W Reid 25
Wilson >45
Hogg 88
Match Information
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: J.B. Stark (Airdrie)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The annual visit of the ‘Light Blues’ to Fir Park is regarded as one of the tit-bits of the Motherwell season. Saturday’s game proved no exception. If the 12,000 spectators did not see a brilliant game, they at least witnessed a strenuous struggle for supremacy. This was Motherwell first home defeat, and they reckon they were unlucky to lose by the odd goal after having most of the play in the second half. To Lock the Rangers certainly owe their victory. The Ibrox goalkeeper was in splendid form, and on more than one occasion in the second half brought off marvellous saves. The Rangers settled down early to a neat passing game in which Bennett and Smith played a prominent part, and had it not been for the capital defence of McConnell and Wilson. Hampton would have been beaten more than once. The Rangers’ first goal was a soft affair. From a long shot by Hendry, Hampton allowed the ball to slip through his hands, and Reid, lying handy, had no difficulty in putting the ball into an open goal. Had the Motherwell forwards taken the chances that presented themselves in the first half, the Rangers would not have crossed over with a lead. The forwards seemed to be over anxious to score, and at times were tackling their own men in the endeavour to beat Lock. On the commencement of the second half Motherwell came well into the picture, and except for an occasional breakaway by Smith or Reid, the Rangers for the most part were kept on the defensive. Motherwell’s best attacks were chiefly the result of individual efforts. Wilson’s equalising goal was nicely taken. From a free-kick well past midfield he drove straight for goal. Lock touched the ball but failed to stop its progress, and it just rolled over the line. It looked at this point as though the Rangers would be beaten, so strong was the Fir Park attack. Brand got a splendid chance of putting his team on the lead, but with Lock lying on the ground and an open goal in front of him, he shot wildly past. It was one of the many chances missed by the home side, whose shooting was erratic. Victory was snatched by the Rangers two minutes from the finish. Smith got possession of the ball, and squaring nicely, Hogg had no difficultly in touching the ball into an open goal, Hampton having left his charge to intercept the pass. The Ibrox men all gave a good account of themselves. Law and Richmond gave a capital display at back, Richmond’s tackling and punting being a feature. Brown, who filled Galt’s position at half-back, played well, but tired quickly. Smith and Bennett were the best wing on the field, and the understanding between them was pretty to watch. Bennett was in his usual tricky form, and Smith at his best severely testing Hampton with some lighting shots. Reid while not so prominent as usual, played as effective game. Of the home lot much credit is due to McNeil, who put an excellent exhibition at centre-half. He was always where wanted, and worked hard. Wilson and Kelly were not so reliable as usual, and weak clearances were due to many corners in the first half. Johnston and Robertson were the better wing, while Brand in the centre preformed moderately. The latest recruit – Hanson, of Clydebank Juniors – gave a promising display. He seemed at times to be over-anxious to score, but appears to know what is wanted off him, and when his knowledge of first-class football has increased, he looks likely to give a good account of himself
