RG Campbell (3)
Match Information
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: H.W. Lorimer (Edinburgh)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Combination forward – the discovery and feature of the Partick Thistle replay – was non-existent in the Third Lanark ranks at Ibrox, and but for the sturdy and resolute defence set up by Brownlie, Hill and McIntosh, the crumbs of comfort (apart from financial considerations) extracted from the match by Third Lanark would have been few indeed. Long before Campbell got the opening goal – after 35 minutes play – the best of the three scored by him, the Third looked a beaten team, and but for the inability of the Rangers forwards to seize their opportunities and the brilliance of Brownlie, the margin at the interval would have been increased considerably. The game was fairly open, and the play almost as often in the one half of the field as the other; but while the Third made progress by long kicks by backs and half-backs, the Rangers with greater resource, combined with an almost complete understanding between the middle and forward divisions, were always dangerous, while the Cathkin forwards gave Newbigging little trouble. Without endeavouring to minimise the weakness of the Third Lanark attack, it is but fair to the players to state that they got little support from the half-backs, each of whom played as if the success of the team depended on the strength and length of his kicking. From a defensive point of view the trio did capitally, and gave invaluable assistance to those behind them, especially during the opening 35 minutes, but as feeders of those in front, all failed miserably, consequently the forwards are due both a little consideration and commiseration. Gilchrist and Fairfoul, when they got an opportunity, made the most of it, but none of the others seemed capable of doing anything right. Campbell got his second goal five minutes from the interval off a penalty, but Brownlie saved a second penalty taken by Campbell very cleverly. The Rangers did the bulk of the pressing latterly and won easily. The success of the winners attack was directly the result of excellent placing by Gordon, May and Galt, who vied with each other for honours in passing the ball on. Galt is approaching first-class standard, while Gordon displayed judgment beyond his years. As the scorer of three goals Campbell bulked largely in the game. The Rangers centre is something more than a scoring machine. Livingstone besides showing grand general ship, kept his partner, McDonald well supplied. Kyle dodged and dribbled in splendid style, while Alex Smith was in a class by Himself, his play throughout being reminiscent of his best days. Law, the Arbroath recruit, showed marked ability as a kicker, in addition to increased speed. Craig also was very safe, but both had an advantage over the Third pair, who had to work for every ball they got.
