W Reid xx, <45
McPherson >45
McLaren pen
Match Information
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: J Bell (Dundee)
Matchday: Monday
Match Trivia
In spite of the fact that the pitch was sodden, Rangers and Hearts gave a fine display of football, and one that was followed with interest by a crowd of about six thousand. A strong wind had a considerable effect on the play, the Rangers in the first half and the Hearts in the second finding its help useful, and doing most of the pressing accordingly. The difference between the teams was one of method forward, and particularly of effectiveness in finishing. The Hearts had their share of the game, but failed to make so many openings, and failed to take those which they made. In that respect it could be said that Rangers deserves their win. Their play in the first half was quite of a high standard, with Bennett and Smith showing up best, and the Hearts’ defence was sorely put to it to keep them out. This served to bring out the merits of the new custodian. In the second half the Hearts were not able to carry their attack to its legitimate culmination, but they had their share of the game. The Rangers made a brisk start, and it was not long before Robertson had to clear from Reid, after a miskick by Mercer, and Bennett sent a ball over the bar. The Hearts’ right wing made the running, both Harker and Sinclair showing up well, and Lock was given one shot by the winger to fist out. The scoring was opened by Reid, who picked up an accurate centre from Smith, and gave Robertson no chance whatever. The Rangers were having the best of matters, and Robertson was deservedly cheered for a number of five saves. They were not sufficient to shake off the Rangers who counted once more, Reid having the point after some good work on the left. Then the Hearts began to have a bigger say in the game, Gilmour and Sinclair both having Lock all out to save. They did not show the same understanding forward as their opponents did, and it was this that rendered their attacking futile. Sinclair had a scamper or two down the wing, and Harker worked his way in nicely, but there was never the danger about the work that was always present when the Rangers attacked. A second goal to Reid ended the scoring in the first half. In the second half, when they had what advantage a flighty wind could give them the Hearts showed better form, and for quite a while were giving rather more than they got. Goals were what they could not manage, however, and the score went the other way, a breakaway by the Rangers bringing a corner, from which McPherson scored. From the kick-off Gilmour got down and shot hard into Lock’s hands. Almost immediately a penalty for Galt handling gave McLaren a chance which he utilised. The Rangers showed most to advantage in the first half, when they gave a really good exposition of the game, and when it would have been difficult to put one’s finger on a weak spot in the team. Bennett and Smith were outstanding forward, but Reid combined with them splendidly and let them away, while both the inside men backed up well. May was all through the best of the halves, but Galt and Gordon were not far behind, and Law and Campbell presented a formidable last line of defence. Law in particular effected his clearances coolly and cleverly. Lock was not overtaxed, and he was more than fit for anything that came his way. Robertson seems like being a distinct find for the Hearts. He could have saved none of the shots that beat him, and some of the saves he brought off would have been creditable in a seasoned player. The backs were sound enough, but Collins was the better of the two, kicking well and tackling soundly. Mercer and McLaren made a good show at half, but Hardy had rather a rough passage against Bennett. He got in some good enough work at times, but was not quite reliable. Forward the play was mixed. Sinclair was the best of the five all through, and Harker started well, but did not last. Gilmour was better than on his former appearances at centre, and Lock had a couple of good shots from him to keep out. Nellies occasionally forgot that he was a forward, but he did quite well as a rule, and Cole was as keen as ever, and presented Harker with the chance of the match
