due to their magnificent defence. Indeed so far as the combined action of the halves and backs was concerned the Celtic were although outmatched, although individually both Davidson and Storrier performed a lot of excellent work. In attack the Rangers could not be said to have outshone their famous rivals due note being made of A Smith absence, and as a matter of fact had the Celtic forwards received anything like adequate backing, not to say the backing which the Rangers front rank got, the game might have had a rather different result. Divers, Campbell and McMahon compose a grand inside trio, and on the wings Findlay and McQustra when properly supported, take a lot of stopping. Had the Celtic five had the same chances to score as were afforded the Rangers mote than two goals would have been scored, and even as it was Dickie had more difficult shots to hold than Donnelly.A fitting illustration of the weak finishing of the Rangers forwards may be instanced of the manner in which Speedie scored the first goal yesterday afternoon. He cleverly slipped round Davidson and got well set about ten yards from goal yet his parting shot was of the feeblest description, and rolled softly off the inside of the post into the net. He could not help kicking the ball forward, but the kick showed how little confidence he had in aiming into goal. Of course the point was well worked for, and deserved to be crowned with success. Hamilton had one or two tries, but his effectiveness, and also that of Graham has deteriorated. Campbell tried hard to bring the Celtic forwards through the Rangers defence, but the task was too much for him. Robertson, Neil and Gibson were in irresistible form, and when they were beaten Drummond and Smith always chipped in at the right moment. Robertson played a more marvellously fine game, and was easily the cleverest player on the field. At the present time he is touching a standard of halfback play rarely surpassed in the history of football. Russell, Lonie and Orr struggled hard all through, but Orr alone seemed able to part with the ball judiciously. The three had no understanding among them, and their wild rushing generally did more harm than good. Storrier is gradually beginning his best form although still to the heavy side. He made one glaring slip which Graham should have converted into a goal, but lacked the ability. Both Dickie and Donnelly kept a good goal although the former judgement in running out as he did is open to grave doubt.
