Terris 83
Croall 88
Match Information
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: G.M. McKenzie (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
For the most part the early play in the match at Brockville Park consisted of a series of mistakes. Nor could anything else be looked for. As often as not, when a player attempted to get in his kick he found his supports slipping from under him, while the ball itself performed little vagaries one is not used to. At one time or other nearly everybody was ‘had by the stot’, if I might be allowed to use the expression. Falkirk were first to realise that something out of the ordinary was required of them. Splendidly steadied by Croal, who adapted himself to the conditions as if to the manner born, they let themselves go with an abandon, which in the circumstances, was almost uncanny. How much Robertson and Rattray ricked as they rattled up the centre it is impossible to estimate. Strenuous defence was wanted to cope with these rushes, and as Hendry and Galt were to say the least of it, treading the ‘turf’ rather gingerly, it was up to James Logan to make a special effort. And the big and burly Barrhead-Birmingham centre-half responded nobly. There was body as well as legs and arms used in his work. What though he handled the ball now and then – mostly unwittingly – he has the satisfaction of knowing he was of incalculable value to the Ibrox team. When sixteen minutes had been played the special train excursionists from Glasgow received a shock. Terris flashed across a beautiful ball, and Gibson when in the act of clearing from Robertson, came down heavily against an upright. It looked as if another had been added to the Rangers’ list of crippled custodians. Versatile RG Campbell, who filled the breach, distinguished himself by saving a grand shot by Croal, and shortly afterwards fine tries by Bennett and Bowie just failed to find billets at the other end. Gordon looked after the full back line alone, and for a little the Rangers had the pull. But back came Falkirk, and a trimmer from Croal found Gibson, sharp as a needle at his post. In the interval he had been attended by a doctor in the pavilion. Play of a surprisingly strenuous nature characterised the second half, which was productive of flashes of real brilliancy. The ground had lost its terrors for the Falkirk forwards, who, fed nicely by McDonald and McMillan, became most insistent. Gordon, Campbell, Logan and Gibson stood up manfully, and a goalless draw seemed the likeliest ending. But it was not to be. Terris really magnificent shot seven minutes from the end left Gibson helpless. Shortly afterwards the Musselburgh youth saved another grand try from the extreme left winger, and the next minute Bowie simply refused to send Alex Smith’s centre home. This miss sealed the Rangers’ fate. But Falkirk were not finished, and it is perhaps fitting the Croal, the finest forward afield, should complete the scoring when a minute remained for play. Like Terris’s effort, the shot was a splendid one. I have seen Croal play many grand games, but never one like this. Terris came away nicely in the second half, and Robertson, Rattray and McNaught throughout were a source of real trouble to the Ibrox defence. These Brockville forwards gave them little rest. In criticising the Rangers’ attack, one must not overlook the fact that they did not receive the support the Falkirk forwards did. Indeed, it was in the intermediate line that Falkirk’s real superiority lay. Tom Logan was little if anything behind his more illustrious Rangers brother. He got through a power of work, while Steve McDonald and McMillan kept their wings beautifully supplied. Both played splendidly. By comparison, Galt and Hendry were veritable commoners. Both were badly suited by the ground. With things this way, the Rangers’ attack could scarcely be expected to shine. Reid, well looked after by Logan though he was, managed to get in a few shots, but Bowie although exhibiting pretty footwork on occasion, did not impress me. Bennett would improve the line did he vary the play more. An occasional pass to the right would not be a bad move, I think. Alex Smith did fairly well, but Paterson got far too little of the ball. I have the notion that, presented with the opportunities this young man would have given the Falkirk defenders something to think about. Campbell and Gordon made up the most useful back line I have seen the Rangers play this season. I would not be surprised to learn that it is the best. Gordon is such a great player that he can be depended on shining in any position. This he did, while Campbell, on a ground all against a man of his avoirdupois comported himself admirably. He experienced much difficulty in turning now and then; still he generally contrived to get about in time. Orrock was run closely for honours by Donaldson, who seemed less put out by the condition than his clever partner. Both were very safe. Gibson came through his Scottish League baptism with much credit. Stewart, his vis-a-vis, also did well.
