Montgomery 35
Hogg
Gordon
Reid
Donaldson
Missed Penalties
Paton pen miss
Match Information
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: T Robertson (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
In their League engagements with Rangers at Ibrox Airdrieonians have only twice in nine seasons managed to emerge victorious, their last victory at Ibrox being as far back as October 1907. While an Airdrie victory was looked upon as a remote contingency, there was ever present the glorious uncertainty of football which makes the game so popular with a sport-loving public. With practically only one change from last season, Rangers were not handicapped to the same extent as Airdrieonians, who introduced four new players – McCulloch, Paton, Reid, and Conlin. Much depended on these players. The latter couple were the ‘dark horses’ whose appearance and performance added interest to the contest. The crowd was one of the largest seen at Ibrox in an opening game, and while the game did not touch a very high standard, the play throughout was always interesting to witness. Montgomery had the first shot at goal, and it was lucky for Airdrie that McCulloch was directly in front of the shot, for even as it was the best that the keeper could do was to concede a corner. The Airdrie defence presented a solid front, and brushing aside the Rangers’ forwards a lead was given to Conlin, who crossed judiciously, but it was to no purpose, as Bowie cleverly returned, and at the other end Smith was prevented from working havoc by Newlands kicking behind. The game at this stage was keenly contested. Rangers, although moving with greater freedom forward, failed to penetrate the defence, and when McCulloch was called upon the shots driven from long range did not trouble the keeper seriously. Templeman, Donaldson and Conlin were conspicuous in the Airdrie attack, but although two corners were forced in rapid succession, the Rangers’ citadel was never seriously assailed. For twenty-five minutes the game was of the give-and-take order, with Rangers more methodical in their movements, smarter at close quarter, and always likelier to open the scoring. Bennett and then Reid failed to make the most of chances presented. The champion scorer was, in fact, never allowed to shine. Success at last attended the Rangers, Hogg after a fine run parting to Montgomery, who, only ten yards from goal, had no difficulty in beating McCulloch. The lost of this goal completely upset the Airdrie defence, and for eight minutes thereafter the Rangers simple toyed with the opposition. Like an avalanche the Rangers’ forwards swept all before them. Hogg missed a when a point seemed assured, but a minute later he made amends by scoring a grand goal. Airdrie were now being played to a standstill, and the Rangers, going at it for all they were worth, never allowed them a chance to recover. A snap shot from sixteen yards’ range credited Reid with a third point, and Gordon from right half again found the net. This period of brilliant play just lasted nine minutes, and Airdrie were four goals down. Just before half-time Airdrie were awarded a penalty, but Tom Paton who took the kick, shot straight at Lock, who saved, and at half-time the score was – Rangers 4; Airdrie 0. During the second half Airdrie were seen to greater advantage, but this was probably due to the fact that Rangers, with a lead of four goals, were inclined to take matters easy. At any rate, the play of the Ibrox forwards lacked much of the penetrative force which was demonstrated during these magic eight minutes of the first half. Airdrie pegged away, and at last succeeded in opening their score, Reid slipping ahead, with Robertson in attendance, and the ex-Lincoln player finished with a shot which gave Lock no chance. Rangers now had a turn, and Hogg twice had the ball across the goalmouth, with no one in attendance to profit by the chance. Five minutes from the finish Airdrie got their second goal, Donaldson being the scored with a shot which hit the upright and whirled into the net
